Vehicle Description
1923 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 inlaw 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 1923 Ford Model T runabout, miles unknown, but
what is known is that the frame off restoration was done at Petty's
Garage. As in Richard Petty. As in, NASCAR legend, Richard Petty.
And, as it turns out, Richard personally worked on this car and
also autographed it.
Exterior
Basic black covers this 1923 which the sales brochure boasts as
"new low body lines" with a "bit of a European touch" and full
crown fenders. Even the belt that holds the hand crank is black, as
is the radiator shell and the rounded, center hinged engine covers,
louvered vertically on the sides and equipped with black handles.
The canvas top is in excellent condition and sports two square
windows in back, just above the trunk space adorned with a single
taillight. The rim of the cabin reveals its influence from horse
carriage by its rising back end and diminutive doors that enclose
occupants after ages of being exposed to the elements. These doors
bear the name of a Vodka business. Aluminum textured step plates
dot the running board and provide grip for entering and exiting in
damp weather while spectacular 30-inch wood spoke wheels show
richly on the car. No exterior imperfections to note here and it
presents wonderfully.
Interior
The column tufted black bench wraps occupants in a wide U-shaped
loveseat and the driver has the pleasure of controlling the
direction with a wood and metal 4 spoke steering wheel. The
ignition key port and one gauge is on the painted black dash, and
that's about it! Below, beautifully stained wood is the finest
flooring with cut outs and plates to house the pedals and hand
brake. The trunk is a simple painted square affair, and its lid
bears the signatures of Richard Petty and Dale Inman, NASCAR crew
chief.
Drivetrain
Behind the engine cover is a clean, show worthy 177ci L-head inline
4 cylinder with a 1-barrel carburetor, yellow wires, and a 2-speed
planetary transmission. 3.63 gears are found out back and transfers
the 22 horsepower to the rear wheels, where mechanical drum brakes
reside.
Undercarriage
Clean and black and rust free, the underside is simple and
unencumbered. There's a drop of oil here and there but for a car
that's 101 years old, we give it a pass as the presence of oil is
minimal. The single exhaust is stainless steel, so probably good
for another 100 years, and exits just beyond the rear axle under
the car.
Drive-Ability
Choke, throttle, and spark adjusted, and this roadster fired up
without complaint and rolled onto the test loop with 22 horses
eagerly galloping along. We're not looking to do burnouts here,
driving just enough to test the functionality and they all get
passing grades. 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.
An impressive restoration from the garage of Richard Petty, this
1923 is a shining example of what commonly roamed the street 100
years ago. Triple black enhanced by black grained wood, this
showpiece would be an amazing addition to a Ford dealership
showroom, a museum collection of early American cars, or even
better, your garage!
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!
