Klingberg’s Model T Delights at Mystic Seaport Car Show
Several times each year, one of Klingberg’s most famous residents leaves the hill and dutifully travels to exhibitions and festivals around the state to spread the word about the agency’s work. Wherever he goes, he fascinates young and old alike, draws a lot of questions, and promises to tell a good story or two. Such a faithful ambassador . . . it’s the 1914 Ford Model T Depot Hack. Since Klingberg acquired the Model T in 2006 and lovingly restored it to its present condition, it has been used as a tool for publicity and raising community support.
Last weekend Mark Johnson and Peter Burk from Klingberg’s Development Office brought the Model T down to the 14th Annual Antique Vehicle Show at Mystic Seaport. Despite the threat of rain, the vehicle fit right in at this especially picturesque show-by-the-sea. A finishing touch came from Gwen and Parker Ackley, pictured below riding in the Model T’s back seat. The Ackleys are antique car enthusiasts who often wear turn-of-the-century costumes to match the surrounding vehicles. And, their willingness to get into character has brought a special nostalgic flair to Klingberg’s own Vintage Motorcar Festival more than once.
Whether it’s at the Governor’s Mansion or a small town car show, the Connecticut Business Expo or the ribbon cutting of a bank, the Model T offers an entry point into conversation about Klingberg and a means of building connections with those who make contributions to to the agency. In the five years this car has been “working” for Klingberg, he has definitely earned his keep.
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Antique cars draw enthusiasts to Mystic Seaport
by Jeffrey A. Johnson
from The Day, 9/26/11
14th annual show attracts more than 100 pre-1930 vehicles
Mystic – A couple inched closer to the hood of a 1927 Cadillac Model 314-A Dual Cowl Phaeton and Marlis Jacobowitz sprang from her seat.
She quickly grabbed the attention of her new audience. She explained how the shutters worked on the Cadillac’s grille. Then she divulged the back story behind the eight-cylinder, 87-horsepower automobile.
Asked what the now-pristine car looked like when she and her late husband, Edward, first got it, Jacobowitz, of Uncasville, laughed and gave an honest response.
“Decrepit. A total wreck,” she said. “You have to have a vision. My husband said, ‘This could be a good car.’”
That’s how the restoration of her jewel began. Jacobowitz spent Sunday sharing this story and others with those passing by at the 14th annual Antique Vehicle Show at Mystic Seaport.
While the threat of inclement weather kept some of the registered automobile owners from attending, organizers said more than 100 pre-1930s cars and trucks packed the grounds. And every few paces, there was a story waiting behind another vintage car.
John D. Parker III and his wife, Kim Parker, of North Stonington, stayed close to their 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Tourer Sunday. A picture of the car’s original, beaten-down chassis rested nearby with a clever caption: “I still can’t believe it myself.”
Kim Parker said that her husband managed to obtain the chassis in 1970 after winning an improbable bet. The previous owner bet Parker that his wife at the time – who was blind – could not drive the car around a parking lot.
When she did so successfully, the chassis was his free of charge. That started years of restoration and obtaining various parts. The radiator came from Kenya, Kim Parker said.
On Sunday, the Rolls-Royce also emitted the distinct smell of motor oil. No surprise there. The Parkers must keep up on maintenance. The Rolls has close to 136,000 miles on it.
“People who live in the area see us driving up and down River Road,” Kim Parker said. “We love that drive. If it’s a nice day, we take it to the Stop & Shop. We do the grocery shopping.”
Organizers of the show said Sunday that some antique automobile owners traveled from as far as Maryland. Others came from throughout New England and the Northeast. Volunteer and organizer Len Parker said there is no judging at the show. Rather, the focus is on sharing stories and a fun weekend.
As is customary, the event was punctuated Sunday afternoon by the Grand Parade of Vehicles, an informal parade in which all the automobiles made their way through the Seaport’s grounds.
Prior to the parade, Don Setters, of Somerset, Mass., said he was stunned by the number of high-quality antique cars. A first-time participant, Setters traveled to the show with his 1919 Ford Model T Depot Hack on a trailer.
He said he plans to travel again to the Mystic show.
“You have the backdrop of the Seaport, with the water and the antique buildings,” Setters said. “For me, it excites all my senses.”
