Vehicle Description
1912 Ford Model T Open Runabout
New for the 1911 model year, and introduced in late 1910, were the
Open Runabout and the Torpedo Runabout. Very few were actually
assembled in calendar 1910 but for some reason a good number of
those built in January and February 1911 used chassis which were
assembled in October 1910. These were similar cars, differing
mainly in that the Torpedo had an enclosed passenger compartment
with doors while the Open Runabout did not. Interestingly, while
these models are considered very desirable today, they did not
prove too popular then, due to the difficulty in entering and
exiting them, and the less comfortable seating position. The design
was dropped late in the year in favor of a Torpedo based on the
standard Runabout but with doors added. These new models were
called 1912. The 1911 Open Runabout and the Torpedo Runabout were
probably the most racy Model T Fords ever produced. The seats were
moved rearward and lowered by moving the gasoline tank to the rear
deck. The hood was made longer by about two inches, and the bottom
section of the windshield sloped back, all of which gave the car a
longer and lower appearance. Adding to the style were the lower
body, longer and curved front and rear fenders, the shorter running
boards, and the lower and longer steering column.
For consignment, a 1912 Ford Model T Open Runabout, that according
to our consignor was rebuilt about 10 years ago. During the
restoration, careful attention was given to retain many of the
correct and original features including gas lamps and enough brass
to rival the big brass bands of the day. As was typical for the
times, the car has a multi-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, traditional black with red pinstriping framing the
panels, seat tub, and over black fenders and a black hood which
look lovely with the red highlighting. 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 gas
headlights, spotlights, monocle windscreen frame, grille surround,
hubcaps, gas and electric tail lights, horn, as well as accent
pieces and hardware. And it's all in stunning condition. The tank
is rear mounted and shows with more red pinstriping and capped with
a red cover. 1926/27 21-inch red wire spoke wheels even feature
brass valve stems in a wonderful attention to detail and style as
well as practical application. Hovering above the flat lined rear
are a pair of matching red wire spoke wheels wrapped in Ford
branded canvas covers and just below is an auto lover's dream. Pull
out the hidden rear storage compartment and shake hands with the
organized and well kept tool storage drawer complete with a grease
gun, wrenches and instruction booklet. It's hard to find any
imperfections in the finish, attesting to the diligent care
provided since the restoration was completed.
Interior
Not many years after horse buggies were the standard mode of
travel, automobile interiors remained simple and purposeful. No
bothersome doors to fuss with, just step up to the flat floor which
is dressed with more nicely polished brass. Button tufted
Chesterfield type leather bucket seats gleams with black leather
construction and sits within the body tub. 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 110 years old. A myriad
of pedals, levers, and the shifter rise from the floor, some of
which are the electric start button and muffler mounted train
whistle.
Drivetrain
Under the engine cover is a very clean 177ci L-head inline 4
cylinder engine, still fired by a magneto and fed by a 1-barrel
carburetor. It's rated at 22.5 horsepower and linked to a 2-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. More brass makes up the coolant tubes and we
continue to drool over the wonderfully contrasting green and red
engine.
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 intersected 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 is functional. 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 was the sporty model of the day, and the Open Runabout remains
one of the more desirable Model T's produced. We're thrilled to
represent this fine example 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.
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!
