1923 Ford Model T Hack Hercules

Railroads were spreading across the country and resort and hotels needed a means for transporting the passengers and their luggage to and from the Railroad depot hacks. The 'depot hack' was the solution. The original depot hacks were horse-drawn wagons with seating to carry the passengers and a canvas covering to protect them from the elements. The wagons were later replaced with automobiles. Their body designs were often referred to as Express Wagons, Wagonette, Depot Wagon and Depot Hacks. The design with opposed seating depot hacks were dubbed 'Jitneys'.

As the automobile began to evolve, so did the hacks. Due to limited horsepower in the early 1900's, the vehicles could only carry a small amount of weight. Some times, it was more practical to use the horse-drawn carriage. To help in the reduction of automobile weight, the designs were simple, often void of features that provided comfort. As automobile production progressed, so did the capabilities and possibilites for the hacks. Features were added that focused on safety and comfort. The quality and craftsmanship improved.

Auto manufacturers offered these depot hacks and station wagons as special orders. Independent body builders were then contracted to manufacturer and assembly the items. One such builder was the Hercules Mfg. Compay of Evansville, IN. Many times, the bodies were manufactured in 'knock-down' form and later assembled at the automobile dealer location. The alternative was to have the manufacturer ship the chassis and the body builder would then assemble the vehicle 'in-house'.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2005

The current owner purchased the car from the son of the original owner, which lived in New Jersey. At one time the car was used to sell watercrest during the summer months in New Jersey.

In 1958 the car was disassembled with several pieces of the wood saved, since most of it had deteriorated. In 1975 the restoration was started and finally completed in 1989.

The car has gone on to win several national awards, including: in 1994 AACA Nationals First, TR SR and First Preservation, also Grand National Award and 3 Senior Grand National Awards.