It is a story that has gained near-legendary status in the tales of Ben Nevis achievements.
And the “Model T Ford adventure” will soon have its own nod in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
A bronze sculpture is to be erected in Fort William later this month in commemoration of one man’s historic achievements at the peak of Ben Nevis.
This is why a bronze Model T sculpture has been installed in Lochaber
Motor enthusiast Henry Alexander made the triumphant journey up the Scottish Mountain in his Model T Ford car in May 1911.
Now, more than 100 years later, a three ton bronze sculpture of his car named ‘The Bronze Ford’ has been created and is scheduled to be unveiled in the town’s Cameron Square on May 19.
The statue will also have bronze foot prints and tyre tracks to the rear of the car, with the names of all the people who have collected money for the project.
Henry Alexander’s grandson, Michael Munro, 72, spoke about his grandfather’s achievements and said the whole family are ‘very proud’ to be a part of this moment in history.
He said: “We went up in 1960/61 to celebrate 50 years. We all went up, the whole family – I must have been 15 or 16. My two brothers were there as well and we sat in a Model T with Henry.
“My mother would be really proud. It was always her claim to fame. She was always on about it and she had pictures of Ben Nevis and my grandfather. My grandfather spent a lot of his time up there fishing. He was a keen salmon fisher.”
A total of £89,000 has been raised by local group the Ben Nevis Model T Ford Committee over the last four years to bring about the creation.
Chris Robinson, chair of the Ben Nevis Model T Ford Committee said: “It’s been four and a half years of effort. The concerning part was how we would raise the money but now we have raised the money and it will be great to see it there.
“The car is an exact replica of the car we took up in 2011. Henry Alexander is sat in the driving seat and there will be opportunities for people to get up and take their picture in the car.
“I think it will become a local icon for the West Highland Way like the Kelpies. It’s something on a different scale. It will be important part of Fort William, it’s a part of the local folk lore and local history and this is a direct representation of that.”
