Model A Ford tackles Smugglers Notch

[HoarseWhisperer]

We recently took our 31' Model A Roadster to Vermont to tackle the steep road passing over Smugglers Notch, just north of Stowe. This road is closed to traffic in the winter.

My wife took this video with an IPhone App called "8mm" with a 1920's b&w filter. You'll have to ignore the modern iron that got in the way.

Click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2sZCHbvanQ

I'd like to thank Henry Ford, my babbitt pourer and a high compression head for making it possible to get up the incline; and especially brakeman extraordinaire, Jim Parker for allowing us to get down safely.

[1931 flamingo]

Wow. Thanks for posting. Been up thru there many times and ridden ski lift in the summer when I had great aunt and uncle who lived on Rte 100 just past the state liquor store on the way into the center of town. My grandfather used to take me up for a couple of weeks and we would visit his brothers and sisters with working farms in Stowe, Morrisville, and Greensboro bend. Great memories.
Paul in CT

[mack4759]

That was a fun ride and great scenery -- even in black and white. I love the hardwood forests of the east.

[Aerocraft]

A terrific ride, one I will have to add to my bucket list! Thanks for posting....... Gar Williams

[Jim Parker Toronto]

Thanks, Glen, and you're welcome........ you did the work, I only supplied the parts, and it looks like it was all downhill to me!

[dr.j]

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I'll second that; Jim is the brakeman extraordinaire.

[HoarseWhisperer]

Originally Posted by Jim Parker Toronto

Thanks, Glen, and you're welcome........ you did the work, I only supplied the parts, and it looks like it was all downhill to me!

Now I remember. Following installation of the brakes, I was taken to the emergency with chest pains.

Fortunately, it was Costochondritis and not the heart. No more brake work for me.

[2manycars]

I took my coupe (barry's coupe) through there several years ago. Making the corner around that huge rock where the road is one lane, I was down in first gear. A fun ride for sure. I was in Stowe yesterday with my brother Darrel and my other brother Darrel, who live in vermont, but we had modern stuff and just took in the flea market. I did not find a nice coupe to buy.

[roadster31]

Thanks for the link, looks like a trip through the Santa Cruse Mtns. only peaceful. Makes me think I should go east next roadtrip. Regards, E LaBrash

[HoarseWhisperer]

Here's a link to the same video in "living technicolor":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-hdW...eature=g-all-u

We missed the Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts Car Show this weekend, which is always well attended with antique cars taking over the town of Stowe.

Did they get a lot of rain this time?

[al's28/33]

The sound of that little 40 HP engine gives me goosebumps......I took my phaeton on a 20 mile cruise thru backroads and rolling country hills yesterday and it was the most fun I've had in a while. Just to think back in the day, these cars were USED and expected to make the journey up steep hills, thru snow, dirt roads and mud and today they are our trophy cars. I love my "A"!!!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by al's28/33

The sound of that little 40 HP engine gives me goosebumps......I took my phaeton on a 20 mile cruise thru backroads and rolling country hills yesterday and it was the most fun I've had in a while. Just to think back in the day, these cars were USED and expected to make the journey up steep hills, thru snow, dirt roads and mud and today they are our trophy cars. I love my "A"!!!

You've never "REALLY LIVED!" 'til you've done muddy roads in an "A." What a blast, with Chief at the wheel, laughing like an idiot and trying to scare everyone in the car! Ahh! the sound of the MUD, sizzlin' & steamin' on the muffler & the tail pipe! Bill W.

[Boston Bruce]

We were at the show in Stowe this past weekend arriving home about 3 PM today (Sunday). The ride through the notch is always fun. You should try the Cabot Trail on Cape Bretton, NS next!

[HoarseWhisperer]

Originally Posted by Boston Bruce

We were at the show in Stowe this past weekend arriving home about 3 PM today (Sunday). The ride through the notch is always fun. You should try the Cabot Trail on Cape Bretton, NS next!

Actually, the Cabot is next for us. Many of our club members have done the trail, and we don't want to be left out. We'll be taking four weeks for that adventure next year.

How was the parade down Mountain Road to Stowe this year?

[sethkestenbaum]

Hats off too you! That is no small hill.

[Brentwood Bob]

Try a steady cam. Bob

[HoarseWhisperer]

Sure thing, Bob.

We'll run out a buy a video cam with optical image stabilization.

[Brentwood Bob]

I loved the sound and want to drive that road. Just the thing for the Model A.
The sound along with the video really put me there. Bob

[HoarseWhisperer]

Ok, I uploaded another version of the same video using youtube's "fixit" for camera shake resulting from bumpy roads and the Model A's 81 year old suspension; complete with titles, soundtrack, captions, and credits.

Click on the following link and nobody leave the room:

http://youtu.be/zzaolDsYDvI

[Brentwood Bob]

Yep. Bob