Earlier this month, the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum ran a test group through the basics of what they’re calling “The Model-T Experience,” a new class that has now been given the green light and will officially begin this summer.
All three students—Leslie Lipscomb, his son Chris, and Mike Manning—were from California and had traveled to the Heart of Route 66 to participate in the test class.
Instructors Tom McGahan and Bill Kenny helped facilitate, beginning with an introduction to the history of the Model-T, followed by hands-on training that involved learning how to properly start and drive the iconic car.
Though the museum promises “a unique driving experience unlike any other car you may be familiar with,” they are also clear that the instruction will not “make you an expert, a proficient driver, or any type of driver.” The section on advice from other experienced Model-T drivers also helps to manage expectations regarding the driver giving plenty of room for error and anticipating the next move in advance. “Do not expect to do anything quickly in operating a Model-T,” it says.
Sapulpa Times was present for the driving introduction to Chris Lipscomb, who is just 17 years old. When the Model T first arrived on the road, the average American was 5 feet 5 inches. Chris stands at roughly 6 feet five inches, and just getting seated in the vehicle was a bit of a chore, never mind operating it.
Nevertheless, Chris managed to get the car started and moving at ease as he maneuvered in circles in the parking lot of the museum with Bill Kenny seated next to him.
Tom McGahan said he hoped the “Model-T Experience” would help restore something that he says has been lost to the modern technology of today’s automobiles.
“This kid (Chris Lipscomb) could go out, and for a few hundred dollars a month, buy a fully-electric car with air conditioning, all the latest gadgets—it could even parallel park for you. All these neat features and amenities are nice, but it seems like we’re losing the sensation of driving. So I’m glad he came to do this class, because it shows there’s still hope,” he said.
The Experience will be offered starting Saturday, June 7, 2025, and continue the first Saturday of each month in July and August. Additional classes will be added if needed.
“The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum is always looking at ways to engage the community and create fun events for guests,” said Museum Executive Director Lina Holmes. “We look forward to a summer of fun and learning through this new Experience.”
The classes will run from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and cost $150 per person. The cost includes admission to the museum. Refreshments will also be provided as well as an overview of classroom materials.
Anyone can take the class, but a driver’s license will be required to drive the car. Students will receive approximately 30 minutes of instruction as well as individual driving time with an instructor alongside them in the vehicle. At the end of the class, each student will be given a Model T driver’s license.
The Ford Motor Company produced the Model T car from 1908 to 1927.
In addition, the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum will once again offer its annual rides in a vintage Packard starting in May. The rides are available every Saturday throughout the summer starting at the museum and taking guests to Pretty Water Lake before returning. The rides cost $25 per person and include admission to the museum.
People can book the Model T Experience and Packard car rides now by calling the museum Wednesday through Saturday at (918) 216-1171.
The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum opened in 2016 after museum officials secured a lease agreement for the decommissioned 45th National Guard Armory in Sapulpa. The museum is known for its photo-friendly 66-foot-tall replica gas pump in front of the building. Visitors from every U.S. state and nearly 100 countries have enjoyed the museum.
(Photos by Micah Choquette for Sapulpa Times)
