Vehicle Description
1923 Ford Model T Depot Hack
The names "station wagon" and "depot hack" did not come into
existence by coincidence. In the early days of the automobile, the
only way to get from city to city was by train. A road network had
yet to be developed, and automobiles were not feasible for
long-distance travel. Quite simply, people took the train, and once
they arrived at their destination, there were no rental cars. Taxi
cabs were not only expensive, but they did not exist anywhere but
in the largest cities. That left the average American with two
alternatives: walk or take the street car . . . if there was
one.
Enter the station wagon. These were typically vehicles sent by
hotels to pick up visitors and their baggage to bring them back to
the hotel. They were wagons sent to the station or hacks sent to
the depot, thus "station wagon" or "depot hack." This quickly gave
rise to a new cottage industry, as wagon builders typically took
truck or large-car chassis and added a simple wooden body with many
seats and room for luggage.
This Depot Hack is in a virtually unrestored condition. With the
exception of a starter being added and an early replacement of the
floorboards, this T is in nearly original condition. The car has
been gone through mechanically and runs like a Model T should. The
consignor has purposely left the cosmetics untouched. It rides on
brand new blackwall tires.
22 hp, 176 cu. in. side-valve L-head inline four-cylinder engine,
two-speed planetary transmission, front and rear solid axles with
transverse leaf springs, and hand-operated rear-wheel mechanical
brakes.
A nice running and driving example, this old woody will set itself
apart with its "original, untouched" feel.
Estimate: $14,000-$18,000