Vehicle Description
Arguably the most significant and revolutionary automobile ever
produced, the Ford Model T needs little introduction. As much a
cultural icon as an automobile, it put the world on wheels and
transformed the motorcar from a frivolous luxury into a necessary
tool for living in America. The Model T owes much of its success to
Henry's moving assembly line, which meant it could be produced in
numbers previously unimaginable by any other car company. Preceding
models such as the Model S or Model K approached 10,000 units,
while the Model T topped fifteen million by the time production
ended in the late twenties. The ripple effect of Ford's success
shaped entire cities and altered the face of labor in America
forever. For all of Henry Ford's business acumen and his stroke of
genius by developing the moving assembly line, he was also quite a
pragmatist when it came to engineering. Design wise; the T wasn't
necessarily an innovative machine. But it was robust, enormously
versatile, easily serviced and above all, affordable. The basic
formula of the Model T was unchanged from its introduction in 1909
through the end of production in 1927. However, a dizzying array of
evolutionary changes occurred throughout the production run to
improve reliability and production efficiency. Among the most
significant distinctions between early and late models was the use
of brass. Brass featured more readily on cars built before
mid-1916, while later models featured more austere looking
painted-steel radiators and nickel-plated bright work. Despite the
humble roots, the Model T remains one of the most essential of all
collector cars, and examples are found in museums and private
collections the world over, standing proudly among many more
glamorous machines. This 1911 Model T is a very desirable early
model featuring the Torpedo Runabout body. Wearing an older, but
nicely maintained restoration, this is an attractive and enjoyable
example for the hobbyist and collector. For the 1911 model year,
Ford completely redesigned the Model T range. While outwardly
similar, the new car had a revised engine, new fenders, and a
reshaped grille. Refinement of the product line continued, with the
coupe and landaulet phased out. New additions to the catalog of
nine bodies included the two-seat Torpedo Runabout and its sibling
the standard Runabout Roadster. These unique models represented
Ford's first foray into producing a sporty Model T. These two cars
stood apart significantly from the rest of the range, thanks to the
lowered steering column, revised seating position, rounded fenders,
and longer hood. While the two are mechanically identical, the
Torpedo as featured here, is distinguished by the addition of doors
to the body. Finished in bright red with black interior and
undercarriage, this T Torpedo Runabout is a charming example. The
paintwork is in good, honest condition, presenting with a pleasing
luster to the paint and beautifully polished brass. Some minor
surface imperfections are visible on the body; however, the paint
is shiny and quite attractive overall. In keeping with the sporting
character, this example wears Dayton wire wheels, finished in red
to match the body and shod with black Firestone tires. Numerous
brass accessories highlight the body, including the radiator shell,
JNO Brown Model 19 headlamps, carriage lamps, and acetylene tank.
Behind the passenger compartment sits the round fuel tank and a
rear-mounted spare wheel to round out the classic roadster look.
Black, button-tufted leather covers the two-passenger seat. The
leather is nicely broken-in, with some creasing and cracking in the
surface that is consistent with the older restoration. Nice quality
carpet covers the floorboards, and the upholstered interior panels
are in excellent condition. A black top keeps the weather at bay,
held in place by leather straps, all in excellent order. The 176.7
cubic-inch L-head inline-four presents in good order under the
hood. The engine, finished in simple black with appropriate
fittings and hardware, is a model of purposeful simplicity. In
spite of the older restoration, the engine and undercarriage
present nicely with good quality paint finishes. Thanks to the
addition of an electric starter, the engine fires easily. In the
care of its most recent owner, it has had a period of disuse, but
the inherent simplicity means it will need little to enjoy on the
road. An honest, charming, and usable Brass Era Model T, this
Torpedo Runabout is sure to delight its next keeper. For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6405-1911-ford-model-t-torpedo-roadster/