Vehicle Description
The Ford Model T is a machine that ranks as one of the most
significant and important inventions of the 20th century. Henry
Ford's development of the moving assembly line was so significant
that he is oft compared to the likes of Alexander Graham Bell and
Eli Whitney as the most influential names in American Industrial
history. As the first product to roll of that assembly line, the
Model T became one of America's proudest industrial successes. Much
of the historical focus is paid to the way the Model T was
assembled, and how Henry Ford ruthlessly revolutionized mass
manufacture. But even when viewed apart from the ingenious
production methods, the Ford Model T could stand proudly as a truly
remarkable and versatile machine that was a smashing worldwide
success. Because Ford was able to build so many Ts so quickly, the
price was low and suddenly the automobile was accessible to
millions who never dreamed of owning one before. Its popularity
even spawned an aftermarket industry that allowed the T to be
adapted to virtually anything: From racing cars to farm implements,
the Model T could do it all. Ford was enough in tune with his
customer needs to offer a wide variety of bodies to meet demand.
Touring cars and Depot Hacks moved people, while the Pickup and
Commercial Roadster offered versatility for tradesmen. One of the
most unusual and interesting variants was the "center door";
officially known as the "Two Door, Five-Passenger Sedan". Styled
along the lines of the traditional Doctor's Coupe from the carriage
building days, the simple yet roomy body featured two doors mounted
- you guessed it - in the center of the body sides. It offered
comfort and protection in all weather conditions, and the roomy
cabin was comfortable for longer journey. This was Ford's first
sedan and one of the first fully closed mass produced cars in
America. In its day, the center door was the most expensive Model T
passenger car available, at nearly $950, meaning it was also one of
the least popular with buyers. Today, the rare and quirky center
door is a favorite among collectors and Model T aficionados. This
tidy 1921 Ford Model T center door is a nicely restored example of
this rare and desirable model. Finished correctly in all black,
this nickel era Model T is a nice, honest and usable motorcar that
would be a fine choice for the collector or entry level hobbyist
alike. Wearing an older restoration, it presents in good order with
attractive black paintwork on a good and sound body. A few minor
blemishes can be found in the paint, which do little to detract
from the overall appeal of this fine Model T. It is correctly
fitted with a black radiator, Ford script running boards, wooden
artillery wheels and minimal bright adornments, as a great deal of
new-old-stock parts were sourced for the restoration. The black
headlights feature nickel trim rings and lovely fluted lenses as
original. The tall, upright windscreen is split to allow for better
airflow through the cabin, and the doors feature opening
carriage-style windows. We particularly like the elegant oval rear
window treatment, which lends the basic Model T a degree of formal
appeal. The five passenger cabin (two individual seats up front
with a 3 person bench in rear) on this example is a real highlight
of the restoration; trimmed in lovely blue/gray tweed wool fabric
to a very high standard. The stylish and high quality fabric covers
the seats and interior panels, while a complementing headlining and
wool squareweave carpet are extremely well executed. Details such
as a privacy blind over the rear window and a running-in
instruction decal on the windscreen add a welcome bit of period
charm. The restorers even went so far as to hand weave the windlace
in the factory correct patterns. As part of the restoration, the
chassis and undercarriage have been very well detailed, still
presenting in clean condition with good quality, hard-wearing
finishes on the major components. Ford's bulletproof four-cylinder
engine also presents in good order, having been rebuilt as part of
the restoration, and while it is showing some signs of regular use,
it is generally tidy and correctly detailed. As a later model, it
features a handy electric starting and charging system, making this
Model T much more user friendly and practical than earlier
examples. This 1921 Model T Center Door Sedan is a very
well-presented, usable and enjoyable example that would be finely
suited for regular touring and enjoyment.
