Oh, yeah: The Model T race up Signal Hill returns

The Signal Hill Model T race. Oh yes, the race where the famed Ford vehicles attempted to climb up Hill Street between Obispo and Temple Avenues. It had been a tradition that once ran from the 1950s until the late 1970s. And in honor of Signal Hill’s then-centennial, it returned in August of 2024.

Nearly a thousand spectators came to see 100-year-old cars fight their way up the most famous hill in Long Beach. Okay, well, Signal Hill. Now, it is back again to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States on June 27. And, well, we can’t wait.

“The 2024 Signal Hill Model T Hill Climb was a great success,” said Leonard Glick of the Long Beach Model T Club. “This year we wanted nothing different. Celebrating the 250th birthday of our country, the city is going all out to make sure this party is even bigger than the last one. The number of cars going up the hill will double. And all of those, plus more, will be on display after the run… It’s guaranteed to be an event that you don’t want to miss.”

The Signal Hill Model T race ran for two decades.

Some say it all started as early as 1954 but no later than 1957. And then others say it ended in 1977 but possibly 1979. Scanning through old Press-Telegram/Independent articles showcases the events from 1954 and 1979. Either way, for at least two decades, the Long Beach Model T Club hosted an annual climb.

According to local historian Claudine Burnett, since the 1920s, cars continually failed to get up Signal Hill. Citing an article from the Los Angeles Herald on September 25, 1920, Burnett wrote, “There was a curving road up Signal Hill from Cherry Avenue which was easily climbable by automobiles, but it had long been termed impossible directly from the foot of the hill up its steep side to the top.

“There was no grade on the road,” Burnett continued. “The only markings on the route were made by autos trying futilely to reach the summit. For years, there had been tales of cars that had to be towed back to a garage after attempting such a climb.”

Even our own Press-Telegram dubbed Hill Street between Obispo and Temple Avenues “Southern California’s own Mount Everest” in a 1973 article.

The Signal Hill Model T race has always been hosted by the Long Beach Model T Club, still in operation today.

In the photo above of the 1974 race: On the left, Long Beach resident Lyle Ashbourne and his 1914 Model T pie wagon—one of the original C-cabs—got up the in 25.51 seconds. In the middle, Dave Williams’s 1924 T bus—using a Model B crank, Atwater-Kent ignition, and Winfield carb—got up in 25.15 seconds. And on the right, Rosanne Baglietto in her Model T full-fendered roadster in 25.67 seconds.

All were members of the Long Beach Model T Club, the organization founded in 1954 and still in operation today.

Officers of the club in the 1960s told the Press-Telegram in ’61 that it was the only race of its kind in the States and that only “informed” members could drive. What did that mean, exactly? Well, having an absolutely full tank since, when the Model T was manufactured, gas pumps didn’t exist. Fuel was fed by good ol’ gravity via the carburetor—and if you were on half a tank, you would “run out” of gas halfway up the hill.

What can we expect from this year’s version of the event?

Will someone beat LaRue Thomas’s record 7.18-second climb (that still holds on the record)? Will some not make it?

These questions are left up in the air until the event on Saturday, June 27. But what is for certain is that onlookers can watch not just the race, but look at a collection of the cars post-race at Discovery Well Park. Also, take part in a BBQ, enjoy some musical entertainment, and hand the kids off for children-centric activities.

The Signal Hill Model T race will take place on Saturday, June 27 at 10AM at Discovery Well Park, located at 2200 Temple Ave. in Signal Hill.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2024; it was updated to reflect the current race information.