Vehicle Description
1916 Ford Model T Touring
The Ford Model T (colloquially known as the "Tin Lizzie", "Leaping
Lena", "jitney" or "flivver") is an automobile produced by Ford
Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. It is
generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, which made
car travel available to middle-class Americans. The relatively low
price was partly the result of Ford's efficient fabrication,
including assembly line production instead of individual hand
crafting.
For consignment, a "flivver" in touring T form. This beauty has
been restored some time ago but still shows well and was used as a
display and show/parade car. It runs great and is beautifully
crafted with a steel structure and clean drivetrain. A rare example
in great condition and it runs like an old stopwatch.
Exterior
Starting upfront we note an all metal construction cowled hood,
brass framed radiator and side flanking independent from the hood
fenders and running boards with their brass step plates and spare
tires blocking the driver's door. All steel is painted simple black
and was the only color available during this production era,
earlier cars had multiple color choices. Beautifully finished black
steel makes up the passenger compartment and a second set of simple
curved fenders are on the back above the wheels and protect the
passengers from mud and dirt. Upfront the flat windshield fronts
the tall black vinyl top. The top shows with some wrinkling but no
tears and can easily be folded down for some wind in your hair
motoring. Black painted wood spoked wheels are wrapped by thin
rubber pneumatic tires on all 4 corners.
Interior
Simplicity and utilitarian abound, but it does not take away from
the beauty of the interplay of black leather that makes up the
buggy style seats both front and rear. A wide black painted wood
rimmed steering wheel juts out on an angle from the very simple
dash and has a few levers to play with for engine performance. The
dash is the ignition switch and headlight switch, no fancy gauges
here. The typical 3 pedal model T setup is seen, and a handbrake
also on the floor, which is covered with a black Ford logo floor
mat.
Drivetrain
177ci of 4-cylinder power is under the cowled hood. This engine
codes out to have been built somewhere around March of 1917 so it
is actually a newer engine. A 1-barrel carburetor is atop, and a
2-speed planetary transmission is on back sending power to a 3.63
geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Plenty of black painted wood with no rot or structural problem for
the floor pans. A steel frame holds the body tightly, and the rear
axle, front steering, and drivetrain are attached to it as well. No
rust, mechanical drum brakes on the rear and a stock exhaust
complete our underside tour.
Drive-Ability
Parking brake set, neutral assured, fuel turned on, timing
retarded, a little bit of hand throttle engaged and ignition turned
on. I was ready for the cranking of a lifetime, left hand for
cranking folks. A few quick spins and the flivver sprung to life. I
had to reacclimate myself to the non-standardized pedal arrangement
and within a few minutes I was comfortable and off to the test
track I toured. Great tight steering and a real attention getter,
it rode just fine, albeit a bit primitively, but hey its A Model T
not a Caddy!
Wonderfully preserved showing in finely with black steel and the
benefit of an open touring car. Truly reminiscent of the original
Henry Ford concept that brought America away from the horse drawn
carriage to the automobile. A serious look for the collector that
needs something that not everyone has.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
