Vehicle Description
1925 Ford Model T Tanker Truck
Henry Ford was an innovator and inventor on the fly utilizing every
by product the manufacture of his cars would produce. Here is an
early example: Henry Ford used wood scraps from the production of
Model Ts to make charcoal briquettes. Originally named Ford
Charcoal, the name was changed to Kingsford Charcoal after the Iron
Mountain Ford Plant closed in 1951 and the Kingsford Chemical
Company was formed and continued the wood distillation process. E.
G. Kingsford, Ford's cousin by marriage, brokered the selection of
the new sawmill and wood distillation plant site. Lumber for
production of the Model T came from the same location, built in
1920 called the Iron Mountain Ford which incorporated a sawmill
where lumber from Ford purchased land in the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan was cut and dried. Scrap wood was distilled at the Iron
Mountain plant for its wood chemicals, with the end by product
being lump charcoal. This lump charcoal was modified and pressed
into briquettes and mass marketed by Ford.
For consignment, an unusual iteration utilizing the Model T frame,
cab and front assembly. A tanker which would deliver range oil
which is a high boiling distillate for a stove, to various
customers so they could keep their house warm during the cold
months. This one is in good overall condition, with slight rust, a
shiny cowling and front, and a patina cab. All structurally
sound...a wonderful historic example.
Exterior
Using the ubiquitous Model T chassis, front of the car, suspension
and hood cowling, from the front it appears as a normal Model T
car. However, as you move around one quickly realizes that the
squared off cab is there to make room for the large fuel tank
mounted to the rear. Curving front fenders roll above the front
tires with wood spoked wheels, and slip downward to a shortened
running board, now a step up for entry into the cab. Squared off
utilitarian fenders hover above the rear and help keep road dirt
away from the fuel tank. We can see from this setup it is a gravity
fed delivery system, capable of hooking up dual hoses, which do not
come with this truck. A metal milk can is mounted on the back as
well, presumably for smaller stove deliveries made by hand. All
surfaces although not perfect are rust free steel, and there are
plenty of characteristic dips, scratches and paint peeling now over
sprayed on all metal surfaces.
Interior
Very simply appointed with a black vinyl bench seat and back
stretching from door to door, a big original steering wheel
fronting the original simplistic dash all in metal. Door panels are
stamped metal, and floors are all wood which is not rotted. A fold
out hinged windshield is noted for airflow. The roof is chickenwire
with an insulating material and canvas covering which is rotted
mostly off.
Drivetrain
A 177ci Inline 4-cylinder engine graces the engine bay. It has a
1-barrel carburetor, and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. The
engine turns over but did not start.
Undercarriage
Amazingly no real rust and just a bit of surface rust spattered
about. Wood is solid, frame is showing no rust and is structurally
sound. Leaf spring suspension is all around as are 20-inch spoked
wheels, and a set of mechanical drum brakes on the rear
All in all, a seldom seen iteration of the venerable Model T which
was pretty much the only car /truck available on a consistent basis
at the time, so people ran wild on the modifications. This is no
exception, making great use of a solid frame, and reliable
engine.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Please note, this vehicle does not come with a battery.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.