AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY: Antique cars make their way through historic Natchez on Natchez Trace Tour

Published 11:39 am Tuesday, October 22, 2024

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NATCHEZ — Nearly 100 years ago, the Model A Ford went into production.

There were 4,858,644 of these cars sold between December of 1927 and March of 1932. Remarkably, almost 100 years later, approximately 1 million Model A’s are still on the road in working condition around the world.

Five of these cars found their way to Natchez from Massachusetts earlier a couple of weeks ago, where they seemed to fit right in on historic streets. Their owners are members of the Worcester County Model A Club, a group founded in 1991 based in Massachusetts with a fascination for the cars.

Members of the Worcester County Model A Club stop at Dunleith in Natchez on their Natchez Trace tour. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Why come to Natchez?

“Because we can,” said Keith Costello.

Keith retired two years ago and the Trace Tour had been on his bucket list, “at least since 2011,” he said. “I started planning it when I retired and sent out an invitation to all of the club members asking if anyone wanted to join in on the adventure.”

Seven other couples joined Costello and his wife Ellen on the journey. They didn’t make it all the way to Natchez from Massachusetts driving the Model As. That wouldn’t have been feasible along fast interstates. They instead took them in trailers and unloaded them just outside of Nashville.

The group then traveled along the entire 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway in their Model As at speeds topping no more that 45 miles per hour, they said.

“And we’ll drive it back,” Ellen Costello said.

The journey was not without any hiccups. Keith and Ellen Costello blew a head gasket. Thankfully, another in their caravan had parts to spare.

Five antique Model A’s made their appearance through Natchez a couple of weeks ago and stopped at Dunleith Historic Inn for a photo opportunity before their departure. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

In Natchez, they stayed at the Burn and the Beaumont House Bed and Breakfasts and were treated with delicious breakfasts by the Natchez Bed and Breakfast Association. During their two-day visit, they also took a Carriage Tour and toured Frogmoore Plantation, Rosalie, St. Mary Basilica, Longwood and Natchez Under the Hill. The concluded their stay with a photo lap around Dunlieth on Sunday before beginning their drive back north on Monday.

When asked what were the highlights of their stay, “The food has been unreal and just being able to experience your city, its history and the history of the area,” David Libbey said.

The best part, Ellen said, was the hospitality.

“The friendliest place on earth, no exaggeration,” she said.