Libby will host its first ever Montana 500 Model T tour starting June 15 and running until the award ceremonies on June 18.  

The decision to allow Libby to host was made at the business meeting of the Montana Cross Country Touring Association during October. The Venture Motor Inn will be the headquarters for the event and has already rented over 30 rooms to incoming contestants.  

There will be a meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Venture Motor Inn for all interested parties.

Mike Cuffe, president of the Montana Cross Country Touring Association, said the 500-mile endurance run is a lifetime dream for many.

“These are definitely among the finest running stock Model Ts in the world,” Cuffe said. “These are some of the very best mechanics and drivers.”

Participants will drive 200 miles June 16, another 200 miles June 17 and 100 miles June 18, pushing their vintage Model T Fords to the limit, at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.  

Drivers will check in and have their vehicles inspected at Timberline Auto on Sunday, June 15 and will stay in Libby every night during the endurance run.  

Mike Robison, one-time winner of the Montana 500, said the biggest issue is the ignition system on the Model T Fords.

“It is tricky,” Robison said. “Trying to get the internal system to work, without anything going wrong.”

The cars will be checked to make sure they are using stock parts.

During inspection, Cuffe said the people of Libby are encouraged to come look at the cars. Cuffe has been participating in the Montana 500 since 2003.

“The camaraderie, the knowledge and the things you can do to tune (Model T Fords) and make them run a little better is a fascinating part of the hobby,” Cuffe said.

The Montana 500 draws participants from Canada, Washington, California and many more states.  

Mark Hutchinson, a participant of the event from Spokane, Wash., said the event is exhilarating.

“It is special,” Hutchinson said. “From the type of car we drive, to the people.”

The last time Libby was involved in the Montana 500 was 10 years ago when the event was hosted in Eureka. Two participants, Rick and Tom Carnegie, drove their cars through Libby en route to Eureka and were stopped by a Libby police officer who told them their car was improperly licensed.

They complied with the officer’s request and loaded their car onto a flatbed trailer and towed it out of Libby, despite knowing that their car was properly licensed.

Cuffe told this story to Linda Gerard, manager of the Venture Inn. Gerard invited Rick Carnegie back, and paid for a room and a meal for him.

Cuffe said the generosity and kindness of the Venture Motor Inn and Gerard was a big reason the tour is coming to Libby this year.

“The guys at the Venture Inn are excited, they even have a small vintage car (model) behind their desk with information about the (run),” Cuffe said. “Libby has always been a very resilient and upbeat community.”