101-year-old Portsmouth driver tests electric Ford Mustang Mach-E - 90 years after learning to drive in a Model T Ford

A 101 year-old motoring enthusiast who picked up a passion for driving more than 90 years ago has got back behind the wheel to test out a new fully electric Ford.
By Tom Morton
Published 23rd Aug 2021, 04:55 BST
101-year-old Harold Baggott stands alongside the new Mustang Mach-E, Ford's first all-electric SUV and a Model T from 1915 at the Beaulieu Motor Museum, before taking the Mach-E for a test drive Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire101-year-old Harold Baggott stands alongside the new Mustang Mach-E, Ford's first all-electric SUV and a Model T from 1915 at the Beaulieu Motor Museum, before taking the Mach-E for a test drive Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
101-year-old Harold Baggott stands alongside the new Mustang Mach-E, Ford's first all-electric SUV and a Model T from 1915 at the Beaulieu Motor Museum, before taking the Mach-E for a test drive Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire

Harold Baggott gained his driver’s licence in 1936 after learning to drive aged 10 in a Ford Model T on his family’s private land.

Mr Baggott, who still drives on local errands in Port Solent, contacted the manufacturing giant and requested a test drive in its new electric model, the Mustang Mach-E.

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Harold Baggott goes for a drive in a Model T from 1915 at the Beaulieu Motor Museum Picture: Matt Alexander/PA WireHarold Baggott goes for a drive in a Model T from 1915 at the Beaulieu Motor Museum Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
Harold Baggott goes for a drive in a Model T from 1915 at the Beaulieu Motor Museum Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
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Last Thursday, the centenarian was reminded of his old driving experience at Beaulieu Motor Museum with a passenger ride in an 1915 Ford Model T along with members from three generations of his family.

He then took the Mach-E – the company’s first all-electric SUV – for a spin.

Following the test drive, Mr Baggott said: ‘Since the age of 10, I’ve retained my interest in motoring and today find myself interested in the switch to electrification following the government phasing out the traditional combustion engines I’m used to.

‘It has been wonderful to reminisce about my driving history with the Model T and to see what the future has in store.

Harold Baggott, 101, with three generations of his family and a Model T Ford at the Beaulieu Motor Museum Picture: Matt Alexander/PA WireHarold Baggott, 101, with three generations of his family and a Model T Ford at the Beaulieu Motor Museum Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
Harold Baggott, 101, with three generations of his family and a Model T Ford at the Beaulieu Motor Museum Picture: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
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‘It was exciting to see and get behind the wheel of what I can expect to see my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren driving.’

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Mr Baggott and his family have owned more than 20 models of Ford cars over the years, and he bought his very first Ford 8 Popular in 1937 for just £100.

The Mach-E has a maximum electric driving range of 379 miles and capability to go from zero to 62mph in 3.7 seconds.

Related topics:FordPortsmouthPort SolentSouthsea