New statue commemorates mountain-climbing Model T
A life-size bronze replica of a Ford Model T has been unveiled in Fort William to commemorate a remarkable motoring feat. The model of the ground-breaking car was designed by worldrenowned Scottish artist Mark Stoddart and cast by Edinburgh’s Power hall Bronze. It was created to mark the challenge undertaken by Scotland’s first Ford dealer, Henry Alexander, who drove a Model T up Ben Nevis in 1911. The replica now sits in the shadow of the UK’S tallest mountain close to where the original drive began, in Fort William’s Cameron Square. The project was the brainchild of Model T specialist Neil Tuckett, who approached Mark to turn his vision into reality. Mark used one of Neil’s clients’ cars as a template for his piece before Powderhall Bronze turned his designs into the life-size replica, complete with statue of Henry Alexander at the wheel. “I’m absolutely delighted with how it’s turned out,” Mark told Scotsman Motors. “The craftsmanship from the guys at the foundry is simply astonishing and many of the Model T owners who came to the unveiling commented on how accurate the detail was. It’s a testament to the skills and talents we have here in Scotland.” To perfectly match the original car, Mark had to seek Ford’s permission to use the iconic oval logo on his piece and was helped in getting approval by motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart, who he knows through their joint work with Dyslexia Scotland. Sir Jackie has a 40-year relationship with Ford and was able to persuade Ford USA to grant Mark permission to replicate the badge. The sculpture will be completed by the laying of bronze tyre tracks running from the car to the West Highland Museum and featuring the 45 names of people who donated more than £1,000 to the project.