1913 Model T Ford

Smith Motor Co Truck Conversion

Restored by Volunteers

Clara the model t ford bus

Volunteers of Highfields Pioneer Village are very excited about their latest restoration project...a 1913 Model T Ford bus! This was a modified version of the Model T passenger vehicle. The Ford Model T itself was a popular and affordable car, and the bus variant provided a way for businesses and communities to offer shared transportation. The Model T's affordability and ease of maintenance made it a popular choice for bus conversions.

To accommodate more passengers, the Model T's body was modified to include additional seating windows and sometimes a roof. The Smith Motor Company introduced a truck conversion for Model T Ford passenger cars before World War One. At this time, the Ford Model T company did not produce a commercial chassis. This conversion was used by the Army, Fire Brigades, farmers, bus companies and trucking companies. It wasn't until 1919, after the war, when the Ford Motor Company offered a commercial chassis.

The conversion consists of a chain drive with two to one ratio, a longer wheelbase, an extra springing. This bus has taken volunteers five years to source and machine parts and to fully restore, it will be transporting visitors to the village on a 15 minute tour with running commentary for group bookings and on miniature steam train days, which is the last Sunday of the month. The bus which is now aptly known as 'Clara' will be running alongside Henry, the 1924 Model T bus, which has been doing tours of the village for around the last 10 years.

“Bus tours have been so popular at the Pioneer Village, which is why we needed to restore a second bus. We decided to name her Clara after Henry Ford's wife as she was such an avid supporter of his work.” Says volunteer Manager Ray Ashford OAM.

First tickets to ride go on sale this Sunday (25th May 2025) $5 per adult and $3 per child.