1913 Ford Model T Speedster 

The Model T was introduced to the world in 1908.  Henry Ford wanted the Model T to be affordable, simple to operate, and durable.  The vehicle was one of the first mass production vehicles, allowing Ford to achieve his aim of manufacturing the universal car.  A common myth is that all model T's were black.  While Henry Ford did say “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it's black,” the policy was in place solely for efficiency and uniformity.  The car was only offered in black from 1914-1925, however before and after that various models of the vehicle could be purchased in a variety of colors including blue, red, grey, and green.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

For consignment, a barn find 1913 Model T Speedster which breaks all the rules of convention that you may have heard about Henry Ford and his assembly line which pumped out Tin Lizzies for 20 years.  The origin of that nickname is unknown but one theory is it was named after a famous Model T racer named Old Liz, and the popularity of the name “Lizzie”.

Exterior
This is the last year one could order a color for the model T until 1926 and this car uses a red and yellow two tone.  It is not original paint, nor the original color the car came from the factory.  Needless to say the lightweight vanadium steel is rust free, and the squared off cowled hood is presenting in yellow as are the open seat surrounds.  In front is a brass radiator which has faded with time, and it is flanked on either side with large round headlamps also encircled in chrome.  Red painted fashioned fenders rise and fall around the tires and meet in the center to form a running board.  At the “firewall” are 2 additional gas fire lit running lamps which have the wood dash just behind them.  Brass encases the horn on the driver's side.  A nifty oval windshield, (which was an option), is mounted in front of the driver.  On the running board of the driver's side is a spare tire and wheel mounted.  The back of the car is literally the metal casing for the back seat.  30-inch wood spoke wheels are shod in 30x3.5 are on all 4 corners and need replacing.

Interior
Actually it could be considered the exterior as well as the metal seat surrounds are yellow and are an integral part of the design.  Saddle leather in amazingly good condition is on and the front buckets which are very chair-like in their nature and padding. A single rear seat hangs off the back of the car and is elevated.  Wood floors are in and the dash is a simple stained piece of oak.  There is a metal box in the dash center which serves as the electrics turn on switch, just insert dual pegged “key”, and a choke pull and brass fire extinguisher.  This is a 3 pedal car so driving it is much like doing the Charleston while loading a musket after a big night at a speakeasy.  It is a crank start car.  

Drivetrain
Under the front cowl is a 177ci 4 cylinder engine, which is original to this car.  It has a 1 barrel carburetor, and the transmission is a 2 speed planetary type.  The rear axle has 3.77 gearing.  Unfortunately, this car does not run.

Undercarriage
Underneath appears to have undergone a restoration, as we see no rust, wood floorboards and solid steel framing.  The underside of running boards are excellent, not even showing dirt.  Transverse leaf springs are on all 4 corners, and mechanical drum brakes that are controlled by a lever to driver's left along with a main brake being a band in the transmission.

Despite not running, this is a well preserved example which seems to have undergone some restoration at some point with the looks of the undercarriage.  A beautifully designed 3 passenger speedster, and an oval windshield to die for.  Preserved in amazing condition for its age, it's a real barn find and a piece of early, early motoring history.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.