Vehicle Description
1926 Ford Model T RoadsterPickup
When we think of convertible pickup trucks, two come to mind here
at Classic Auto Mall. One is the 1989-1991 Dodge Dakota truck which
although not a huge hit upon its release, is now considered a rare
classic with less than 4,000 produced and far fewer left in
circulation. The other is the 2003 to 2006 Chevrolet SSR, a retro
inspired truck with a retractable hardtop and aerodynamic hard
tonneau. These were rarely used as trucks but like the Dodge, were
produced in relatively low numbers, about 24,000 total, and are
often used as show vehicles. Well, about 100 years ago, Ford had
them all beat with a soft topped Model T pickup truck.
For consignment, a 1926 Ford Model T Roadster pickup truck in
glossy black paint and sporting its numbers matching engine.
Exterior
In mid 1926, closed cars were available in 3 colors from Ford for
the first time. Open cars were all black until late in 1926 when
Gunmetal Blue and Phoenix Brown replaced black, (deep knowledge can
be found atmtfca.com). Our car is all black and that includes the
radiator shell, light housings, 21-inch wooden spoke wheels, window
frame, and bed walls. The wood planks inside the bed are in
fantastic shape and their black stained grain is the perfect
complement to the car's exterior. The black canvas roof shows some
again with fading but is in otherwise good condition and houses a
glass rear window. Bright metal is found on the light trim rings, a
side mirror and the step plates on the running boards. The paint
and body are in great shape and no major imperfections were
noted.
Interior
Model T's are the epitome of no frills interiors which start with
flat vinyl door panels, both in very good condition, leading to a
simple padded bench seat with vertical pleats, showing some
compression but otherwise in great shape. The steering wheel
features four spokes, convex in their position to the rim, and the
narrow steering column with aged hardware, leads to a simple black
dash, steel of course, with two simple gauges and knobs. A texture
Ford branded rubberized mat covers the floor and the underside of
the canvas top presents in nice shape.
Drivetrain
Under the engine cover, a very clean and numbers matching 177ci
L-head inline 4 cylinder engine with a 1-barrel carburetor. Rated
at 20 horsepower, it is set into motion with a 2-speed planetary
transmission which transfers power to the back wheels and 3.63
gears. Mechanical drum brakes are found on the rear wheels.
Undercarriage
We first note the underside of the wood bed planks which is almost
as nice as the top side. Beyond that, surface rust makes a few
appearances on this very clean underside which consists mostly of
black painted components. A single exhaust terminates at a stock
style muffler that has an outlet and is located under the bed.
Transverse leaf springs occupy the front and back for
suspension.
Drive-Ability
There's no doubt that in the agricultural community of Morgantown,
PA and nearby Lancaster County, pickup trucks like this were
probably common possessions, just as F150's are today. So, as we
make our way around the test loop in the truck, we imagine we're
delivering eggs to the market, or bringing hay to the cows in the
field. And the Model T does so with simple, efficient functionality
and what a fantastic option it is to have a soft top. Everything on
the truck that could be tested worked as it should and this one is
ready for another century of service, even if that service is
simply serving as an historic marker for the American automotive
industry. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Solid paint on a solid truck, this truck is a wonder of ingenuity
mixed with rolling art all bound up in an early example of basic
transportation from 100 years ago. Convertibles weren't a luxury in
1926 and in fact, most cars were still open. But this is also the
era when enclosed cars started to take a foothold on the American
public and things would never be the same again. After 1926, color
options finally made their way into the mainstream thanks to new
paint technology, so this car represents a key time in the
development of the automobile.
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
