Dearborn, Michigan – Ford Motor Company will mark the 100th anniversary of Henry Ford’s historic Model T with a special presentation and collection of automotive masterpieces for 2008 Centennial “T Party” July 21-26 in Richmond, Indiana.

The event in Richmond is expected to draw nearly 1,000 Model Ts and 15,000 enthusiasts from around the world. Edsel B. Ford II, great-grandson of Henry Ford and member of Ford’s Board of Directors, will present at the opening banquet on the evening of Monday, July 21.

One couple has shipped their 1915 Model T chassis with a camper body across the Pacific Ocean from Australia to Los Angeles, and will be driving it to the T Party, camping in it along the way. The total distance of the Model T’s trip will be more than 10,000 miles.

“The support and response we’re receiving around the T Party has been phenomenal. The Model T Ford Club of America has been looking forward to celebrating this milestone for many years,” said Jay Klehfoth, chief executive officer, Model T Ford Club of America. “We’re thankful for Ford’s support in helping bring this event alive to the thousands of Model T enthusiasts who will join us from around the world.”

Throughout the week, special guests from Ford will be joining the festivities including Edsel B. Ford II, great-great-grandson of Henry Ford, who will give opening comments at the welcome banquet. Other guests include Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas, Ford’s corporate historian Bob Kreipke and Robert Casey, automotive curator for The Henry Ford Museum.

The weeklong celebration of all-things Model T will be more than just an antique car show. Dozens of other events that carry on the theme of early industrial America such as a Model T assembly competition, a vintage air show with pre-WWII planes, and an antique car race with Model T roadsters are just a few of the activities taking place to honor the 100th anniversary. Nearly a dozen Model T driving tours throughout Southeastern Indiana are also planned and on Thursday, July 24, a parade through downtown Richmond of all the Model Ts should set a Guinness World Record for longest line of cars of one model.

“To have the chance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of any vehicle is a treat but to celebrate the centennial of the Model T, the car that put the world on wheels, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Klehfoth. “We’re so excited to be able to celebrate this milestone with Ford and the enthusiasts from around the world.”