Vehicle Description
1926 Ford Model T Runabout
The first Model T was produced on September 27th, 1908, at the
Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan. There are two classes of the
Model T, those that were produced before 1919 and after 1919. The
pre-1919 Model T's are known as veteran cars while the later models
are called vintage cars. Even though the name Model T was used for
almost twenty years, it was much improved both visually and
mechanically over the years. At all times, the vehicle could be had
in a wide variety of body styles. The open touring cars and
roadsters were cheaper to produce and thus, produced in greater
numbers. The Volkswagen 'Beetle' is the only car model to outsell
the Model T Ford. The Model T mobilized a nation, not only the
United States but many other countries. With dealerships and
factories set up throughout the world, the Model T was
mass-produced and easily available to many buyers. Often, the
factories were established in other countries to get around an
import tax, thus keeping the cost low. The innovative Model T
served its purpose. It was inexpensive and reliable, many lasting
even to this day.
For consignment and gracing the South mallway of our Hallowed
Halls, a Model T Runabout right out of 1926. With a rebuilt by the
prior owner engine, upgraded distributor style ignition, electric
start, and fold down vinyl roofing we have a sure-fire winner once
you figure out the pedal arrangement and controls. The beneficiary
of a restoration has left us with a nicely done, great driving
example of the "new" for 1926 Model T still in original Henry
steel.
Exterior
All standard issue Model T with chrome accenting on the radiator,
Motometer and headlight rings greets us at first glace. We note the
headlamp tie bar, added during early 1926 model production to
stiffen up the fenders and headlamps. A simple Royal Maroon
doghouse style center hinged hood is flanked by black flowing
fenders over the front wheels and down to running boards. A simple
body tub carries the Royal Maroon theme and is covered with a black
vinyl top sans any rips or wear. This top can be easily folded by 2
people to enjoy the fresh air or left up for inclement weather. A
sloping trunk is on the back and opens to reveal a simple metal
stowage area with access to the 6-volt battery. The gaps are well
minded and nary a hint of rust is seen on this well presenting body
and nice paint application. Cleanly finished 21-inch wire spoke
wheels with like new Goodyear 4.40/4.50-21 tires adorn the 4
corners. A Ford logo is carried on the jacketed spare tire attached
on the rear and finishes off our exterior tour nicely.
Interior
Swinging open the passenger's door, (trust me, it's much easier to
enter from this side), and we are met with lightly textured basic
black vinyl door panels with a simple maroon steel actuator. A fat
black rimmed 4 spoke steering wheel with timing and throttle
controls sits atop the column in front is a full metal jacket
maroon steel dash. A simple, spartan design with only an ampere
gauge to monitor on this dash and a simple combination headlight
and ignition switch, and chrome courtesy light. Providing the
seating is a black vinyl bench seat finished with a buttoned tuck
and roll pattern and looking just fab. A simple black vinyl Ford
logo-ed floor mat covers the wooden floors and wraps up our
interior tour.
Drivetrain
Lifting either side of the center hinged hood allows us to view the
rebuilt 177ci 4-cylinder mill. Based on the serial number this
engine was built in November of 1925 and very well may be the
original engine. It is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor on the side
andwe note an upgraded distributor style ignition. On the back is a
2-speed planetary transmission that actuallyworks as the foot brake
also. A 3.63 geared rear axle puts the power to the ground.
Undercarriage
Solid black steel makes up the frame and supports red oxide body
hangers with just a few spots of surface rust due to chip offs on
the underside of the fenders and running boards. A mix of red oxide
steel and wood makes up the flooring and is in good shape.
Transverse leaf springs provide the suspension front and rear and
rear mechanical drum brakes are on. A stock style single exhaust
system handles the removal of spent fossils. All looking good and
original down below.
Drive-Ability
Starting a Model T appears at first to be a daunting task but after
becoming acclimated and properly trained it's easy-peasy, so
naturally I relied on my crack decoder to get this tin lizzie fired
up. On our test track this car performed as expected from any car
of the era. Performance, braking and handling were adequate but
attention must be paid at all times thanks to the unique pedal
arrangement and function. All in all, a nice little jaunt in a
Runabout, and after my drive my confidence to drive a T is on par
with my confidence to free climb the Empire State building, however
I did survive the drive with no mishaps.
A well done Model T Runabout with some mechanical updates
completed. All buttoned up and ready to show, drive in parades or
even compete in a brass era tour if the mood struck you. Swing on
by our Hallowed Halls and prepare for your own Runabout tour.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
