Rosie’s restoration project started when, at the age of 14, she went to a Model T Ford Register autojumble and successfully bid on a 1926 Model T Tourer body. Her grandfather provided an engine which he had at the back of his garage and, with support from her father, she began to restore the car including an engine strip, rebore and rebuild, rebuilding the front and rear axles, shot blasting the body and welding new metal into it.
She has certainly had help from her father and grandfather, but as our photographs show, she has developed skills in machining, welding, blacksmithing, body work and engine building. And what is more, in almost every one of the many photos which her father supplied, she has a very wide smile on her face.
Her aim was to have it ready to drive by her 17th birthday, and she succeeded, driving it on the road for the first time last month. Not only good with her hands, she contributes frequently to the Model T Register magazine, which will no doubt encourage other young people to get involved.
It is not just the national transport Trust which has noticed her achievement: Rosie was crowned the overall 2024 Bright Young Sparks winner at the Classic Car Show at the NEC in March. At a time when the future of vintage and classic motoring is seen by many to be uncertain at best, the enthusiasm of a young vintage motorist and restorer is heartening.
