Vehicle Description
1912 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout
What must have been an exciting time in the country as the
embryonic stage of automotive development kicked into high gear,
Ford announced a new model in 1911, the Torpedo Runabout. Curved
fenders, a longer hood, a relocated gas tank, along with mechanical
changes resulted in one of the fastest and best performing Model
T's ever produced, according to many Model T aficionados.
For consignment, a 1912 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout, that
according to our consignor, runs like a jackrabbit and climbs hills
like a goat! It has been restored and careful attention was given
by a longtime Model T enthusiast to retain many of the correct and
original features. As was typical for the times, the car has a 12
step starting process that will quickly lead to an intimate
knowledge of how the car operates.
Exterior
Only a few colors were available in 1912 and our car is finished in
one of them, gray with red pinstriping framing the panels and
doors, over black fenders and a black hood which in turn have grey
pinstripes. The fenders are joined by an embossed running board
with a Ford insignia on a brass step plate that is one of many
brass pieces that include original headlights, sidelights,
windscreen frame, grille, hubcaps, taillights, horn, as well as
accent pieces and hardware. And it's all in stunning condition. The
tank is rear mounted and secured with brass straps and capped with
a brass cover. 30-inch wooden spoke wheels are painted black and
even feature brass valve stems in a wonderful attention to detail
and style as well as practical application. An original motometer
is affixed to the radiator. The black vinyl top, secured with
leather belts when stowed, is clean and accompanied by a fixed
glass rear window. Imperfections include some spots on one panel
and a scratch on a fender.
Interior
Not many years after horse buggies were the standard mode of
travel, automobile interiors remained simple and purposeful. Flat
door panels feature only a door actuator lever, and the flat floor
is reached by stepping over a beautiful wood door sill with brass
nameplate. A button tufted Chesterfield type leather bench seat
gleams with black leather construction and sits on a lovely,
stained wood base. A 4 spoked, wood rimmed steering wheel is on a
column that stretches to a wood dashboard where numerous controls
and gauges are found in a wonderful display of functional
instrumentation that is over 100 years old. A myriad of pedals,
levers, and the shifter rise from the floor which is covered with a
fitted rubber mat. The rear trunk, a real trunk in this case, has a
carpet piece that holds a toolbox, fire extinguisher, and spare
parts.
Drivetrain
Under the engine cover is a very clean 177ci L-head inline 4
cylinder engine with a Bosch magneto, aftermarket high compression
cylinder head, and a Stromberg 1-barrel carburetor over a high
efficiency intake manifold. It's rated at 22.5 horsepower and
linked to a Warford 3-speed planetary transmission that sends power
to the rear axle and 3.63 gears. The sporty car is equipped with
mechanical drum brakes on the rear wheels.
Undercarriage
Amazingly simple and clean underneath where everything is
accessible. The big wheels used to traverse terrain when paved
roads were uncommon also set the car at a serviceable height.
Transverse leaf springs were used front and rear during this period
and a single exhaust intersects a stock style muffler before
exiting just past the rear axle. We note a drop of oil under the
transmission reservoir but that's the only thing of note
underneath.
Drive-Ability
At Classic Auto Mall, we're fortunate to have people on staff with
a diverse range of experience regarding cars, and having someone
with Model T knowledge helped get the car started and around the
test loop for a brief lap to confirm that indeed the car runs and
operates as reported and instrumentation is functional.
This was the sporty model of the day, and the Torpedo remains one
of the more desirable Model T's produced. We're thrilled to
represent this fine example that comes from a consignor with a long
history of Model T ownership and the claim this is the best he's
had. It's a fine piece of American automotive history and a living
example of the earliest cars to be mass produced.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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