Vehicle Description
1913 Ford Model T Runabout
"Ford used the term runabout to describe 1 seater for 2 people
right after production of what we now call mother inlaw runabouts.
The 1909-1912 cars with the mother in law seat were labeled
roadsters in the USA catalogs, while the cars that only had a front
seat were called runabouts, (torpedo or open). From 1913 on, the
two passenger car was called a runabout by Ford sales literature."
Thx tomtfca.com
For consignment, a 1913 Ford Model T Runabout with 1,523
unverifiable miles showing. It has parts from later T's to, in the
consignor's words, make it "climb hills better, stop quicker, and
run faster than a stock Model T."
Exterior
Following a stunning and near flawless brass radiator shell and
headlight housing, we find the characteristic central hinged hood
in Dark Olive complete with louver vents, all framed in black with
a gold pinstripe that lines the square panels. This pattern repeats
on the main body and doors of the car which are separated by a
glossy and brass trimmed wood panel that serves as the firewall. On
the turtle deck of this car, there is a Murphy trunk representing
one of the earliest versions of integrated rear trunks and housing
a 6 volt battery. The car is bordered by long thin fenders that
slope or cascade down to the running board where on the driver's
side, it serves as a platform for a 12 volt battery storage box and
mounting point for a spare tire. The beautiful painted and detailed
30-inch wood spoke wheels which are from a later model and match
the car's color and retain brass hubcaps for the ultimate in color
coordination. The retractable beige canvas top is in very good
condition and functions well although the plastic window is torn.
The rear tail lamp, brass, black and red glass, is simply a work of
art. Imperfections include just two with a large vertical scratch
with chipping paint and some chipped paint from a rounded edge.
Interior
Saddle leather door cards with pouches are topped with polished
wood header and brown carpeted lower. Chesterfield style button
tufting is found on the luxurious leather bench seat the top of
which wraps around to provide armrests. A glossy wood rimmed
steering wheel is nicely presented with black spokes and brass
instrumentation. The dashboard is more lacquered wood with a more
modernized series of toggle switches and gauges, along with brass
knobs and trim. Brass plates surround the pedals, handbrake, and
shifter on the floor.
Drivetrain
A 177ci L-head inline 4 cylinder engine presents cleanly behind the
covers, fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and rated at 20 horsepower.
That's 19 more than most people were used to! A 3-speed Warford
manual transmission with overdrive sets the runabout running and
mechanical drum brakes on the rear slow it down. The engine
contains a mix of old and new components and is show worthy.
Undercarriage
Clean and uniformly black underneath with a network of rail
supports and linkage. The rear differential is a glossy black and
along with the oil pan and transmission, are free of oil. The
knuckles and rear mechanical Rocky Mountain brake components are
simple, visible, and clean. Transverse leaf springs serve as
suspension front and back and a single exhaust reaches a stock
style muffler before terminating under the car.
Drive-Ability
With brass timing and throttle adjusted and after going through the
seven steps for starting, we brought this antique to life, and we
couldn't help thinking what a revolution it was to have a motor
vehicle like this in 1913. Meanwhile, it takes its twenty horses
and propels across our flat test loop and the tall tires would
likely do well on dirt roads and farms as well. All functions on
this old machine with newer instrumentation worked as they should.
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.
This is a unique glimpse into the early days of travel by
automobile. A working example just 13 years after the end of the
19thcentury! And this one borrows from some later T's for
durability. Imagine all the history that has passed while this car
has been on the planet. We've represented numerous Runabouts over
the years and they never fail to find a new owner. Don't get in
line for this one, LEAD the line!
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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!
