MTFCA Forum

Some of you may remember my dad, David Ireland. He read these forums multiple times a day — EVERY day. Posted a few times. Answered many questions. And like many of us, he learned a lot here too.

Our family’s T is a 1926 Ford Model T Touring that has been in the family for over 60 years, passing through three generations of owners — and soon to be six generations of riders.

It started with my Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa, who never owned it but rode in it often after my Grandpa Jim Ireland bought it in 1961. The car was a rusted, disassembled relic behind a barn near Ethel, Missouri, purchased from the sons of its original owner, Oscar Lewis, for $15. Grandpa Jim, his brother Harvey, my dad Dave, and my uncle Pat worked together in an old farm garage in rural Lee County, Iowa to bring it back to life.

Dad bought it from Grandpa Jim in 1999, got it back on the road after a long hibernation, and made countless memories driving it in parades, club tours, and shows. When Dad passed away in 2024, the T came to me. This weekend, my 6-month-old grandson will be getting his very first ride — making him the sixth generation of Irelands to ride in this car.

To honor Dad’s memory and the legacy of this T, I put together a short video using family photos, home movie clips, and an original song. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing the car’s story and maybe even spot a few Model T moments you’ve lived yourselves.

📽 Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/MyDadsT

Very well done. Thank you for making the video. And thank you for posting it here.

Beautiful tribute video Matt. Thank you for sharing the story of the family’s heirloom. And you’re blessed that so many generational ‘hands’ became involved in the T’s restoration and maintenance

Wow, It takes a lot to get me to cry but you did it. What an amazing tribute to your dad.

It’s more than wheels and gasoline! Incredible job on the tribute video, choked up and let a few tears go myself. Exactly why I’m changing my roadster to a touring car. Thanks for sharing with us. -Chris, in Boulder

If I ever decide to have a video done, I will know who to call.

I wish my family were like yours concerning the Model T. We are close friends, however they are not interested in my Model T's. They have learned to drive it, but don't want to inherit it. We have two great grandkids coming to visit us two weeks from new and they are interested in riding in it. So maybe when they get old enough to drive might be interested in inheriting it and joining the club?
Norm

What a spectacular tribute. A special unique song about a special man and car! Well done. He would be proud.

Wow.....

Its what we all wish for, to have/create a common bond, but for which not all are blessed with the current generations.
None of our 4 kids have expressed any interest or desire for my Model A Roadster or T Touring. One already inherited my Mustang, one wants my Jeep Grand Wagoneer, daughter wants our VW camper bus, but nobody wants the antiques. Heck, I had purchased my A years ago from a ONE owner extensive family where none of them wanted the car!! That seems tragic to me. Been in their family since new....nobody.
Our grandkids however, love our antiques (who doesn't love being in a parade, or going for ice cream, right?). The youngest calls them PopPop's motor cars. The eldest however (10) has decided its cool to hang with me in the shop, so Ive put him to work to instill a deeper connection. There's hope yet for a legacy!

Your video, and your song, is quite a tribute to your family. Reflects a lot of love, and tugs at the old heartstrings.
Love it!

If that don’t move you, you ain’t alive. Great video and original song(?). Who wrote it and sang it? Best John

Extremely well done on all aspects. Putting things like that together take a lot of time. Thanks for sharing!

JTT3 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 09, 2025 11:59 am

If that don’t move you, you ain’t alive. Great video and original song(?). Who wrote it and sang it? Best John

I wrote an article for the paper then asked AI to create the lyrics, audio, voice. Then I used iMovie to add motor sounds, videos, and pictures.

It is original. But sang by AI voice.

That ability is way past my pay grade! Good on you!
Best John

JTT3 wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 09, 2025 11:59 am

If that don’t move you, you ain’t alive. Great video and original song(?). Who wrote it and sang it? Best John

I was asked to create a tribute article for the local newspaper. I put the article in to AI and asked AI to create original song lyrics and then another AI tool to create the music and vocals to go along with the new lyrics. That created the music. Then I used iMovie to add the photos, videos, and a couple of additional sounds tracks of the T-Motor running layered on top for richness.