Model A Ford tackles Smugglers Notch

HoarseWhisperer

HoarseWhisperer

Well-known member
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:

http://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. :eek:
 
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
 
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!
 
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Jim Parker Toronto said:
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!
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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. :eek:
 
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.
 
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
 
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"!!!
 
al's28/33 said:
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"!!!
Click to expand...
You've never "REALLY LIVED!" 'til you've done muddy roads in an "A.":D What a blast, with Chief at the wheel, laughing like an idiot and trying to scare everyone in the car!:eek::eek::eek: Ahh! the sound of the MUD, sizzlin' & steamin' on the muffler & the tail pipe! Bill W.
 
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!
 
Boston Bruce said:
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!
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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. :rolleyes: We'll be taking four weeks for that adventure next year.

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

Click on the following link and nobody leave the room:

http://youtu.be/zzaolDsYDvI
 
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