Story and photos by Mark Wing (unless otherwise noted)

On Thursday, December 12th, Valencia High School instructor Joe (Anthony) Chavez bought some of his students to Larry’s Garage in Corrales, NM to learn about Model T’s at the invitation of Tin Lizzies President Paul Duncan. The plan for the day was for the students to assist in the installation of a rebuilt engine in a 1926 Model T touring car (owned by Al and Marilyn Schwanke) and to learn how to drive a Model T!

The six visiting students (Peyton, Brandon, Morgan, Cierra, Ernie, and Tristin) are members of the Valencia High School Automotive Technology Career Pathway. “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”.

The students were divided into two groups of three each and then paired with Tin Lizzies club members to act as mentors – to offer advice and guidance.

The vehicle used for the driving lessons was the Azevedo’s 1912 Model T touring car – the oldest running Model T in our club and in the State of New Mexico. In fact the touring car was made the same year that New Mexico transitioned from a Territory to a State, 107 years ago!

After working on the 1926 engine installation and some driving lessons for Ernie, Tristin, and Brandon, it was time for lunch in the “Big Barn”. This is where Larry keeps four of his speedsters, a rare 1915 Model T Coupelet, and another exceptional car – a very original 1938 Packard V-12 Touring Cabriolet with a coach built body by Brunn.

Tin Lizzie members Orlando and Melody Ortega (Portales, NM) generously donated funds for the pizza lunch. Thank you Orlando and Melody!

After lunch, Peyton and Larry lowered the 1912 touring car top to take advantage of the warm weather. The two groups of students switched, so it was time for Cierra, Morgan, and Peyton to receive driving lessons.

After lunch, Ernie, Tristin, and Brandon were now in the garage to assist with the engine installation.

Everyone had a great time at this event and it was delightful to introduce new automotive enthusiasts to the Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque and to the wonderful world of Model T’s. Impressed by this visit, Anthony Chavez signed on as a new member of our club. Joining us also was Ernie’s family! Ernie has also volunteered to write an article about his visit to Larry’s Garage for the MTFCA’s Model T Explorer publication.

Our thanks to Anthony Chavez, Paul Duncan, Larry and Lorna Azevedo, Orlando and Melody Ortega, and the Tin Lizzies volunteers that made this visit by the Valencia High School students a success. To Peyton, Brandon, Morgan, Cierra, Ernie, and Tristin, we hope to see you at Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque events in the future! Thanks for coming to visit!

P.S. – Larry will assume the Presidency of the MTFCA in 2020, and is promoting the Youth Membership program for ages 7-17. For a low membership fee, it includes three issues per year of the Model T Explorer publication.

Contact Larry for additional information.