Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
MUTARE Museum stands as a guardian of Zimbabwe’s transport and antiquities heritage being aptly named as the museum of transport and antiquities.
Among its most striking exhibits is the 1928 Model A Ford Phaeton, a vehicle that revolutionised the motoring history, and captured the hearts of many in Zimbabwe.
This vintage car, with its timeless design and engineering brilliance, offers visitors a glimpse into an era when automobiles were becoming an essential part of everyday life.
The Ford Model A, introduced in 1927, was Henry Ford’s answer to the ever-growing demand for a modernised vehicle.
It replaced the legendary Model T, which had dominated the automotive industry for nearly two decades.
Unlike its predecessor, which had a rudimentary and utilitarian design, the Model A boasted a more refined and comfortable ride. It featured a 3,3-liter, four-cylinder engine, producing 40-horsepower, a significant improvement in power and efficiency over the Model T.
With a top speed of around 105km/h, the Model A was, not just a means of transport, but a statement of style and progress.
It was also the first Ford to feature a standardised clutch, brake, accelerator pedal layout, setting the foundation for modern driving controls.
The Model A became an instant success, selling over 4,8 million units in various body styles, including sedans, coupes, roadsters, and phaetons.
Ford’s innovative assembly line production allowed the company to keep costs low, making the Model A one of the most affordable cars of its time.
When it was released, it cost around £132 which was about Z$264 at the time, a reasonable price for a reliable and stylish automobile. In Zimbabwe, then known as Southern Rhodesia, the Model A found favour among settlers, business owners, and even government officials.
Its robust build and adaptability to rugged terrain made it a preferred choice for travel across towns and farms.
The Model A’s affordability and reliability ensured its place as one of the most popular cars in the country during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
The Mutare Museum, known for its vast transport collection, has preserved this iconic vehicle with remarkable care and the car is still a runner. The 1928 Model A Ford Phaeton, on display, stands as a tribute to Zimbabwe’s motoring history.
Its sleek grey and black exterior, open-top design, and well-maintained interior transport visitors back to a time when this car ruled the roads.
As one of the museum’s prized possessions, the Model A complements an impressive lineup of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, and railway exhibits. The museum offers enthusiasts and historians alike a chance to witness how automobiles evolved and influenced transportation in Zimbabwe.
For visitors, standing before the Model A Ford is more than just admiring an old car, it is an encounter with a piece of Zimbabwe’s transport heritage.
Whether you are a vintage or classic car enthusiast or a history lover, the Mutare Museum’s Model A Ford Phaeton is a must-see, celebrating an era where innovation met elegance on four wheels.
Online Reporter