If we were in Hollywood – instead of perusing the pages of Barn Finds – the Model T would be an über-celebrity. It sold more than 15 million copies, it was reliable enough to put everyman on wheels, it could run on all manner of fuels, it could traverse streams and ruts. It was also the ultimate Transformer, becoming a tractor or snowmobile, running a windmill to pump water, hauling logs – you name it. It sparked the entire hot rod genre. And racing? Oh yes, and here’s a video to prove it. So every Model T deserves a bit of reverence. This 1926 Model T coupe here on craigslist has already received a measure of homage in the form of a thorough cleansing after being found in a shed. The seller wants $7200; the new owner will need to be handy at piloting a trailer because while the engine turns, it won’t run. The car is located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Gunter Kramer sent us this tip – thanks Gunter!
About that engine. Displacement of the in-line four is 177 CID; mated to a single carburetor, output was about 20 hp. Top speed – if you dared – was a theoretical 45 mph. But the specs are not nearly as interesting as the engine’s development. Henry Ford was determined to produce a car that was reliable and easy to work on, unlike many of the Model T’s contemporaries. The Model T engine was the first production monobloc, with cylinders cast into the block. The cylinder head was separate, for ease of maintenance. The combination of monobloc construction with a removable cylinder head made the whole assembly far stronger and set the standard for the industry. The transmission is a two-speed (plus reverse) planetary type, using internal bands and floor pedals to achieve gearchanges. While the engine was revolutionary, the transmission was a pain and did not survive when the Model A was conceived. Note the battery: by 1926 Ford made the electric starter standard.
The seats need new upholstery and I’d do the door cards too. Looking for the gauges? The only one you’ll see is an ammeter, though a thriving ecosystem of after-market suppliers had created all manner of gauges for the enterprising owner’s convenience. The “gas gauge”, though, remained a stick, to be inserted into the newly relocated tank in the cowl.
Henry Ford introduced his Model T in 1908. From then until well into the 1920s, he felt that the T would be the only car anyone would ever want or need. Buyers disagreed by purchasing Buicks, Dodges, Oaklands, and on the luxury end of the spectrum, the Chrysler Imperial – many of these equipped with more powerful six-cylinder engines. Pressured by competition, Ford acquiesced in a small way, redesigning the T for 1926 with new sheet metal, a nickel-plated radiator shroud, that electric start, and other niceties. To avoid admitting that perhaps the T was not the “end-all and be-all”, Ford called it the Improved Ford rather than assigning it a new model name. Today, many of these cars have turned into hot rods, rat rods, or parade cars. What would you do with this Model T if you owned it?
While I’ll give the author the benefit, way before our time, but still presented professionally. Have to bring out the big guns for this one, but couple things I can add. This is what was called a “doctors coupe”, albeit, the end of the run, but in the teens, doctors used these for rural visits, greatly improving chances of survival over old dobbin’ and a freakin’ buckboard.
Also, I don’t think that’s the battery in the engine compartment we see, I believe those are the ignition coils, and the battery, if any, is in the trunk. I see the crank, and not sure how to tell if it is electric start, anyone? It’s not on this side. I read, there were several companies that offered electric start add-ons. My grandfather, the Packard one, explained to me once how to drive a Model T. Apparently he knew how, but again, I,,,was that young punk, and didn’t listen to him. When am I EVER going to drive a Model T, gramps? So you see, I’m not that far off from my demons. Driving this is even more far fetched than the post-war HD, however, it should, nay, must be hauled to within 6 blocks of a show, unloaded, and putt-putt in. This was a huge turning point in transportation 100 years ago, and should be shown, just not driven very far.
Anytime I see a model T at a car show, I always ask the owner to explain to me how it operates. I can’t keep it in my brain. Last time I had my teenage nephew with me and as we were walking away, he said, “I still don’t think I could drive it.”
For those of you who find your way to Oregon, here is a must-see museum, complete with Model T Driving School:
https://www.waaamuseum.org/education/model-t-driving-school
The static displays are outstanding, but the events are even more so. Hood River is otherwise fun, even if you’re not into cars/planes/trains like me.
I got a ride in one at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. The driver explained how to drive it, it was a lot of fun. Wish I had been allowed to take the wheel, but even 20 years ago, legal liability was king. (The world revolves around lawyers and rich people)
The starter was standard equipment in 1926. Some folks at the museum where I volunteer drive them hundreds of miles. Once you get the pedals down, it’s easy. (from the left, high low pedal, forward reverse and on the right, brakes) $7200 will buy you a well sorted T, 10K will get you a really nice one.
In the Craigs list ad they show the left side of the engine and I think I see a starter motor.
What a fun toy to have and just Tinker with and enjoy it
really outdated badly by 1926. Ford was really set in his ways. Love to have it, though.
Looking for a 1924 model T for our 100th anniversary as a Ford dealer……
Tall Ts have always been on my list of cars I wanna own. And I’m a hardcore GM guy. This is not too far from me. Hmmmm….
Lets see a 1926 T that will not run !!!! for $7,200 dollars . WoW I will admit that the body does look good , but the interior is bad and It will not run ???? Doesnt mention a title ???? Did they even have titles ???? I have looked at a lot of Ts and they dont seem to bring a very high price ….If it has a title and he gets it running / moving under its own power , I would say 5,000 dollars tops !!!!!!!!
Back in the 60’s I would have killed for one to turn into a hot rod. Now, the interest is long gone. But who knows the future.
What became of the comment I just left? In case it returns, I’m not sure if that tall black 1927 Model T in Tenafly (New Jersey) had four doors or not — but it was a graceous sedan whose interior ran all the way back to just inside the rear bumper and spare tyre. This was about 70 years ago, so please pardon me for not being certain. But it did have both an electric starter and a crank (just in case). I hope my prior post isn’t gone — because it contained some entertaining (at least, in my mind) recollections of my grandfather in the 1930s.
Isn’t it interesting that as old as these are they and VW’s still have those that will always be our most knowledgeable, our Library of Congress with the subject matter.
Thank Goodness.
Without people such as yourselves the history would die so much more quickly and be lost forever.
My dad regaled my brother and me with stories of the ‘30’s when he, his brothers and his friends would buy these all broken down for what was then a weeks wages ($1.00 for a Railway Express delivery boy) and resurrect it, sometimes becoming a midget racer at the Springfield (IL.) raceway-occasionally with an outboard motor (Evinrude?)!,
These were the Car for The Average Man in those times, and a tremendous milestone in history overall.