T-plus 100 years: Model T Ford recreates historic ascent of Ben Nevis it made a century ago to the day (but it did need a helping hand)
Last updated at 11:06 AM on 17th May 2011
- Health and safety laws meant specially constructed car had to be dismantled half-way up and reassembled at the summit
You could be forgiven for thinking you are seeing shots from a modern day version of Wind in the Willows being acted out.
But, rather than Toad of Toad Hall setting off on another adventure, this is actually Neil Tuckett setting off on a historic trip with friend Jamie Davidson.
The pair are following in the tracks of pioneering Edinburgh car dealer, Henry Alexander, to reach the top of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain - in five days.
Wind in the Willows? No, it's Neil Tuckett and Jamie Davidson setting off on their journey up Ben Nevis
Push start: Neil Tuckett, left,l gets a helping hand as he makes the ascent of Ben Nevis in his Model T Ford
Some of the views seen from the Model T Ford on the way to the summit are quite spectacular
They set off 100 years to the day to try and get to the summit, some 1,344metres (4,409 ft) above sea level.
The original trip took place to prove the ruggedness of the Model T and the route led over boulders and through snow drifts.
A specially made version of the car set off on its way to the top yesterday after being shipped there from Buckinghamshire in pieces.
It will drive way half way up the mountain and will then be taken to pieces before being carried to the top in bits and being reassembled at the top.
The journey to the 1,344 metres (4,409 ft) summit was met with snowdrifts when it was done in 1911
Neil Tuckett sticks his tongue out at some of the many spectators who turned up to see the historic journey
'It's something that'll turn people's heads, bring a smile to the faces and generally bring a bit of cheer when everyone is miserable,' organiser Iain Blyth told the Edinburgh Evening News.
'It's 100 years on from that day, and it's something the people here are very proud of. Three generations of his [Alexanders] family will be here.
'It was a huge thing at the time. Henry Ford himself even heard about it and gave his appreciation.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1387855/Historic-journey-Model-T-Ford-takes-route-took-100-years-ago-day.html#ixzz1McMiJj7n
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