1923 Ford Model T Speedster/Racer

Since the invention of the internal combustion engine, man has strived to find ways to make it go faster and produce more power. They early days of racing it was known that the lower and smoother a profile of a car also contributed to it ultimately going faster. America was overloaded with oval horse tracks, so the natural progression was to put automobiles on that and race to see who was fastest. This is still seen today with modern racing done mostly on ovals or derivations thereof here in America versus European racing which is performed exclusively on road courses.

When a man gets an idea in his head of something, sometimes it's hard to squelch that dream or thought, and it must be carried out. This is very true of the consigner of this car, who is a restorer and builder of classic cars. He wanted to replicate an Indianapolis style racer correct for its time, but with his vision. Presented here at Classic Auto Mall is the amalgamation of his thoughts, and talents in this Model T racer.

Exterior
A dual cockpit with mahogany framing and mahogany veneer panels make up the rear two thirds of this vehicle. The boat tail design mimics the era's attempt at aerodynamics, as well as the front “V” screen. Engine cover is lizard skinned pattern vinyl covering metal and is attached with sprung belting. Stock 21” welded wire wheels are powder coated in Burgundy and add a nice contrast to the Mahogany and black body. A wrapped in sisal 3” exhaust pipe extends the length of the car and prevents burns when entering and exiting the car. Stock Ford brake lights are seen and include the iconic “STOP” beveled into the top of the taillight. A stock Model T frame with rear section raised 5” over rear axle to create a 5” drop, and front re-forged with a 3” drop...note Ford logo distorted in photo!

Interior
The correct for the period 4 pedal setup, dual racing seat pans, and a floor shifter make up the cockpit. An ammeter, and spark timing levers on steering column have been disabled and now serve as something for kids to play with when they are sitting in the car. This is also true for a brass hand pump to nowhere on the driver's side, put there again for entertainment and totally nonfunctional. A rear jump seat is covered by lizard skin and is topped with a lizard skin pattern tonneau skin pattern snap on cover. A flip up “Fat man” wood steering wheel is attached which makes the getting in process simpler?

Drivetrain
A 177ci 4-cylinder stock block and crankshaft has a Rajo overhead valve conversion, and a Bosch standard point style distributor, a Rajo integrated exhaust and intake manifold, enlarged zenith carburetor, lightened flywheel, magneto delete, an enlarged oil splash feed, high volume water pump, and a stock T radiator complete the racing engine. Planetary gear drive, 2 speed forward and reverse, fitted with Kevlar band linings and a Turbo Hydramatic 400 direct drive clutch pack make up the transmission. A stock transmission brake with Rocky Mountain rear axle compression band linings surrounding the brake drum which are mechanically actuated.

With the above modifications horsepower has more than doubled to 55, and a top speed of 75MPH (although the consigner has said that anything over 60MPH you spend more time in the air than on the ground). Everything on this vehicle is period correct, acquiescing to speed, personifying early racing. Also throw the do not touch signs out, as it was built to be interacted with!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is 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.