By 1925, the Model T was available in a number of body styles ranging from the four-seater touring, the two-seater pick-up, and this particular model, the two-seater Runabout. With production now in full swing in Manchester and Continental Europe, this allowed the price to be dropped. For example, in 1908 when launched the Model T Touring cost $850. But in 1925, with the increased production, the price dropped to $300, making the Model T even more popular.
This 1925 example imported from the States in 2018 is believed to be in pretty much its original condition. The vendor reports the car looks to have been owned by a few caring and knowledgeable people. It is running in good order, and no issues have been reported. An absolute joy to see something of 98 years old running and unrestored.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Declared on the V5C as manufactured in 1925
Registered in the UK on 1st April 2018
V5C is present
One previous UK keeper
Original Model T Service book
Unfortunately, coming from the States, the paperwork is quite thin on the ground
Texas owner's certificate of title and ownership
DVLA import documents and receipts
Enthusiastic Model T owners club is there to join for information and spares
THE INTERIOR
Interior is believed to be original
The black bench seat has some light creasing and stretching of the leather
The door cards have a small amount of distortion
The pedals have some age-related signs of use, as you would expect
A Ford amperes gauge is fitted, but it's not confirmed if this is working
The steering wheel shows some age-related use
There is a switch mounted to the dashboard which operates the indicators
Rubber matting has been used on the floor, with the Ford logo, and is in good condition
Under the rubber matting, the floor looks to be in good condition
THE EXTERIOR
The Runabout is said to be in original condition, with the bodywork in good order
There are some signs of age, as you would expect for 98 years old
Paintwork presents well, with some patina. There are some areas which have been touched up, but no restoration is said to have been carried out
Gold pinstriping over the wheel arches highlights the Model T’s lines
Many original features
The windscreen is in excellent condition with no noticeable scratches
Single-operated manual windscreen wiper
The headlights are in good clean condition with a body-coloured surround
Front and rear indicators have been fitted, which are quite small and discrete
The mirror and radiator have also been finished in black
Storage box mounted to the footplate
The roof is in good condition with just some minor signs of age
12 spoke wooden wheels are in good order with no splits noted
The tyres do have some signs of cracking
THE MECHANICS
2.9 litre four-cylinder engine
Two-speed planetary transmission
Some additions have been made to improve the Model T
The fuel can be turned on or off from the driver’s position
A battery isolator has been fitted
To check the oil, a dipstick has been added, which is accessible without going under the engine
The engine bay presents well, as does the underside of the vehicle
The Model T starts ups up instantly with a starter motor
On the road, the gear change is reported to be smooth, and the car gets up to a reasonable speed
The mechanical brakes bring the model T to a halt as you would expect, and with no issues reported
SUMMARY
This is one for the purists who like to see cars which have been mechanically well-maintained but have some patina that gives away their age. Even though over 150,000,000 Model T’s were produced, surely this is one of only a handful in this condition at nearly 100 years old.
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