Beatrice the buggy boogies around bustling uptown

Beatrice is back. Many readers may not have noticed that she was even gone, but ask yourself — when was the last time you saw a hack whiz uptown? And we don’t mean a hacker or a political crony.

Well, now you can see it again. This custom-bodied hack (station taxi) probably cost $600-$700 new and is among the last of the fifteen million “Tin Lizzies” that were built. Henry Ford’s “car for the multitudes” was built from September 1908 to May 1927.

Affectionately dubbed “Beatrice,” this car originally served as a taxi for the Southern Pacific railroad in the Klamath Falls to Merrill region in Southern Oregon. Though remarkably complete, the car is not restored to its original condition, but maintained in a state of arrested decay.

This refurbished Tin Lizzie roosts in Oaksterdam, with the Bulldog Coffeeshop in the background. - Photo by Jaime Galindo

A customized queen of the road

It runs with the original 20 horsepower four-cylinder engine, and two-speed planetary transmission. The Ruckstell two-speed differential, made right here in Oakland, is an original dealer installed accessory. The Ford chassis was manufactured in Dearborn, Michigan and the original western Oak hack body was built, presumably in Oregon, by a commercial coach builder.

Beatrice features the standard wooden artillery style wheels, demountable rims with “balloon” tires, and 6V electric starter (factory installed option).

She’s been modernized with breaker-point ignition and alternator, shock absorbers (you’ll really appreciate them if you get to take a spin in Beatrice), an optional brake light, and all the cotton band linings (low gear, reverse, brakes) have been replaced with Kevlar.

What distinguishes a Model T from a Model A Ford?

The Model T car was built on the principle of a machine that would serve the multitudes. Not meant to be fancy, it’s design is stark in appearance and has absolutely no frills. Not even a gas gauge or speedometer. Mechanically, its components are just sufficient. But, the common man’s car, designed in 1908, is still well suited for the bumpy “modern” roads of Alameda County.

Model T cars have wooden wheels, no front wheel brakes, no bumpers, and a crank handle. Ford didn’t produce a factory wooden bodied station wagon until the Model A was introduced in 1928.

Beatrice, a working Model T

Beatrice is more than just a beauty, however, she’s a hard working lady who serves weekly deliveries for Alameda Meals On Wheels. She turns heads and turns frowns upside down wherever she goes. She is 78 years old, and made of relatively soft metals plus, naturally, solid hardwood. She is of an archaic design and requires a lot of maintenance, love and plenty of fresh, clean oil.

Public love and private donations to help pay for petrol, upkeep, and this historic experience are what keep Beatrice on the road. For inquiries, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

MR. Smith comes to Oaksterdam ? Film star Will Smith visited Oaksterdam to shoot his upcoming film, The Pursuit of Happiness. An exciting chase scene through traffic was shot on Broadway at 19th Street, with the Bulldog Coffeeshop in the background. Photo by Jaime Galindo