Ramona West Car Show on Sunday

Ever wonder what it was like traveling through town on unpaved roads in a Model T?

On Sunday, you can find out.

Ramona West Car Show will give residents an idea of what it was like driving a vehicle made of oak, without modern brakes, back in the early 20th century.

"It's time for Ramona to have its own antique car show day," said George Newman, an organizer.

The show will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ramona Classic Car Wash, at 2525 Main St. Newman said he intends to keep the show going at those hours every Sunday.

A donation will be made to Ramona Senior Center by the sponsors: Adobe Animal Hospital, Bisher's Quality Meats, Boll Weevil Ramona, Cheers, Kenrix Sushi, Ramona Classic Car Wash, Ron's Brake & Tire, Sears and The Livery.

A 1914 Model T Town Car will be a highlight. Newman said it is a rare vehicle, along the lines of a limousine. Owner Tony Bowker told Patch that it started life as a Model T Landau.

"It was much as you see it today except there was no roof over the driver (chauffeur)," Bowker wrote by email. "The earliest we can trace the car is to Utah in the 1950s when it was owned by a doctor. Somehow it got caught in a fire and needed a complete restoration. The amount of work is just incredible, having been through two previous owners since the fire with only moderate progress.

"I bought it in the early 1990s and have worked on it on and off ever since."

Bowker said he ran it for the first time at an Escondido car show about six weeks ago.

"I have replaced almost everything, all built of oak. Since I'm retired I have lots of time but nearly two weeks to install the rear window seems excessive."

Bowker said the running gear is standard 1914 Model T— "with a very simple engine, no water pump, no fuel pump, no oil pump, no distributor, no starter and no electric lights."

There's no admission charge to Sunday's car show. Organizers need volunteers to direct traffic and wash vehicles. If you can help, contact Clint Newman at 619-599-3650 or email racers@sbcglobal.net