Vehicle Description
When it debuted in October 1908, Henry Ford's Model T represented
an uncanny combination of durability, reliability, and
affordability. Remaining in production for nearly 19 full years
with nearly countless updates, some 15 million examples of the
beloved "Tin Lizzie" were built in all. In addition to making Henry
Ford a household name, the little car put the world on wheels and
proved the economy and efficiency of the assembly line. The Model T
remains an enduring cultural phenomenon today and rightly, it was
recognized in 1999 as the "Car of the Century" by noted automotive
journalists, above 700 other worthy candidates for the prestigious
award. Along with its adaptability and affordability, the Model T
was a product of uncompromising quality that ushered in the latest
materials and metallurgical advancements. Among them was the use of
chrome-vanadium steel for the Model T's chassis frame, yielding
extraordinary strength and durability, ideal characteristics for
racers and pioneering hot-rodders alike. While a Stutz Bearcat or
other fast cars of the era were often priced well beyond the reach
of most motorists during the 1910s and 1920s, enterprising owners
and backyard mechanics made good use of plentiful and inexpensive
supplies of the Model T in the used-car market or from wrecking
yards. The Model T's popularity and the never-ending quest for
speed also spurred the nascent aftermarket industry, which began
turning out upgraded engine and drivetrain parts, along with
lightweight speedster bodies. Lightened and upgraded, legions of
modified Model Ts soon ruled fairground dirt tracks, set new speed
records on California's dry lakes, and humbled more expensive and
powerful opponents on clandestine Main Street speed contests. Among
those enthusiastic and enterprising racers and early hot-rodders
was the colorful Joe Gemsa, well-known to the California racing
fraternity as "Jiggler Joe." A sprint-car driver during the 1940s
and 1950s and a NASCAR builder and driver, Gemsa continues to be
renowned as a master machinist who specialized in modifying
four-cylinder Ford Model T and A-B engines to virtual perfection
from his tiny El Monte, California workshop. Seeking race-winning
performance, Gemsa designed and built overhead-valve and
overhead-cam cylinder heads for the sturdy Ford "4-banger." He also
designed and built many other supporting components including
magneto, distributor, and oil-pump drives, and oil sumps for racers
and rodders. Mr. Gemsa was also well-known for cruising a
beautifully engineered and detailed bucket-style Model T roadster
in the 1950s-1960s and for his expert work and dedication to
keeping the hopped-up Model T flame alive for new generations of
fans to enjoy until his eventual passing in 1995. Based on the
ubiquitous Ford Model T, this wonderfully evocative special
exemplifies the breed. Riding on an aggressively lowered chassis
and dressed in a marvelous Bugatti Type 35-inspired body, this
Model T special perfectly captures the essence of a 1920s
dirt-track racer with a distinct European flair. Power to match the
Model T's racy looks is delivered by a four-cylinder Model T
cylinder block topped with a Joe Gemsa overhead-valve cylinder head
and fed by twin Weber 40 DCOE carburetors. Finished in Light Yellow
and riding on red Buffalo wire-spoke wheels with a matching frame
and suspension, this Model T special is highly engaging throughout,
featuring low-placed headlamps, a side-mounted spare to the
driver's side, leather hood-retaining straps, an engine-turned dash
panel, and handsomely button-tufted Red upholstery. An
alternator-type charging setup provides heightened reliability, an
external shifter handles gearchanges, two-wheel brakes provide
stopping power, and the modern, period-style Classic Instruments
gauge cluster includes a tachometer. A racy full tonneau cover
protects the cockpit when the Speedster is at rest. As offered,
this well-built Model T special benefits from sparing use in recent
years and is presented in very good condition with good-quality
paintwork displaying a light but consistent patina, and nice
leather upholstery. Thrilling to drive with a fabulous exhaust note
from the bold side-mounted competition exhaust pipe, this
captivating Model T special is suitable for a wide range of
exciting vintage driving events, where it will surely attract
admirers wherever it appears. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7215-1920-ford-model-t-special/
