Vehicle Description
1926 Ford Model T Runabout
The first Model T was produced on September 27th, 1908, at the
Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan. There are two classes of the
Model T, those that were produced before 1919 and after 1919. The
pre-1919 Model T's are known as veteran cars while the later models
are called vintage cars. Even though the name Model T was used for
almost twenty years, it was much improved both visually and
mechanically over the years. At all times, the vehicle could be had
in a wide variety of body styles. The open touring cars and
roadsters were cheaper to produce and thus, produced in greater
numbers. The Volkswagen 'Beetle' is the only car model to outsell
the Model T Ford. The Model T mobilized a nation, not only the
United States but many other countries. With dealerships and
factories set up throughout the world, the Model T was
mass-produced and easily available to many buyers. Often, the
factories were established in other countries to get around an
import tax, thus keeping the cost low. The innovative Model T
served its purpose. It was inexpensive and reliable, many lasting
even to this day.
For consignment and gracing the South mallway of our Hallowed
Halls, a Model T Runabout right out of 1926. With a 12-volt
conversion, rebuilt suspension, some transmission upgrades, a high
compression cylinder head, and fold down vinyl roofing we have a
sure-fire winner once you figure out the pedal arrangement and
controls. The beneficiary of a restoration has left us with a
nicely done, great driving example of the "new" for 1926 Model T
still in original Henry steel.
Exterior
All standard issue Model T with chrome accenting on the radiator,
Motometer, twin barred bumper and headlight rings. We note the
headlamp tie bar, added during early 1926 model production to
stiffen up the fenders and headlamps. A simple industrial gray
doghouse style center hinged hood is flanked by black flowing
fenders over the front wheels and down to running boards A simple
body tub carries the gray theme and is covered with a black vinyl
top sans any rips or wear. This top can be easily folded by 2
people to enjoy the fresh air and for inclement weather, side
curtains are included with the purchase. A sloping trunk is on the
back and opens to reveal a simple metal stowage area with access to
the 12-volt battery. Signal lights have been added to the front and
rear in the name of safety, and a second tail/stop lamp has also
been added to the rear. The gaps are well minded and nary a hint of
rust is seen on this well presenting body and nice paint
application. Cleanly finished red 21-inch wire spoke wheels with
like new Firestone tires adorn the 4 corners. A red wire spoke
spare tire is attached on the rear and finishes off our exterior
tour nicely.
Interior
Swinging open the passenger's door, (trust me, it's much easier to
enter from this side), and we are met with lightly textured basic
vinyl door panels with a simple gray steel actuator. A fat black 4
spoke steering wheel with timing and throttle controls sits atop
the column with the added on turn signal actuator in chrome and in
front is a full metal jacket gray steel dash. A simple, spartan
design with only an ampere gauge to monitor on this dash and a
simple combination headlight and ignition switch. and a few brass
handled buttons. Providing the seating is a black vinyl bench seat
finished with a buttoned tuck and roll pattern and looking just
fab. A simple black vinyl Ford logo-ed floor mat covers the wooden
floors and wraps up our interior tour.
Drivetrain
Lifting either side of the center hinged hood allows us to view the
177ci 4-cylinder mill. Based on the serial number this engine was
built in July of 1926 and very well may be the original engine. It
is fed by a 1bbl carburetor on the side and bolted to the top is a
Snyder's high compression cylinder head. On the back is a 2-speed
planetary transmission with updated Kevlar bands. A 3.63 geared
rear axle puts the power to the ground.
Undercarriage
Solid black steel makes up the frame and body hangers with just a
few spots of surface rust due to chip offs on the underside of the
fenders and running boards. A mix of gray steel and wood makes up
the flooring and is in good shape. Transverse leaf springs provide
the suspension front and rear and rear mechanical drum brakes by
Rocky Mountain Brakes are on. We note a rebuilt front end with new
spindle bolts and bushings and a rebuilt steering box. A stock
style single exhaust system handles the removal of spent fossils.
All looking good and original down below.
Drive-Ability
Starting a Model T appears at first to be a daunting task but after
becoming acclimated and properly trained it's easy-peasy, so
naturally I relied on my crack decoder to get this tin lizzie fired
up. On our test track this car performed as expected from any car
of the era. Performance, braking and handling were adequate but
attention must be paid at all times thanks to the unique pedal
arrangement and function. All in all, a nice little jaunt in a
Runabout, and after my drive my confidence to drive a T is on par
with my confidence to free climb the Empire State building, however
I did survive the drive with no mishaps.
A well done Model T Runabout with some mechanical and safety
updates completed. All buttoned up and ready to show, drive in
parades or even compete in a brass era tour if the mood struck you.
Swing on by our Hallowed Halls and prepare for your own Runabout
tour.
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.