Model A Ford collector, restorer shows off work at 2026 Philadelphia Auto Show

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Longtime antique car collector, Bob Martino, is driving Ford's past into the present at the 2026 Philadelphia Auto Show.

For the last nine years, he's displayed his work as a master restorer of Model A Fords.

"And they have to look like they rolled off the assembly line almost a hundred years ago," says Martino.

It's the first time Martino is showing his Model A Ford Roadster since completing the restoration work at his garage in Skippack, PA.

It was one of the earliest cars off the production line after the iconic Model T was discontinued in May of 1927.

Martino says his Model A Ford Roadster was built on December 6, 1927.

"I have a series. These three here are very early cars," he says.

It's a hobby he started in the late 1970s but only picked back up a decade ago.

"I enjoy building stuff," he says. "I'm lucky I can do most of the work myself."

He has four cars and four trucks and sets high standards for his rebuilds.

"All original parts, original paint colors, as close to the same interior and tops as you could get," he says.

He's been a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America for years, where he met Mike Jones.

"I recognize the effort that goes into producing a vehicle of this caliber," says Jones, a past president of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA).

It was Jones who asked Martino to be part of the club's display at the auto show.

"Bob chases parts all over the country," says Jones. "It is a labor of love."

"And it's kind of like an honor to, you know, to be asked to take something there," says Martino.

Martino has won three Henry Ford Awards for his efforts and taken home the Zenith Award for his unique 1927 panel truck.

"Probably one of the only Model A trucks that ever got selected to their top award," he says. "It's the earliest commercial truck restored."

And his work ensures this history will be around for the next generation to enjoy.

He says "the achievement of finishing them" is what he enjoys most.

"And people from all over, people I know, I don't know, get to see it," he says. "So it's kind of fun."

The Philadelphia Auto Show is on through Sunday, February 8, so there's still time to check out what's on view this year.

And fun fact, the Antique Automobile Club of America that Martino belongs to is now headquartered in Hershey, but it got its start right here in Philadelphia back in 1935.

For more information:
2026 Philadelphia Auto Show
Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA)