The Nanaimo Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada

The Club's 1907 Ford Model N Project

1907 Ford Model N, maintained by Nanaimo Chapter, Vintage Car Club of Canada

The original owner was Matt Hutchinson, who was a city industrial electrician in Victoria, BC. The car was believed to have been used as a service vehicle for many commercial buildings including the Empress of Victoria Hotel and the Legislature Buildings. About 1916, Bert Foster of Foster's Boat Yard purchased the "N" and kept it for about 20 years. Subsequently it was sold to Phil Foster, Bert's son, who nicknamed it "Lil Abner" and it was seen in many Victoria parades. G.E. Welburn acquired the car and did a restoration about 1962. Possibly it was then donated to the BC Transportation Museum for display in 1982. When the Museum was closed, the car was then transferred to the Nanaimo Transportation Society. It is believed that some minor restoration was done with assistance of G. E. Welburn and Jimmy Blackstaff The Nanaimo Chapter, VCCC, acquired the car and now maintain possession at their clubhouse. The history was compiled from notes given by Ron Koslow and Ron Irving. Anyone who can add to the history is welcome to add any anecdotes or details. The Club has recently removed the engine for a rebuild in order to have the car once again operable In the meantime, click here to see photos.

Learn about the history and workings of a restored 1906 Ford Model N and the fun of touring Australia with Bob Trevan and the Horseless Carriage Club Watch this interesting video which shows the condition in which the car was found followed by images of its restoration and finally video of driving it on the streets. Click here to view the video.