Not only put the Ford Model T the world on wheels, in disguise of a Speedster it could be as sporty as its bigger cousins, the immortal Stutz Bearcat and the Mercer Raceabout, while proving on the race circuit that it was not only faster than a horse could run, but many times as fast!
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Driving fast and stopping fast are two different issues though, which is why this particular Speedster got hurt in the left front when it couldn't stop fast enough and hit a tree. The left frame rail, the front axle and the wishbone got bent, the radiator, radiator surround and left headlight got damaged, and some minor things will need mending. Before the accident, this was a fully sorted and very capable Speedster, able to reach 60mph+ in a jiffy and driven at that speed on the El Mirage Dry Lake in 2012. Since my wife made it perfectly clear that she will never ride in "that thing" again, I decided to put it up for adoption into an appreciative home.
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Manufactured in August of 1920, VIN *4318425* was expertly converted into a Speedster presumably in the late 1960s or early 1970s, using only the best period-correct speed components available at the time. The previous owner, a gentleman from Riverside, Calif., acquired the car 22 years ago and parked it in his garage in 1995 when his son was diagnosed with autism and needed his full attention. I purchased it from him two years ago and have spent a documented $11,910.78 plus -- literally -- hundreds of hours to sensibly refurbish the car to the highest standard possible, yet in a way that would be true to its spirit, period, and character. Not a single component on this car post-dates 1927 when Model T production ended, and thus the car is eligible for the most prestigious Speedster runs in the country, including the Santa Clara run that has a very strict rule book.
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The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title in my name and the set of Horseless Carriage license plates shown. It is currently licensed as a 1920 Ford Model T Speedster and registration and insurance are up to date.
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A substantial folder with 44 documents -- all chronologically ordered and protected in clear sheet protectors -- accompanies this car. In addition, an EXCEL spreadsheet gives detailed information on what was spent and when, down to the last nickel and dime.
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Also part of this sale are the following books and manuals that relate to a Model T Speedster:
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When I acquired the car, it was painted in the 1909 Ford Color Carmine Red, and fenderless. Since 1920 is within Ford's black era, I stripped everything down to the bare metal, every component, bolt, nut, washer and screw and refurbished all those items properly. A lot of correct brass hardware, patiently and competently aged, was used. Perhaps important to mention, unlike a Runabout that seems to be perfect for people with rather short legs, this Speedster has plenty of leg room. I'm 6'6" tall with an 36" inseam and fit quite comfortably.
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The engine is an "improved" (1926/'27 only) 4-dip-pan unit. Thorough research revealed that the engine block is most likely a factory replacement from the late 1920s which was sold without a number, but then stamped by the mechanic's shop with the existing engine number which also happens to be the vehicle ID number. Thus, this is the highest developed engine for any Model T, yet it carries the old 1920 engine number. The engine always started easily, manually as well as with the electric starter, runs on (a new) battery as well as the magneto. It is super clean inside and features an outside oil line to feed the first main bearing on steep hills. It's exactly the engine you'd want to have in a Speedster.
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A special treat is the highly coveted and expensive Waukesha Ricardo high performance head. It increases the compression and improves combustion and performance. I resisted the temptation to paint it, as I feel it looks just perfect the way it is right now. Spark plugs are new Champion X, spark plug wires are new as well. Carburetor, protected by a foam filter, is a Holley NH, final development, and it performs flawlessly. The wiring block and the entire cloth-covered wiring loom are new throughout the entire car.
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Oil side lamps and spot light feature original finishes, dating back almost a century. Oval Speedster fuel tank with brass trim and filler cap is a genuine Ford-licensed item. Dashboard is a replacement made from solid 100-year-old black walnut (original dashboard is included as well). All four fenders and the early cast runing board brackets are original Ford units, running boards, wood blocks and associated hardware are new reproductions and just about perfect. Rear end is a big (brake) drum, second generation 2-speed Ruckstell with 3:1 high speed gearing, worth probably close to $2,000 by itself.
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The improved engine (easily identified by the two mounting bolts in the back of the block) is mounted to an "improved" transmission. It features a much wider brake band and consequently a much wide pedal spacement. I wear a shoe size 13 and am able to operate the pedals with ease. Transmission bands are of the cotton type; I have not replaced them, nor do they need to be replaced. Note how clean the transmission is inside, thanks to a period transmission filter! Entire exhaust system with brass nut is new and 100% correct.
Note that there are stress cracks in the wood and that the hand brake mechanism is bent.
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From left to right:
- Original finish cowl lamps; fantastic rear view mirror
- Solid brass monocle with new safetly glass windshield
- Original finish center spot light with brass trim ring
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From left to right:
- Original paint switch and gauge panel. Car comes with 2 keys. Ammeter works perfectly
- Freshly rebuilt coils from Ron the Coilman. What a difference they made!
- Model T esoterica and pure unobtainium: Milwaulkee bakelite timer with brass trim.
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From left to right:
- Vintage HCC event plaques, dating back to California of 1957
- Exhaust cutout with Aermore exhaust whistle and foot switch. Sounds like a steam locomotive!
- Original plate with serial number on Ruckstell 2-speed rear axle
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From left to right:
- Fully refurbished and perfectly true 1926/'27 Model T wire wheels with brass hub caps
- All 5 wire wheels sand blasted and painted
- All new wheel flaps, valves, tubes, and correct Lucas 440/450-21 balloon tires
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If you've been looking at Model T Speedsters, you probably know that there's a lot of not-so-nice cars out there, oftentimes painted in garish colors, featuring wrong hardware and cheap components. A Speedster that looks factory correct, genuine and -- dare I say it? -- sexy, equipped with top-of-the-line speed parts is the rare exception and accordingly difficult to find.
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I sold this Speedster in July of 2013 to an enthusiast in Australia.