For Sale: 1917 Ford Model T in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1917 Ford Touring Sedan

"And it has not been brought about by any exceptional scheme of selling, or by any extravagant advertising, or by any sort of commercial combination. There is only one reason why the Ford car so far outsells all others. It is a better car. By all the tests that time and the greatest number of uses and abuses can impose, the Ford has demonstrated its superior worth. The demand is unprecedented because the value is unequaled." From the 1916-1917 Ford brochure.

For consignment, a 1917 Ford Model T touring sedan with the true mileage unknown. This is a fantastic example of an early American automobile, owned by our consignor since 2016 who bought it at an auction where it drove across the block. He received it with a dead battery and the car has not been started since.

Exterior
You could have any color you wanted in 1917, as long as it was black. This car is incredibly monochromatic with everything from suspension to light housing to the 30-inch wooden spoke wheels wearing a coat of black. Yes, the sizable, retractable canvas top is also black and so is the framework that holds it. Contrasting colors include the stamped Ford emblem on the grille, the Motometer on top of it, headlights, cowl lights, and spotlight. This tall car has a wide running board in line with the rounded fenders and this would be nine long years before bumpers were introduced. The windshield is perfectly vertical and the stamped steel doors seem small by today's standards, but epically classic. The exterior remains in museum quality condition and we could find no imperfections.

Interior
Smooth vinyl surrounded by black fasteners make up the simple door panels showing some dustiness rather than patina and that is also noted on the two bench seats, biscuit tufted black vinyl that's in great shape and easily improved visually with some detailing. A four spoke wooden steering wheel does show patina, finally telling the story of age, and fronts a firewall that is not that different from a horse carriage with one brass plated feature for controls, three pedals on the floor, and a hand brake. A fitted and textured rubber mat covers that floor and overall, the interior is in very fine condition.

Drivetrain
Other than the red and green wires and modern clamps, we have an engine compartment that looks original with some surface rust on the sparks and exhaust manifold of the 117ci L-head inline four cylinder rated at 20 horsepower. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a 2-speed planetary transmission driving power to the rear axle with 3.63 gearing. The car is still set up with a 6 volt system.

Undercarriage
A drop of oil on the rear differential and engine is not a surprise and the underside otherwise presents cleanly. It is equipped with mechanical drum brakes in back, a single exhaust and stock style muffler that terminates under the floor, and transverse leaf springs front and rear.

Drive-Ability
The car ran in 2016 but has not started since then. We do note that the engine turns over by hand and makes compression, but no spark is noted at the plugs. 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.

Running or not, this is a fantastic example of an automobile that is over 100 years old. It's all there if you want to take on the mechanical fix and get this car running. Even though it's older than most parades, it still would be a welcome sight in your town's parade celebrating America. That said, if your museum needs a 1917 representative, this one fits the bill!

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!