The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma is set to offer a one-of-a-kind driving experience, where individuals can learn to drive a Ford Model T, a 100-year-old car that was first produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927.

• Three men from California were among the first to try it out at the museum.
• They had a unique learning curve, with the pedals and controls being vastly different from modern cars.

Chris Lipscomb, one of the participants, described his experience:

“The pedals are completely different. The left pedal is your low speed/high speed, so that’s more of your gear shift, and there’s reverse, backwards, and then up on the steering column is the throttle, so it’s real weird.”

Lipscomb and his friends traveled from the Bakersfield, California area to Sapulpa to be the first to try the Model T Experience at the museum. They were eager to get behind the wheel of this iconic car. “I’ve been interested in driving old cars for a while, I always thought they were cool, so my dad went and looked into it and found this,” said Lipscomb. The students learn about the history of the car and how it works, before getting the chance to put their skills to the test.

1. The participant is allowed to drive around the parking lot and get comfortable with all the controls of the vehicle.
2. They are then taken on a longer excursion down a country road.

Thomas McGahan, a volunteer at the museum, explained his goal:

“Our goal is to pass down the love of classic cars to a new generation. We’re trying to do some things here, not only to bring the Model T experience to the general public, but to bring this to another generation.”

The museum is taking feedback from the first group of participants and using it to improve the classes when they start in June. The experience will be offered on the first Saturday of each month in June and July, and will run from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $150 per person, and includes admission to the museum, refreshments, and an overview of classroom materials. CLASS INFORMATION

• The classes will start on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
• The classes will continue on the first Saturday of each month in July and August.
• The cost is $150 per person.
• A driver’s license is required to drive the car.

Students will receive approximately 30 minutes of instruction and 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 drivers’ license. Anyone can take the class, but it’s recommended to book in advance by calling the museum at 918-216-1171 on Wednesday through Saturday, and asking for Karen.