As the first vehicles travelled over the Gordie Howe International Bridge, LaSalle’s Marvin Diotte brought a blast from the past to the new crossing. Diotte, along with his two grandsons, Micah and Camden, cruised the bridge in a 1925 Ford Model T – and they were kind enough to save a seat for me. “I just thought it was cool, whenever the bridge opened, to be able to take my dad’s car with the grandkids across the bridge and back,” Diotte told CTV News ahead of the drive. Purchased by Diotte’s father, the vehicle has been updated over the years by Marvin’s brothers to keep it running smoothly. Over the years, as the opening date of the bridge grew closer – and at times further – Diotte was certain he wanted to make the trip in the Model T with his grandsons. “I want the memory for them and me on the opening day,” he said. Passing through the toll booths, climbing the massive bridge, and enjoying the view, the trio remained glued to the sights and sounds outside the window. Cars passing by often honked, not out of frustration, but in solidarity. “It sounds like there was a lot of honking,” said Micah, adding, “They must think it’s a beautiful car.” Upon arriving on the U.S. side, the car was greeted with much fanfare, from border officers eager to take a picture to American media outlets hoping to chat. “Just feels amazing knowing that I won’t do this again, but also that most people can’t do this, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Camden said. Arriving back on the Canadian side, Diotte was certain he had just finished a trip he would remember forever. “It’s absolutely great. I’ll have smiles for days just for doing it,” he said. Rolling off the line in Michigan, Diotte’s Model T was made before either of Windsor’s existing border crossings, the Ambassador Bridge, and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, had opened. The Model T was well known as one of the first affordable vehicles to hit the American market. Ahead of the big trip, Diotte said he only had to do some exhaust work to prepare it for the Gordie Howe Bridge. “Now with me having it, I’m keeping dad’s life alive and memory alive. It’s all very, very good for me,” he said. Despite having 10 siblings, he said he was lucky enough to inherit the vehicle and will one day continue to pass it down the family line.
