Vehicle Description
1921 Ford Model T Truck
Henry Ford wasn't the inventor of the modern automobile. That would
be German engineer Karl Benz. But the Model T, which first rolled
out of Ford's Detroit factory in the late summer of 1908,
revolutionized transportation. The "Tin Lizzie" was the first
affordable horseless carriage, the one that middle-class families
could save up for. The first Model T cost $850 but, by the time it
went off the market in 1927, Ford's efficient assembly-line
production had knocked the price down to $260. Over 15 million
Model T Fords were sold, a record that stood until the Volkswagen
Beetle finally passed it in the 1970s. Part of the enduring myth of
the Model T is that all of them were black. "Any customer can have
a car painted any color that he wants," Ford described his policy
in his 1922 book My Life and Work, "so long as it is black." It's
true that the Ford Motor Company turned black paint into a science,
using 30 different types of black paint for different parts of the
car's exterior. But when the Model T first came on the market,
customers could get almost any common color... except for
black!
Fire up the Wayback machine Sherman, it's time for a trip back to
1921 to explore early motoring and working in a Ford Model T.
Simplistic in nature and affordable for the common folk, this T has
been restored and sports a rather unique and rarely seen delivery
box on the rear. Shiny paint, rust free steel, custom woodworking,
and a clean interior make up this wonderful historic example that
was once a museum piece in a private collection in Ohio. As a
bonus, much mechanical work was recently performed making this a
true "ready to drive" rig.
Exterior
Simple and simplistic are the keywords for this truck. Leading the
way are black bezel headlights flanking the black radiator shell
with its Ford script showing proudly and a chrome necked and winged
Boyce MotorMeter atop. Curving front fenders roll above the front
tires with wood spoked wheels and slip downward to textured
finished running boards before swooping back up to squared off
utilitarian fenders which hover above the rear wheels. A center
hinged twin cowled hood in black steel leads back to the near
vertical dual paned windshield which is supported by a black wooden
firewall dressed with some stained oak for a little bit of pizazz.
The wooden Model T body cab presents in splendid form with wood
construction and more oak highlighting and is covered by a clean
black vinyl roof that stretches from the visored front to the very
tail of the delivery box. Dropping down from the roof over the box
is chain link mesh siding to keep your sundries from spilling onto
the road. Bringing up the tail end is a single simple taillight
that hangs just under the small tailgate. Overall, the gaps are
well minded and the paint, while not perfect, is deep and
reflective. Speaking of the wooden wheels, they present in 30"
format and are wrapped in like new 30x3.5 oversized blackwall
rubber.
Interior
Very simply appointed with a tufted and buttoned black vinyl bench
seat set into the beautifully stained oak that makes up the rear of
the cab. A large wood steering wheel with the standard ignition
timing and throttle controls is fronting the original simplistic
dash all wood and metal with only a small Ford scripted ammeter for
gauging. Door panels are simple but elegantly stained plywood and
look just wonderful with their black latches and pulls. Down low is
more stained oak flooring that appears as nearly new and sports the
parking brake lever and 3 pedal arrangement. A twin paned fold out
hinged windshield is noted for airflow and the underside of the
vinyl roof, and its support bows are well done. Moving out back,
the chain link sided bed has been finished in more oak and appears
to never have been used for hauling.
Drivetrain
A 177ci inline 4-cylinder engine graces the engine bay. It has a
1-barrel carburetor, and a 2-speed planetary transmission on the
back. The rear axle weighs in with a 3.63 ratio. Of note, the
engine stamping number falls into August 1921 production so this
may well be the original engine. Also, our consignor states that
this mill has recently been treated to a new starter, new spark
plugs, new belts, and a new radiator.
Undercarriage
Amazingly no rust and just a bit of road dirt spattered about. Wood
is solid, the frame is showing no rust and is structurally sound.
Transverse leaf spring suspension are all around and a set of
mechanical drum brakes on the rear
Drive-Ability
This isn't your father's Oldsmobile, or Cadillac, or anything like
it. Driving a T is an experience in and of itself and this writer
will be the first to admit it takes a whole different level of
skill and fine motor coordination. Thanks to a recent influx of
Model T's into our Hallowed Halls I was able to wheel this delivery
Lizzie without issue. On our test track it handled well for its
design and exhibited adequate acceleration. Stopping however, with
the braking band on the 2-speed planetary transmission must be
planned in advance. All in all, not a bad experience enjoying life
behind the wheel at a slower pace.
A very solid showing for this T delivery. A nice body, simple but
elegant interior, and archaic suspension all got us to where we are
with automobiles today. Sherman, how about a quick stopover in
Atlantic City, NJ....I've always been a fan of the Ms. American
pageant and I'd hate to miss the opportunity to take in Margaret
Gorman winning the inaugural event.
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.
