1917 Ford Model T Touring

1917 Ford Model T Touring
Engine no. 1566354
177ci Frontenac OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Approximately 35bhp at 2,200rpm
2-Speed Planetary Gear Transmission
2-Speed Rear Axle
Rear Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Two Generations Collection
*Time-warp Example
*First full year of the black radiator 'T'

† Sold In Situ - Noted lot is being sold in situ and preview is available Tuesday and Wednesday May 30th and 31st. To make arrangements to view the lots and for further information please contact motors.us@bonhamscars.com.

Please refer to the Buyer Information page for further information.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The venerable brass radiator era of the Ford ended in 1917. Likely the last maker in the industry to still have a polished brass radiator, it finally gave way to the black T. Though today most prefer the earlier type, the new T was a hit in its market carrying updated looks, some improved features, and a new super low price. At the time, the Model T sold like nothing else the world had seen.

Both generations prized the products of the Ford Motor Co. and originality and authenticity. This car fits all of these criteria and appears to be a benchmark example of the second chapter of the model. Most interestingly it appears to retain almost its entire interior which for these cars was now finished in imitation leather, which of course was not as resilient as the real thing, so its survival is quite remarkable. As a result of its layer of storage dust, it is difficult to determine whether the paintwork is also original to the car, but based on the general aesthetics is entirely credible.

Acquired from John Duffy of Hillside, NJ, he in turn had purchased it on May 5th, 1950, so it has resided in the same locale for 70% of its life. Unused for many years, it will naturally require work to return it to the road, but it would certainly be a welcome sight in use again, or indeed would make a museum worthy exhibit owing to its condition.