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. Always stored in a
climate controlled showroom as part of a collection, electric start
equipped, 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 black accenting on the radiator,
Motometer and chrome headlight rings greets us at first glance. We
note the lack of headlamp tie bar, an accessory added during early
1926 model production to stiffen up the fenders and headlamps. A
simple black 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 black 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 or left up for inclement weather. A
sloping trunk is on the back and opens to reveal a simple metal
stowage area. 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 4.40/4.50-21 tires adorn the 4 corners. A Ford logo is
carried on the jacketed spare tire 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
black vinyl door panels with a simple black steel actuator. A fat
black rimmed 4 spoke steering wheel with timing and throttle
controls sits atop the column in front is a full metal jacket black
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 chrome courtesy light. 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 logoed
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
rebuilt 177ci 4-cylinder mill. Based on the serial number this
engine was built in February of 1926 and very well may be the
original engine. It is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor on the side and
on the back is a 2-speed planetary transmission that actuallyworks
as the foot brake also. A 3.63 geared rear axle puts the power to
the ground.
Undercarriage
Solid black steel makes up the frame and supports black 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 black
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 are on. 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. 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.
A well done Model T Runabout, 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 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!
