1903 Ford Model A Open Tourer

1903 Ford Model A Open Tourer
Engine no. 68
The oldest car in the collection, this early Model A carries the engine number '68' stamped into its flywheel, designating its identity. According to information published as part of the exhaustive and definitive work 'Pate's Early Ford Automobile Encyclopedia – The Ford Cars 1903-1909', car 68 was one of a very early batch of cars delivered to A.C. Barker's Agency in Chicago, Illinois on 15th August 1903.

Mr. Pate has been able to supply additional information regarding the car's history in its post-war era, citing it to have been the property of Nelson Holmwoods in California, before being acquired by noted collector James G. Leake in 1962. While in that ownership, it is thought that this was the same car used in a 75th Anniversary television show, with Henry, Edsel and Bill Ford, accompanied by celebrities of the day such as Muhammad Ali. By 1981, it was advertised in America for $35,000, and shortly after this crossed the Atlantic to become the property of John E. Sattler in Ireland.

Paperwork on file attest to it arriving in the UK in February 1990, being brought in through Customs under the auspices of ADT Auctions at Hindhead in the UK and in the name of Jeffery Morris. It was auctioned in 1991 and its next British owner was Basil Williams who campaigned it on the Centenary London to Brighton Run in 1996. According to a copy of a British 'V5' road registration certificate around the same time it was kept by Walter Crook, of Fishguard in Wales. We believe that Mr. den Hartogh acquired the car a few years later, its last UK road tax running out in 1999.

The Ford was presented to the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain in the mid-1990s and received Certificate of Date Number 2168 in June 1997, when it was confirmed as being of 1903 manufacture, at this time a later pattern Model A rear axle was noted as a modification that it had received in its career.

Viewed today it represents the definitive early form of the first production Ford, with simple four-seater bodywork with detachable rear section, enabling it to be run as a two or four seater. The coachwork would seem to have been restored while still in America as its upholstery has a similar age to its condition and appears to be refinished in correct high-quality style button back leather. The car is well appointed with side mounted wicker baskets, and the all-important rear umbrella basket as well as various nice details including the remnants of a Ford Company logo transfer to one side.

One of the most coveted of all Fords, these first Model A's provide an insight into the start of the new Ford Company and in the era of collecting automobiles enable their owners to participate in one of the best known historic car events, the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which today is sponsored by Bonhams. As a previously dated car, it would be eligible for this and future year's events, with entries closing on 27 July, for further information regarding applying for this, please visit www.veterancarrun.com.