Story and photos by Paul and Marilyn Duncan and Jeff Richards (edited by Mark Wing)

Tom Miles generously donated a 1926/27 Model T body and engine to Valencia High School’s Automotive Technology Career Pathway program. The purpose of the program is: “Students in this pathway will learn maintenance light repairs including Automotive Systems, Diagnostics, Service and Repairs for automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.”

Valencia High School is located off Hwy 47 South in Los Lunas, NM (approx. 25 miles south of Albuquerque and east of Tome Hill). The trip to deliver these items went very well. Anthony Chavez, the auto shop instructor, met us and we unloaded it all very quickly. They have a spectacular shop and, in other buildings, sheet metal and welding facilities. Anthony says he will have a big group of students this year in the shop. They will certainly enjoy getting the T in running order. Marilyn and I have wood spoked wheels with split rims, tires, Rocky Mountain brake drums, and a high 26-27 radiator which we will donate to the effort there. Jeff Richards was a big help in loading and coordinating with Valencia High School. Both of Jeff’s kids graduated from this school. There are beautiful views from the high school. We enjoyed a meal at Blake’s Lotaburger in Peralta on way back to Albuquerque.

Thank you to Tom for his generosity and to Jeff for his assistance. Best wishes to Anthony Chavez and his students on rebuilding this Model T touring car!