Vehicle Description
For nearly as long as the automobile has existed, owners have been
tinkering with them to extract more speed, better handling, and
reliability. Prior to the advent of mass production, automobiles
were generally a luxury item and any customizing was done on a
bespoke basis. However, once Ford's ubiquitous Model T hit the
scene, suddenly the market was flooded with affordable automobiles
that could be tweaked, modified and adapted to just about any
imaginable job. As the Model T's popularity grew, so did the
aftermarket that supplied tools and parts to service it. Fords were
converted for use as farm implements, work trucks, sawmills,
delivery vans and inevitably, racing cars. Pioneering petrol heads
found numerous ways to extract more power, improve handling, and
usability from the omnipresent T. Decades before Colin Chapman
"added lightness" to his Austin 7 to make the first Lotus, Model T
owners were shedding weight by tossing away heavy factory steel
fenders and bodywork and replacing them with lightweight and
simplified speedster bodies. As the T evolved, so did the concept
of the speedster. Early examples were simply cut down roadsters,
while later examples got custom bodies designed to cheat the air
and ditch the pounds. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the Roose
Manufacturing Company offered a wide variety of accessories
designed to make life with a Model T a bit easier. Their main
product offerings were practical items such as insulated hood
covers, weatherproof coil box covers, and convertible tops.
However, they did offer a handful of rakish speedster bodies named
"Speed King". In addition to modified bodies, performance
improvements could be made to a T with thanks to a burgeoning speed
equipment industry. The leaders in the market were none other than
the Chevrolet Brothers (Louis and Arthur) whose highly advanced
Frontenac overhead valve cylinder head had proven itself in the
"Fronty-Ford" by finishing in 5th place in the 1923 Indianapolis
500 mile race at an official average of 82.58 MPH; a remarkable
achievement in the face of much larger and more powerful
competition. This fascinating little Ford Model T is a wonderful
period piece, wearing a Roose Mfg Co. Speed King body that is
accessorized with an array of period speed parts. The all-steel
body is very rare and quite interesting, with an unusual custom
grille shell up front, sweeping back to a close-coupled cockpit and
a sharply tapered tail. The body is in solid, sound condition with
heavily patinated white paintwork contributing to the fabulous
character. The red chassis and black radiator combine for a
wonderfully racy look. �The cockpit is spartan, with just enough
room for a driver and ride-along mechanic. The little T has some
wonderful period speed parts that would have given it the "go" to
match the "show". A Frontenac cylinder head greatly improving
breathing, and an add-on water pump fitted to help keep things cool
at the higher engine speeds allowed by the overhead valve setup.
The engine presents in good order, and while it does run, it would
need some attention to bring up to a more usable state. We are
quite fond of this unusual and charming Model T speedster. It
offers real rarity thanks to its period speed equipment and
high-quality steel body, and it presents with a certain charming
honesty that encourages enthusiastic use, whether around the block
or around a vintage race paddock. It is sound and complete, and we
could even see it prepared for vintage rallies - so long as the
crew doesn't mind the weather! Whatever the use, this is a
fascinating piece of early American motorsports history that is
sure to charm its next keeper.