1914 Ford Model T Hack
In 1914, at the young age of 14, Orson Lewis, started “Bingham
Stages” transporting miners from Bingham UT to Salt Lake City
UT. His 1st vehicle in 1914 was a Ford very similar to this
truck. Orson Lewis later expanding the business to Lewis
Brothers Stages with his siblings, which was in business in Salt
Lake City for over 100 years.
In 1947 Orson Lewis, longing to have one like his first, bought
this Ford from a collector. The vehicle then sat in a garage
at Lewis Brothers Stages for many years following Orson’s
passing. Over the years, Orson’s Granddaughter Tina would
often ask her father, Joe Lewis, about restoring the
truck. Finally in approximately 1990 the Ford
was rebuilt by Berlings Customs in Murray UT. It was
broken down to every nut, bolt and screw and laid out on the
floor. All pieces that were rusted or not repairable were
replaced as it was reassembled. At that time, Joe decided to
go with the “Woody”- Jitney body, which is an authentic design from
that era and looks very similar to the original Bingham Stages
Model T’s making the run between the Bingham Canyon and
Downtown Salt Lake.
The original brass headlamps had been stolen and were replaced with
the black painted ones that are also an authentic era option.
An electric starter was installed during the restoration for
convenience. It seats 6 or 7 and has a two speed rear
axle. Since the restoration, this tribute to early Salt Lake
City history has been driven probably less than 25
miles.
Auction Estimate: $12,000-$15,000
