The Model A Times Joins the MARC Archives
From July of 2005 thru December of 2020, The Model A Times, published by John LaVoy, stood as a respected voice in the Model A Ford community. Each issue captured the spirit of restoration, innovation, and camaraderie that defines our hobby — from technical insights and product reviews to stories celebrating the people who keep the Model A legacy alive.
Now, this invaluable publication has found a permanent home in the Model A Restorers Club Archives. With John’s cooperation, every issue of Model A Times is preserved and searchable alongside Model A News and Technically Speaking. This addition transforms the MARC Archives into the most comprehensive digital library ever assembled for Model A enthusiasts.
Members can now explore decades of expert knowledge — from restoration techniques to historical documentation — all in one place. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a living resource that strengthens your MARC membership by connecting you directly to the pioneers and craftsmen who shaped the hobby.
The inclusion of Model A Times ensures that John LaVoy’s dedication to quality continues to inspire future generations of restorers. It’s a testament to MARC’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the best information available for every Model A owner.
Why I started the Model A Times by John LaVoy
As I was looking forward to retiring from my job I thought I should have something to do that would keep me busy and be beneficial to the Model A hobby. I had owned a Model A since I was in high school. Wasn’t really into show cars but loved taking them on tours. I have driven my Model A all over the country and enjoyed every minute of it.
So why do a magazine about the Model A when the two national clubs were doing magazines? Well I had restored three, Model As, and was very curious about the various parts that were being made for the hobby and the people behind the business. At my current job I was traveling throughout the United States and could visit parts vendors all over.
This started the ideas for the magazine. I had always looked at ways to keep the car running nicely and safely for some of my long distance tours. The club magazines were very specific about staying totally stock. I felt some modifications would be helpful, like and overdrive and various upgrades to the electrical system etc. This was something I could do and thought it would be beneficial to the hobby.
I started with various things and was shown many things that were being done when I attended the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association show that had thousands of parts manufacturers and dealers. I became very connected to Ford Motor Company when I asked them about getting approval for putting the Ford logo and part numbers on newly manufactured parts. Ford took me into their fold and had me testing the fit and designs of parts sent to them to get the approval.
This connection led to an interesting project for the Model A Times. I had said at a Ford meeting that they licensed so many parts you could build and Model a from new parts. About a month later I got a call asking me to do that. I did and built a 31 Ford roadster pick up. They displayed it in their booth at the SEMA show.
