[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE INTERNATIONAL MODEL A FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2008

  Mr. ISRAEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the contribution of 
the International Model A Ford to the history of U.S. transportation. 
This is a significant week for Model A owners across the country. I 
rise to specifically applaud the Model A Ford Club of Long Island, New 
York as they celebrate Model A Ford Day on Saturday, July 26th in my 
Congressional District.
  This year's annual remembrance is momentous for owners as it falls on 
the 80th anniversary of the introduction of the first 1928 Model A 
Ford. This weekend's celebration of their car's 80th birthday will 
include thousands of Model A Ford enthusiasts, restorers and preservers 
taking these vehicles out on American roadways nationwide and events 
with other Model A enthusiasts.
  Notably, there were only 5 million Model A Fords produced between 
1928 and 1931. I am pleased to say that the dedication of Model A Ford 
owners has enabled 250,000 of these historic vehicles to be preserved. 
Remarkably, most of these vehicles are driven regularly to the 
enjoyment of many as I have seen in my Congressional District.
  The Model A Ford was a trailblazer of its time. It was the first Ford 
to use the standard set of driver controls, with conventional clutch 
and brake pedals, throttle and gearshift. The Model A's fuel tank was 
located in the cowl and had an optic fuel gauge and the fuel was 
distributed to the carburetor by gravity. Also, the Model A was the 
first car to have safety glass in the windshield.
  Again, thank you to Model A Ford owners for preserving a flagship 
American automobile and to the Model A Ford Club of Long Island for 
keeping this historic tradition active on Long Island.

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