1921 Ford Model T

1921 Ford Model T Truck Henry Ford wasnt the inventor of the modern automobile. That would be German engineer Karl Benz. But the Model T, which first rolled out of Fords Detroit factory in the late summer of 1908, revolutionized transportation. The Tin Lizzie was the first affordable horseless carriage, the one that middle-class families could save up for. The first Model T cost $850 but, by the time it went off the market in 1927, Fords efficient assembly-line production had knocked the price down to $260. Over 15 million Model T Fords were sold, a record that stood until the Volkswagen Beetle finally passed it in the 1970s. Part of the enduring myth of the Model T is that all of them were black. Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants, Ford described his policy in his 1922 book My Life and Work, so long as it is black. Its true that the Ford Motor Company turned black paint into a science, using 30 different types of black paint for different parts of the cars exterior. But when the Model T first came on the market, customers could get almost any common color... except for black! Fire up the Wayback machine Sherman, its time for a trip back to 1921 to explore early motoring and working in a Ford Model T. Simplistic in nature and affordable for the common folk, this T has been restored and sports a rather unique and rarely seen delivery box on the rear. Shiny paint, rust free steel, custom woodworking, and a clean interior make up this wonderful historic example that was once a museum piece in a private collection in Ohio. As a bonus, much mechanical work was recently performed making this a true ready to drive rig. Exterior Simple and simplistic are the keywords for this truck. Leading the way are black bezel headlights flanking the black radiator shell with its Ford script showing proudly and a chrome necked and winged Boyce MotorMeter atop. Curving front fenders roll above the front tires with wood spoked wheels and slip downward to textured finished running boards before swooping back up to squared off utilitarian fenders which hover above the rear wheels. A center hinged twin cowled hood in black steel leads back to the near vertical dual paned windshield which is supported by a black wooden firewall dressed with some stained oak for a little bit of pizazz. The wooden Model T body cab presents in splendid form with wood construction and more oak highlighting and is covered by a clean black vinyl roof that stretches from the visored front to the very tail of the delivery box. Dropping down from the roof over the box is chain link mesh siding to keep your sundries from spilling onto the road. Bringing up the tail end is a single simple taillight that hangs just under the small tailgate. Overall, the gaps are well minded and the paint, while not perfect, is deep and reflective. Speaking of the wooden wheels, they present in 30 format and are wrapped in like new 30x3.5 oversized blackwall rubber. Interior Very simply appointed with a tufted and buttoned black vinyl bench seat set into the beautifully stained oak that makes up the rear of the cab. A large wood steering wheel with the standard ignition timing and throttle controls is fronting the original simplistic dash all wood and metal with only a small Ford scripted ammeter for gauging. Door panels are simple but elegantly stained plywood and look just wonderful with their black latches and pulls. Down low is more stained oak flooring that appears as nearly new and sports the parking brake lever and 3 pedal arrangement. A twin paned fold out hinged windshield is noted for airflow and the underside of the vinyl roof, and its support bows are well done. Moving out back, the chain link sided bed has been finished in more oak and appears to never have been used for hauling. Drivetrain A 177ci inline 4-cylinder engine graces the engine bay. It has a 1-barrel carburetor, and a 2-speed planetary transmission on the back. The rear axle weighs in with a 3.63 ratio. Of note, the engine stamping number falls into August 1921 production so this may well be the original engine. Also, our consignor states that this mill has recently been treated to a new starter, new spark plugs, new belts, and a new radiator. Undercarriage Amazingly no rust and just a bit of road dirt spattered about. Wood is solid, the frame is showing no rust and is structurally sound. Transverse leaf spring suspension are all around and a set of mechanical drum brakes on the rear Drive-Ability This isnt your fathers Oldsmobile, or Cadillac, or anything like it. Driving a T is an experience in and of itself and this writer will be the first to admit it takes a whole different level of skill and fine motor coordination. Thanks to a recent influx of Model Ts into our Hallowed Halls I was able to wheel this delivery Lizzie without issue. On our test track it handled well for its design and exhibited adequate acceleration. Stopping however, with the braking band on the 2-speed planetary transmission must be planned in advance. All in all, not a bad experience enjoying life behind the wheel at a slower pace. A very solid showing for this T delivery. A nice body, simple but elegant interior, and archaic suspension all got us to where we are with automobiles today. Sherman, how about a quick stopover in Atlantic City, NJ....Ive always been a fan of the Ms. American pageant and Id hate to miss the opportunity to take in Margaret Gorman winning the inaugural event.