Community, History and Horsepower Drive Signal Hill’s Model-T Hill Climb Celebration

Perfect weather, historic automobiles, patriotic spirit, and hundreds of community members came together as the City of Signal Hill kicked off an early celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary with the return of the beloved Model T Hill Climb. The event honored a tradition deeply rooted in the City of Signal Hill's automotive heritage.

The day’s festivities began with the iconic hill climb on Hill Street, where more than 20 historic Ford Model Ts took on the challenging one-tenth-mile course with its steep 22 percent grade. Spectators lined both sides of the street, cheering as each vehicle successfully reached the summit. Official climb times ranged from an impressive 11.71 seconds to 35.80 seconds.

Originally held from 1957 through 1979, the Signal Hill Hill Climb became a cherished local tradition before returning during Signal Hill’s Centennial Celebration in 2024. Today, the event continues to celebrate both the city’s rich history and America’s spirit of innovation.

Following the hill climb, families gathered at Discovery Well Park for an afternoon of live music, historical exhibits, community booths, games, and activities. The Rhythm Rangers Band entertained visitors while the Signal Hill Historical Society, Signal Hill Parks and Recreation, and the Long Beach Model T Club helped bring history to life for residents of all ages.

More than 500 people attended the celebration, showing the community’s appreciation for preserving local history while creating new memories for future generations.

The success of the Semi-Quincentennial Model T Hill Climb was made possible by the City of Signal Hill, with support from the Signal Hill Community Foundation and the Signal Hill Historical Society. Together with the Long Beach Model T Club and many dedicated volunteers, these organizations created an event that celebrated American history, honored Signal Hill’s automotive heritage, and brought families together for a memorable day of fun and community pride.

Preserving Signal Hill's Rich History: One of the driving forces behind this year's celebration was the Signal Hill Historical Society, whose members work year-round to preserve and share the city's unique history. From the early days of Native American smoke signals and the oil boom to the famous Model T Hill Climb, the Society helps ensure that Signal Hill's stories are passed on to future generations through educational programs, historical research, walking tours, community events, and special exhibits.

During the celebration, a core of Historical Society volunteers welcomed visitors, shared historical information, answered questions, and invited residents to become members. Everyone who joined the Society received a patriotic canvas tote bag as a thank-you for supporting local history. The organization recently elected Kiran Gidwani as its new president, who looks forward to expanding its programs and community outreach in the coming year.

The Signal Hill Historical Society is always looking for new members who want to help preserve the city's rich heritage. Whether you are a longtime resident, new to the community, or simply interested in local history, there are many ways to get involved. To learn more about membership, upcoming events, and the Society's work, visit the Signal Hill Historical Society website.

Preserving the Car That Put America on Wheels: Built between 1909 and 1929, Henry Ford’s revolutionary automobile became the first affordable, mass-produced car. It made car ownership possible for millions of Americans and earned its place in history as the car that “put America on wheels.”

Former club president and current Tour Director Tim O’Gorman says the annual hill climb has become one of Southern California’s premier gatherings for Model T enthusiasts, attracting participants from Long Beach, Orange County, Riverside, Corona, San Diego, and even the San Francisco Bay Area.

Beyond organizing tours and events, the Long Beach Model T Club partners with cities, schools, and community organizations to educate residents about automotive history while promoting community involvement.

“We support the cities of Signal Hill, Long Beach, and several other communities,” said Tim O’Gorman. “We’ve visited Signal Hill Elementary School to teach students about car culture and have supported philanthropic projects through the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce,” added O'Gorman.

A Climb Fueled by Family Tradition: Among the Model T drivers, one story especially touched spectators. Driving a beautifully restored 1916 Model T Touring Car, Lana Stevens was the only woman driver competing in this year’s hill climb.

For Stevens, reaching the top of Hill Street meant more than completing the course. She explained that Model Ts present a unique challenge on steep hills because they have limited braking ability when rolling backward. "If your car stalls, it can continue rolling downhill and nobody wants that" said Lana Stevens. Making a successful climb proved both a mechanical achievement and a test of driving skill.

Her connection to the car is deeply personal. Her father purchased the 1916 Model T in 1965, years before she was born. Decades later, he taught her how to drive it, and together they participated in countless tours and car shows throughout California.

After her father’s passing, Stevens accepted an invitation to participate in the 2024 revived Signal Hill Hill Climb in his honor, continuing a family tradition.

Looking ahead, Stevens says she hopes to return for next year’s climb to continue celebrating both her father’s legacy and the enduring spirit of the Model T community.

Building Community Through Shared History: Among those attending were members of the Committee of 300(C300), the volunteer ambassadors of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (AGPLB).“The Committee of 300 believes that being visible in our community means more than supporting the AGPLB on race weekend,” said Lance Woods. “It’s about celebrating the people, the rich automotive history, and the traditions that make our local community unique.”

Events like the Model T Hill Climb bring generations together through a shared love of community and automobiles.

As ambassadors for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, C300 members know that Southern California’s automotive culture extends far beyond race weekend. It lives in the stories, traditions, and volunteers who continue to preserve its legacy.

From the roar of modern IndyCars to the steady climb of a century-old Model T, Southern California’s love of motorsports continues to bring generations together.

The Committee of 300 holds its monthly membership meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. Guests are always welcome to attend, learn about the organization, explore volunteer opportunities, and discover how members support the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and the greater Long Beach community. Visit committeeof300.com for more details.