Antique cars cruise into Kinston

It's been almost 100 years since Henry Ford's first Model T automobile was built - a vehicle that became popular because of its affordable price.

The Model T was in production through 1927. On Sept. 27, the Model T will celebrate 100 years of service. Also called the Tin Lizzie, the first Model T automobiles rolled off production lines at the Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan.

Kinston rolled back time Wednesday as it welcomed 58 antique cars - including several Model Ts - from the N.C. regional Horseless Carriage Club. The historic cars traveled from New Bern to Kinston during the 57th annual Tour of the Colonial Capital

"We like to travel away from busy roads," club event organizer Janice Weaver said. "It's relaxing for us."

It's not unusual for club members to get inquisitive looks from other drivers as they travel, she said. Weaver said residents living near roadways sometimes greet club members by waving and asking them to blow their horns.

Club members toured the CSS Neuse II, perused downtown shops, enjoyed a meal at Kings and visited the Kinston-Lenoir County Information and Visitors Center. After a full day in Kinston, the club traveled back to New Bern.

The five-day Eastern North Carolina tour will include visits to Beaufort and Jones County, Weaver said. The national Horseless Carriage Club includes members from six states-Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

"All our cars are owned by club members and were produced before 1927," Weaver said.

The group left New Bern at 8 a.m. Wednesday, making one stop in Trenton before arriving in Kinston shortly after 10 a.m. The average top speed for the antique cars during the trip was 35 mph.

Club members Fred and Sue Harley from Cary drove their 1921 black Ford Model T, while Janice and Mitzi Vaughan of Henderson also drove their 1922 Ford speedster to Kinston Wednesday.

One of the oldest cars making the trip was a 1910 Cadillac Touring driven by Bland Quantz of Lexington, S.C.

A trio from Fayetteville drove their 1924 Ford Touring to Kinston. Art Moore joined his brother-in-law James Smith and Smith's girlfriend for the 40-mile trip.

"I love to ride in the car," Moore said. "You get to see the countryside better."

Another family, the Cruickshanks from Angier, also participated in the tour. Dick Cruickshank drove his 1913 Model T, which was restored in 1959.

"I have been in the club for 20 years," he said. "We expect to drive 400 miles this week."

Dick's son, Brian, drove his 1924 Ford Model T Wednesday to Kinston. Several members in the club represent first and second generations.

"These cars are all originals and hard to find," Dick Cruickshank said. "They are kept up pretty well." 

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.