Description

1925 Ford Model T

Well sorted after much recent attention; put the fun back into motoring; in very nice order

“I will build a car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one – and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces” – Henry Ford.

Launched in 1908, the Ford Model T is not only credited as the most influential car of the 20th Century, it is also widely acknowledged to be one of the most successful products of all time. The world’s first affordable automobile, not only did it democratize the luxury of personal transport, it also revolutionised the means of production and transformed the social and commercial life of America, thus setting the template for the rise of the greatest superpower the world has ever seen.

By 1914, the assembly process for the Model T had been so streamlined that it took only 93 minutes to assemble each car, Ford producing more cars in one year than all other car makers combined. Costing just $850 at launch when competing cars cost well over $2,000, the price dropped steadily as sales rose, falling to $300 by 1920. By the time Henry had sold his 10 millionth Model T, nine out of ten of all cars in the world were Fords.

Largely designed by Childe Harold Wills, with input from Hungarian immigrants Joseph Galamb and Eugene Farkas, it was powered by a 2.9-litre monobloc 4-cylinder engine producing 20hp that could run on petrol, kerosene or ethanol and was capable of 45mph with 25mpg economy. In total, more than 15 million Model Ts were manufactured before it was finally replaced by the Model A in 1927, more than any other car for almost a century.

Built on 13th April 1925, this lovely Model T Runabout two-seater was imported from Kansas by the Tuckett Brothers in November 2014 and soon joined a private collection. It changed hands again in 2017, its new owner firing it up now and then and generally enjoying the 'T' experience.

In wonderfully original and unmolested condition, it just oozes character and has clearly seen lots of care over the years. The steering is commendably free of play and the suspension, steering components and front spring come clean and well-greased.

It is said to drive as a good T should, pulling up hills with ease. The 6-volt electrics are in fine fettle with working lights and starter, although the battery will need replacement.

The file includes its Kansas title document and current V5C. It also comes with some very interesting books, including the definitive work on the English Model T (note this is a US built and supplied car) along with other useful pamphlets and a comprehensive Model T service book - everything in fact one needs to know.

A work of genius on so many levels, no serious car collection can be complete without a Ford Model T and this fine survivor only needs a discerning new custodian who can enjoy and preserve it for generations yet to come. We like it a lot.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com