Beschreibung
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
20th September, 2023 10:00
1920 Ford Model T Tourer
'' You can have any colour you like...''
Estimate
£9, 000 - £12, 000
Registration No: BF 4371
Chassis No: 4029552
MOT: Exempt
First registered in the United States in 1920
Imported into the UK in 2007
Original chassis with documentation from the Model T Ford Register GB
Body and engine believed oeriod correct
Well-maintained and driving very nicedly
Arguably, the Model 'T' Ford has been the best known type of popular car of all time. Study any old photograph or postcard published between 1914 and 1935, showing a street scene in an American town or city, and the vehicles seen will include several Model 'T' Fords. The 'T' enjoyed a significant presence in Britain, on the Continent and indeed world-wide. The social impact on the Model 'T' Ford, especially in the USA, is inestimable. Countless films, and especially Laurel and Hardy comedies, have made the Model 'T' tourer, of which this lot is a fine and absolutely typical example, an artefact of almost unparalleled familiarity and affection. The recipe for the Model 'T's success throughout its 19-year production run was the combination of the use of top quality materials, highly sophisticated mass production methods for the time, thus minimising costs and permitting a highly competitive selling price, and its clever design. This featured a relatively large (2892ccs) but lightly stressed engine, and epicyclic gears; pedals giving two forward speeds and reverse, quickly became familiar to the newcomers to motoring who formed the bulk of Ford's customers. A flywheel dynamo generated current for the simple trembler coil ignition. The engine was flexible and powerful enough to pull a 3. 64:1 rear axle ratio and give useful top gear performance. As intended, the high ground clearance and transverse leaf spring front and rear suspension successfully coped with the farm tracks of the more remote areas.
The Ford Model T Tourer in question holds a fascinating history dating back to its first registration in the United States of America in January 1920. After decades of American roads, it embarked on a new chapter when it was exported from the Port of New York on the 12th of December 2006. This vintage automobile is a testament to its enduring legacy, clad in a classic Black finish and featuring a beautifully patinated Black leather interior. It exudes an aura of timeless elegance that transports enthusiasts back to the roaring twenties. According to records from the Model T Ford Register Great Britain, the chassis remains original and period-correct. While there may be some uncertainty surrounding the engine and body's full originality to this specific chassis, both components are believed to be in alignment with the era in which they were crafted. During a recent photoshoot, the Model T exhibited remarkable performance, delivering a smooth and sprightly ride. This speaks to its enduring mechanical prowess, a testament to Ford's engineering excellence of the era. In its current form, this Model T has undergone some well-considered upgrades. It now boasts a 12-volt battery, a new distributor, coil, and an updated ignition system. These modifications ensure reliability and ease of use for modern-day enthusiasts, without compromising its vintage charm. Additional enhancements include Rocky Mountain brakes for improved stopping power, a starter motor for added convenience, and upgraded sidelights to enhance visibility. These thoughtful upgrades make it not only a piece of automotive history but also a practical and enjoyable classic car for those lucky enough to experience its charm on the open road.
