Original, unrestored condition with beautiful patina
Useful mechanical upgrades to improve reliability and driveability
NOVA document received, ready to register for UK roads
The Appeal
Here is where motoring as we know it really started, with the simple, no-nonsense Model T. Ford’s innovative production lines brought motoring to the masses in the form of a practical, reliable workhorse that could be serviced and repaired by virtually anyone.
The Model T’s statistics are the stuff of childhood history books. 15 million produced, the world’s best selling car until the Beetle and only available in black. Except that last well known fact isn’t quite true – other colours were available at the start and end of production.
This 1927 Model T Coupe feels more like a museum work of art than a mode of transport. Every beautifully aged curve and corner looks like it could tell a story of this car’s near-century of existence. It is exquisite. It is from the last year of Model T production, one of just 66,000 Coupes built that year, and spent all of its life in the USA with its original owners before being imported to the UK in 2016 by a well known motoring personality.
It is unrestored and appears complete and solid. There are a few changes from standard, mostly simple mechanical alterations, but these appear to have been done to make this antique car more useable and reliable.
The import certificate and the important DVLA NOVA document are included in the history file, but the car appears not to have been registered with the DVLA for use on the road. This should be a simple process and, once complete, set this lovely old car on a new life turning heads on the backroads of Britain.
The History And Paperwork
One owner car until 2016
Import certificate with car
DVLA NOVA document received
Ready to road register for the UK
The Interior
Door cloths, headlining and trim in aged condition
Retrimmed bench seat
Complete controls and dials
Later ignition switches discreetly fitted
The interior of a Model T, even a late one like this, is first and foremost a lesson in how far cars have come in the intervening century. Simple and spartan this is a place that would probably be more familiar to cart drivers of the early 20th century than today’s motorists.
There may be little in the way of a dashboard – just a small battery meter provides any form of information – but there is a nice spongey bench seat and the controls are simply laid out and clear.
The floor mounted pedals that we’re now so familiar with were pioneered in the Model T. They work differently to modern cars, with a different pedal order, but that is part of any buyer’s immersion into Model T ownership. The interior appears complete, right down to the Ford kick plates on the door sills. The wooden steering wheel, which contains the hand throttle, appears to be a later addition, but in the style of the original Ford one.
This Model T clearly shows its age inside, the fabric door and interior trims and roof covering showing signs of considerable age, with obvious staining. Although clearly old, they do not appear to be original: later Model Ts like this one would have had more crafted interiors. The exposed wood, however, appears to be in good condition, reflecting what was likely a dry climate during its life in America.
This 1927 Coupe would originally have had a cloth bench seat in green with white piping, so the current fabric appears to be a later addition. It is in clearly aged condition, but the seat’s cushiony structure and springs appear to be intact.
The Exterior
Black paintwork is period correct with extensive patina
Complete bodywork
Restored or new wooden wheels fitted
New tyres
Glass and lamps complete and in good aged condition
There are shinier Model T’s on the market but perhaps few tell the story of their life quite as well as this lovely example. The black paintwork is correct for the year – this iconic Model T colour was a special order in 1927 – but it is impossible to tell how original it is. Given that this car spent most of its life in the USA it is likely. The various chips and dings and dents also seem to point in this direction.
For the final two years of production Ford made the most significant changes to the Model T’s design, introducing elements of the later and more modern Model A. Known as the ‘high hood’ models, these changes involved a larger bonnet that blended in line with the extended cowl.
This Model T benefits from those changes, which make it seem more modern than earlier Ts. It also uses the attractive closed Coupe body style.
The photographs suggest that this car was enjoyed for its character rather than as a show queen. Beyond the patina the bodywork is generally straight and solid, multiple dents on the nearside rear mudguard and shallow dents in the rear panel the only significant defects. The underside and the suspension look to be in solid, useable condition, some fresh looking bolts on the steering system suggesting recent work.
The roof provides the strongest indication that this car has spent most of its life somewhere sunny and warm. The windscreen sun visor has deteriorated and the roof has been bleached by the sun. The trim strips around the roof’s perimeter are complete but not fully attached in places. There is a single windscreen wiper.
The varnished wooden wheels appear new, as do the tyres. 1927 Model Ts had steel welded spoke wheels, so these ones are not original. But they do look good and add a splash of colour to that black bodywork.
The Mechanics
2.9litre 20hp engine
2spd ‘planetary gears’ manual gearbox
Evidence of recent upgrades, particular to the ignition system
Recent water pump and piping
The Model T may be simple by modern standards but there is a technique to driving one. That’s mainly down to the unusual pedal arrangement – by modern standards – as well as the planetary gears and starting procedure. As a later Model T this car substitutes the original hand crank procedure for a starter.
The photographs show that the car has had recent work, particularly to the ignition system and cooling system. These changes appear to have been done to improve its reliability.
Auxiliary switches in the cabin link to what appears to be a new starting system, a more modern coil and distributor replacing the original car’s more antiquated and less reliable set up. There is also a more modern water pump and coolant pipe.
There is no history with the car and the VIN number from the import certificate does not match with the available online Model T production data. Since the vehicle is clearly an aged Model T this could be as simple as a mistake on the data entry. The USA owner’s details are in the history file and the buyer may wish to check this information with them. There are other ways to check the VIN using numbers stamped on the wooden body frame, but these are not available from the photographs.
Summary
Cars don’t get much more vintage than the Model T, a motor once voted the most influential of the 20th century. As the automotive world gears up for another seismic shift in the shape of electric power, perhaps it’s a good time to remember where it all started.
This beautiful Model T wears its near-century existence on its gently aged panels, each scuff and scrape betraying another story. There is evidence of useful recent investment to make it more useable and reliable. The new owner may wish to improve the interior, but otherwise it looks ready to just enjoy. Once road registered for the UK it will be ready for more adventures.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
