25th May, 2024 10:00
The May 2024 Auction

1917 Ford Model T
Charming, restored example of the Tin Lizzy

Estimate
£8, 000 - £9, 000

Buyer's premium: 15. 00%

Registration: BF 9579
Chassis: 2101111
Odometer: N/ A
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

Recently restored
Rare aluminium cylinder head
Desirable Rocky Mountain Brake
Upgraded with electric start

The Ford Model T requires little introduction. Famously, it was the first truly mass-produced car and democratised car ownership for the masses. An efficient, assembly line process made the car affordable in a way that simply wasn’t possible with a traditional hand-crafted car. The result was sales of over 15 million cars in its 19 year lifespan, from 1908 through to 1927. The Model T was even produced for a time in the UK, at Trafford Park in Manchester. Henry Ford is often quoted as saying a buyer could have the car painted “any colour that he wants so long as it is black” but that wasn’t strictly true, with early cars not being available in black at all. It was between 1914 and 1925 that the cars were black and although it has been said this was because the quick drying nature of black paint suited the increased production caused by the popularity of the car but it’s more likely to have been dictated by cost.

We are delighted to offer this 1917 Ford Model T Tourer in black with red vinyl interior. A USA-supplied car, little appears to be known about its life in the States but it seems to have been sold for $5, 000 in January 2008 and then travelled to the UK later that year. There is a stamped C&E 386 form from HMRC with the paperwork. Our vendor, the proprietor of a car restoration business, came across the T in a sorry state back in 2020. The tyres were flat, the engine didn’t run, the woodwork and seats had deteriorated but thankfully the main aspects of the car were intact. He got the car back to his premises just days before lockdown and, finding paying work at a standstill due to Covid, he and his family had nothing else to do but crack on with the restoration.

The 2. 9 litre, 4 cylinder engine was in pretty good shape. It was stripped down and cleaned but the original pistons, rods and crank could all be reused. Unusually, the head is aluminium (possibly a period upgrade) and this was also skimmed and put back. The existing gearbox was also retained. Where parts were required the vendor made good use of renowned Model T specialists, Tuckett Brothers of Buckinghamshire.

The restoration was finally complete in May 2021 and the result is utterly charming. The black paint is deep and lustrous and sets off beautifully the red vinyl seats - not the original colour for the interior but a lovely addition at the time of the restoration. Lovely brass details are sprinkled across the car and the varnished wood of the wheels and steering wheel is nicely finished. Although not original, the vendor has added the delightful picnic hamper on the rear which was woven by his (very talented) aunt.

We would be lying if we said a Model T is simple to drive. It has three pedals, none of which do what you would expect, and a hand throttle. However, there is a huge sense of satisfaction in learning the correct driving technique. We’ve had the old timer running around our car park and it performed really well - the grin on George’s face when he got out said it all. The vendor has used the car for a couple of weddings and, with the potential for ruining the happy couple’s day, this shows a real confidence in the car.

The car comes with a V5C, sale invoice from the US, shipping invoice, stamped C&E 386, Classics magazine featuring a 5-page article about the restoration and a selection of owners club magazines. Unfortunately, the restoration process isn’t documented with in being completed “in-house”.

It really is fantastic that any 107 year old car still exists but to find one like this, well restored and still in active use, should warm the cockles of any enthusiasts heart. The fact that pre-War cars have become more affordable in recent years means that this lovely Model T represents huge value. Who wouldn’t want to own their very own gilt-edged icon?