Saturday, July 5, 2025

Querétaro looks to the past with new transportation option: Model T Fords

Few places love classic cars like Mexico, where retro vehicles are painstakingly restored to near perfect condition.

But Querétaro city has won the classic car competition hands down with a new way for visitors to see the sights of the historic center: in electric replicas of the Model T Ford.

The Model T — generally considered to be the first affordable automobile — revolutionized motor transport in the early 20th century. It was sold from 1908-1927 and held the record for most units sold of any car until the Volkswagen Beetle surpassed it in 1972.

Querétaro city has rolled out seven replica Model Ts, which can transport five to eight passengers. Local authorities hope they will take as many as 960 tourists around the city per day and by April next year, the offering could expand to 24 vehicles.

The drivers are trained specifically to drive the Model T and to give a history tour of the city.

There are three tour routes on offer for visitors, each lasting 45-60 minutes: the “For tongues and bells” (Para lenguas y campanas) route focuses on viceregal history; “Goodbye Mama Charlotte” (Adiós mamá Carlota) examines the mid-19th century period of the Second Mexican Empire and “A Treasure turned into water” (Un Tesoro convertido en agua) takes sightseers to the city’s aqueduct.

Querétaro city Tourism Minister Alejandra Iturbe Rosas said the project was devised by a group of local businesspeople who worked together with local authorities. “This novel, attractive and avant-garde tourist product is environmentally responsible and respectful of the image and care of our historic center,” he added.

The service will operate every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from September 16 street in front of the Rosalío Solano Cinema. 

• For more information go to www.quehacerenqueretaro.com.mx.

With reports from El Universal and Código Qro

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
News quiz

The MND Quiz of the Week: July 5th

2
Floods, football and fiscal responsibility: Have you been following the news in Mexico this week?
Jake Paul points at boxer Julio César Chávez Jr

Boxer Julio César Chávez Jr., facing organized crime charges in Mexico, is detained by ICE

1
The former world boxing champion faces accusations of arms trafficking in connection to the Sinaloa Cartel.
people walk through mexico city with umbrellas, with the latin america tower in the backgound

An unusually rainy June brings drought relief and flooding to Mexico

4
Mid-way into the rainy season, Mexico's reservoirs are 45% full on average — a big improvement over last month, but still less than historical norms.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity