Ford, Hagerty Insurance Helping Save the Manuals—Old-school Style

Okay, we’re a little late to the party with this, but I just found out about it and couldn’t resist: Ford and Hagerty Insurance—a top name for vintage-vehicle coverage—have teamed up to provide a rather unique way to introduce the next generation of drivers to both the joys of a manual transmission and the world of classic cars. It’s a program called the “Hagerty Driving Experience Powered by Ford,” and it provides an opportunity for young drivers aged 15-25 to learn how to drive with both feet by going hands-on in classic cars like the 1930 Ford Model A, as well as in new classics like the 2013 Ford Mustang GT.

The program is far from a Ford-only affair, however. The Blue Oval will provide performance models from its current lineup at each event, but the classics come from local car collectors, who also provide the driving instruction. And while the exact vehicles at each location will vary, past events have featured not only that Model A, but also a 1928 Packard Phaeton, 1950 Willys Jeepster, 1955 Porsche 356 Continental, 1962 Aston Martin DB4 and 1963 Chevy Corvette split-window coupe.

Unfortunately, the first two events of the Hagerty Driving Experience already have occurred, but four more are on the calendar: 

• June 7—Denver
• July 12—Orange County, Calif.
• August 2—Toronto
• September 21—Las Vegas

Perhaps best of all, there’s no charge for the Hagerty Driving Experience Powered by Ford; however, those interested in actually getting behind the wheel at one of the events are urged to register at www.hagerty.com/drivingexperience. (If you would like to volunteer your classic vehicle, as well as your teaching skills, you can contact Hagerty’s Tabetha Salsbury at tsalsbury@hagerty.com.)

The bottom line from Hagerty: “It’s free … it’s fun … and it will be nothing like your standard driver’s ed class!”