NEW PRICE! Genuine 1910 Model T, serial number 19879, built
April 1910. Same family ownership since the 1950s, which is when it
was restored. Wonderfully well preserved, recently serviced and
ready to enjoy. Accessory speedometer.
This particular 1910 Model T Runabout is one of those fantastic
older restorations that was done in the 1950s when Model T
enthusiasm was arguably at its peak and the cars were not only
plentiful, but also properly restored and maintained. Showing
serial number 19879, it dates to early April 1910, making it a
remarkable survivor that is quite faithful to the original intent,
skipping the various “upgrades” that many Model T owners would
inflict on later cars. The wooden Runabout body is original and in
fantastic condition, wearing correct black varnish with ornate gold
pinstripes that make the simple T look far more elegant and
sophisticated. The brass has a soft shine that could be enhanced
with some elbow grease or left as-is for a bit of patina that suits
the car just fine. The original headlights are intact, as are the
kerosene-fired cowl lamps and taillight, but the running boards are
from a later car. ‘1910’ numerals were added front and rear,
something that will certainly cut down on the number of questions
you have to answer at fuel stops. The paint, which is now the
better part of five decades old, remains in great condition and the
car needs nothing to be shown and enjoyed as it sits.
The black leather upholstery is also quite correct, using
diamond-tufted patterns on the surprisingly comfortable front seat
as well as the smaller “mother in law” seat in back, which is
probably best suited to people you don’t like. The wooden firewall
is neatly varnished with a soft glow and the original coil box
(full of irreplaceable early coils) is in fantastic condition.
You’ll note this car carries an accessory Jones speedometer that
works properly today. It shows 2225 miles, but we have no way of
authenticating that figure. We suspect that the speedometer was
installed during the time of its restoration in the 1950s and if
that’s the case, we’re more than willing to believe the mileage is
since that time. The car is set up for a convertible top, but there
is no top included (two irons are included and complete tops are
readily available).
Early Ts were powered by the same durable 177 cubic inch inline-4
that powered all the Model Ts, but the earliest cars like this used
exposed valve trains, which not only provides a fascinating window
into the engine’s operation, but makes genuine early cars easy to
spot. We’re assuming that the engine has been rebuilt at some point
and it has been recently and extensively serviced so that it runs
its very best today. Get the spark and throttle settings right and
it fires with a single pull of the crank, a rather remarkable feat
that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The engine bay is neatly detailed
with new cloth-covered spark plug wires, correct hose clamps, a
leather fan belt, and a freshly rebuilt carburetor. There is no
water pump, as all early Ts used a thermosiphon system to circulate
coolant, and this one shows no propensity to run hot thanks to a
new radiator core in the brass shell.
The transmission is also the familiar 2-speed planetary setup used
throughout Model T production, and with a little practice, it
becomes second-nature and easy to use. The bands are tight and it
works as intended, with a gentle whirring sound that will be
familiar to any Model T fan. The brakes work as well as they
possibly can, the exhaust has a wonderful Model T voice, and it
appears to have its original 6-rivet rear axle, a rather rare find
all by itself. Original wood spoke wheels remain in great shape,
although if you intend to do some touring in this particular Model
T, some new tires would not be a bad idea—the fronts are newer but
the rears are ancient Non-Skids, probably dating to the 1950s
restoration.
I’ll admit that I am not a Model T expert, but the two experts who
have reviewed this car have said that it is very, very authentic
and carries a great many proper parts that ordinarily would have
been lost to the sands of time and impossible to replace today.
It’s a wonderfully sporting body style and for the early Model T
enthusiast, it represents a chance to own a high-quality early T
that has been out of public circulation for half a century. For the
right enthusiast, this is a fantastic find and an window into the
past that we seldom experience. Call now!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
