1915 Ford Model T Landaulette

Lot details Registration No: DN 933 Chassis No: 942464 MOT: Exempt An original Trafford Park-built, right-hand drive Model T Bodied as a Landaulette and understood to have served as a taxi for many years Featured on screen in 'Peaky Blinders', 'Downton Abbey' and 'Mr Selfridge' etc Entered from a private collection PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have spoken to Neil Tuckett of Tuckett Bros whose opinion of ‘DN 933’ is that it is “Probably the best surviving Town Car in the UK”. Mr Tuckett confirms that he sorted the Ford’s engine out and believes he has quite some paperwork on file relating to the car which he is more than happy to share with a new keeper including (perhaps) a copy of the 1967 bill of sale from the original owner. Launched in 1908, the T's chassis and mechanical components were made from exceptionally durable, high-grade vanadium steel. The Ford also featured a compact 2890cc, side-valve, four-cylinder engine that pioneered the use of a detachable cylinder head. Mounted in unit with the clutch and two-speed epicyclic gearbox assembly, it developed some 23hp at a leisurely 1,600rpm and 80lbft of torque. Top speed was limited to around 45mph depending upon bodywork, whilst brakes operated on both the transmission and rear wheels. With the introduction of a moving assembly line in 1913, Henry Ford famously turned his Model T into the world's first mass-made car. A year later, Model Ts represented 56% of all automobiles manufactured in the USA. However, it was not just the sheer volume of Model Ts rolling off the production line that motorised America, it was the inherent quality of the design. A real rarity, this right-hand drive Model T is understood to have been built at Ford’s Trafford Park factory complete with the Landaulette body it retains to this day. The registration number ‘DN 933’ was issued in York during January 1921 and the Ford is believed to have seen service there for many years as a Hackney Carriage. The engine currently installed (number 942464) dates from October 1915 and is assumed to be original to the chassis. The leather upholstery (including the fold down occasional rear seats) has a great deal of age to it but remains usable. Proudly sporting a supplier’s plaque from the renowned Model T specialist Tuckett Bros., ‘DN 933’ entered the current family ownership in February 2008. Part of a large private collection that was hired out for film and television work from time to time, the Landaulette has reputedly starred in ‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘War Horse’ and ‘Mr Selfridge’ being repainted different colours depending upon the production crew’s wishes. Starting readily upon inspection, ‘DN 933’ exhibits a pleasing patina and benefits from coil ignition, electric start and a two-speed rear axle. Surely, a ‘must have’ acquisition for a UK Model T collector? Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, period Halda taxi meter and sundry paperwork. For more information, please contact: Damian Jones damian.jones@handh.co.uk 07855 493737