Vehicle Description
Ford's brilliant Model T represents the genesis of the modern
automobile industry, making car ownership suddenly within reach for
millions of people. Versatile and inexpensive, the Model T is a
cultural icon and one of the most important inventions of the 20th
century. The key to the Model T's success was Henry Ford's
development of the moving assembly line, perhaps even more
important than the car itself. The moving assembly line is one of
the most significant industrial advancements of the Twentieth
Century. Putting it into perspective, Henry Ford enjoyed reasonable
success when he sold approximately 10,000 units of the Model S and
Model K. After the advent of the moving assembly line, Model T
production topped fifteen million by the end of 1927. For all of
Henry Ford's brilliance and dogged determination, he was also quite
a pragmatist when it came to engineering. Design wise, the T wasn't
necessarily an innovative machine, and it didn't change a great
deal in eighteen years. It was designed to be built as quickly as
possible, easily serviced, and above all, affordable. Even with the
ingenious production methods taken out of the equation, the Model T
stands proudly as a truly versatile machine that could perform many
tasks beyond simple transportation. From racing cars to farm
implements and industrial machinery, Model Ts have done it all.
While the basic formula of the Model T was unchanged from 1909
through the end of production in 1927, numerous detail changes made
throughout the production run improved reliability, production
efficiency, and reduced costs. One of the most obvious distinctions
between early and late models was the use of brass. Brass detailing
featured heavily on cars built before mid-1916, yet it gradually
tapered off as later models featured more austere looking
painted-steel radiator shells and nickel-plated bright work.
Generally speaking, Brass-Era Model Ts are considered the more
collectible of the bunch. In spite of their humble roots, they
stand proudly among the most important collector cars, with
examples found in hobbyist garages, private collections, and
motoring museums the world over. A desirable Brass-Era example,
this 1912 Ford Model T wears the sporty and attractive Commercial
Roadster body, one of six styles available that year. Ford made
numerous running changes throughout production, and the
transitional 1912 models proved to be the last for the original
body style, and are considered by some as the pinnacle of early
Brass Era Model Ts. Several significant changes took place in 1913,
setting the pattern for the next dozen years of production. Before
Henry famously switched to all-black paint for the T (from
approximately 1914-on), several colors were available varying by
year and body style. Nearly all 1912 models wore a handsome shade
of dark blue. This example is no exception, finished in correct
colors and very pleasingly detailed with numerous factory-correct
fittings and accessories � the older restoration benefits from
recent freshening, with a crisp and attractive presentation. Subtle
gray stripes and white natural-rubber tires add a pleasing visual
pop. Brass fittings feature prominently, including the radiator
shell, acetylene tank, windscreen frame and stays, and period
correct E & J Model 666 gas headlamps, made specifically for Ford.
The brass was recently polished, and it presents in excellent
order. Driver and passengers ride on black button-tufted leather
upholstery, which remains supple and tidy. Likewise, the optional
black artificial leather top is excellent, appearing well-fitted on
a restored frame. A white rubber embossed floor mat dresses up the
floorboards in front. This example features the optional
mother-in-law seat behind the passenger compartment, best reserved
for courageous passengers and sunny weather. Under the hood is the
familiar 177 cubic inch L-head inline-four, mated to a 2-speed
planetary transmission. One doesn't drive a Model T so much as they
operate it, and driving a T is a wholly unique experience. Once
mastered, however, it is a pure delight, thanks to the lofty
driving position, eager little four-cylinder engine, and the sense
of accomplishment when you commit the ballet of levers and pedals
to memory. This example runs well, though it has seen a period of
disuse and may require additional sorting before embarking on
longer journeys. The Model T remains a perennially popular
collector car, thanks to its simplicity, excellent parts support,
and passionate following. From the weekend hobbyist to the serious
collector, the Model T's appeal is broad. This early example ticks
the right boxes for collectors and Model T enthusiasts, with its
sought-after body style and nicely preserved restoration.