Local car enthusiast brings a 1931 Model A Ford back to life
Aaron Chant with Minnie the Model A. “A car like this is made to last, to be repaired. There’s no plastic anywhere.”
Aaron Chant from Forest Glen has breathed new life into a piece of automotive history, restoring a 1931 Model A Ford he affectionately calls “Minnie.” The car, originally built in the United States, was brought to Australia from Wisconsin in 2019 before Aaron purchased it in January 2022.
“Minnie looked good, but she was worn out and dangerous to drive,” Aaron said. Despite having no prior experience working on cars, he drew on his background in heritage rail restoration, along with support from his parents and the Model A Ford Club of Queensland, to take on the project.
“I’d never owned or even worked on a car before,” Aaron said. It was a steep learning curve, but after two years of dedicated work, he completed a full overhaul of the vehicle. His efforts culminated in the unique experience of sitting his learner’s test in the car. “Apparently, made the driving inspector’s day,” he added.
Owning such a vintage car has brought its own set of challenges and rewards. “You get a lot of looks. I’m often asked why a P-plater drives a 93-year-old Ford,” he explained. Aaron’s answer is simple: besides being easy to maintain, the car stands as a testament to the durability of older designs. “I do it to prove that old things, if properly restored, are still up to the task, in some ways outshining their modern counterparts.”
For Aaron, “Minnie” is more than just a car. “A car like this is made to last, to be repaired. There’s no plastic anywhere. It doesn’t isolate you from the reality that, we as humans, are hurtling through space at a speed once unimaginable.”
He believes modern vehicles, for all their technological advancements, lack the charm and authenticity of vintage cars like his Model A Ford. “It has character, a soul. For all their advancements, you can’t say this of modern cars,” he said.
At 29, Aaron plans to keep driving “Minnie” as long as possible. “I intend to keep driving this until I can’t drive anymore. That could be a while.” With his hands-on approach to restoration and a clear love for vintage vehicles, Aaron’s journey with “Minnie” is sure to inspire many car enthusiasts across the Sunshine Coast.
For those who spot the iconic vehicle on local roads, it’s a reminder of the lasting power of craftsmanship from another era.