Antique Model Ts may offer historic downtown tours

This modified version of the Model T was commonly used to carry passengers and their luggage to their lodging.

A couple of vintage Ford Model Ts and an antique Model A may soon be carrying visitors around Chattanooga in the city's latest downtown travel venture.

But before the nearly century-old, rebuilt vehicles can begin carrying tourists, the city will need to revise its passenger-for-hire rules to accommodate the new mode of transportation.

The Chattanooga City Council is expected today to hear plans from the organizers of Chattanooga Depot Tours, who want to use antique station wagons to carry visitors around downtown to view historic sites.

"We want to showcase Chattanooga's history and revitalization and appeal primarily to the city's growing tourist population," said Angelique Needham, a former driver for a horse carriage company in Chattanooga who helped organize Chattanooga Depot Tours in November. "We think the antique cars will highlight our historic nature, but we also hope to be available for weddings and special events for passengers who might want a unique ride aboard these antique cars."

Needham, a former driver for Chattanooga Horse Trams for the past 17 years, said the new business hopes to begin offering historic tours as soon as next month if city leaders agree. Needham joined with Hal Everett, a self-described craftsman and lead wrench for Coker Tire Co., to start Chattanooga Depot Tours with three antique Ford vehicles -- a 1919 and a 1925 Model T depot hacks (now known as station wagons) and an antique Model A truck.

"Chattanooga's tourism industry downtown continues to grow and we'll be more flexible and versatile than the horse-and-carriage or pedal-bike carriers now operating downtown," Needham said.

Chattanooga Depot Tours has set up shop at 1423 Market Street across from the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, the historic railroad depot-turned hotel which is currently undergoing a renovation.

But before the tours may begin, the new business will need to modify the city's passenger-for-hire rule, which currently doesn't allow such antique-style vehicles. A couple of council members interested in promoting more downtown tourism said Monday they support the idea of Chattanooga Depot Tours.

City Councilman Moses Freeman said he wants the city to modify its ordinance to add a unique or special vehicle ordinance to allow for the new business.

"It's a great idea not only for tourists but for local people," Freeman said. "This will offer our visitors and others another great way to see all of the historic and great architecture of our city and the landscape and mountains of this region. I particularly like the idea of these vintage vehicles operating around the Choo Choo and giving a real historic and intersting look and feel to the whole area."

Chris Anderson, another councilman, said Monday he also likes the concept.

"It will be another unique transportation alternative in the downtown area and something I think tourists will like to see and ride on," he said.

If the city council modifies its ordinance to allow for historic vehicles to provide the downtown tours, Chattanooga Depot Tours will go back before the Transportation Board to get a permit to operate.

"We hope to operate year round, weather permitting," Needham said.

The business is trying to get pick up sites at the Choo Choo and in front of the Tennessee Aquarium. The guided, historic tour will initially charge $30 for up to four people and take about 15 minutes, Needham said. Longer and specialized tours or rides also will be available for special events.

Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 757-6340.