Between 1913 and 1927, Ford produced over 15 million Model T’s, and the “Tin Lizzie” is widely credited for the popularization of the automobile in America. It speaks volumes for the design that so many have lasted so long, which actually keeps collector values down—many have been passed down through the family rather than sold off. After seeing the ad for this car, I started wondering why a family would sell a car after keeping it for 90 years. I’m sure there’s a very good reason, and maybe this is an opportunity for a Barn Finds reader to purchase their own family heirloom and start their own tradition. Painted black, of course, as Henry wanted it (although Model T’s were sold in other colors), this survivor is located in South Lyon, Michigan and is offered here on craigslist for $10,000.
The Model T is shown in several locations in the advertisement pictures, so I think the claim of running and driving is probably correct. The car is listed as having no rust with excellent floors, and even sports its original wooden spoke “artillery” wheels—wire spoked wheels became available for the first time in 1926. This particular style of Model T is known as a “Doctors Coupe,” although Ford never designated it as such. General consensus was that many doctors bought this particular configuration due to it being enclosed so they could make house calls out of the weather and having a trunk to transport their medical equipment.
Although a “mint” interior is claimed, they may have been talking about the color rather than the condition. Certainly there are some stains that may or may not respond to cleaning. I’m guessing the American flag on the seat means this car has seen some parade use; there are a lot of Model T’s and A’s in my area that see their only outings in parades.
As best as I can tell, this car is priced about in the middle of the market for its condition, but having the opportunity to get all the history (original books and paperwork are included with the sale) would make this Flivver more appealing to me than most. Hopefully some of the older family members are still around and can add to the history of the car. I frequently spend the first night after buying a car pouring over any documentation that came with it and have often seen the sunrise the next morning as a result. With the advent of the internet, that’s even more exciting as one can search for history of past owners and places named in the documentation. Are you interested in becoming a future owner? Let us know in the comments section.
What about the 128,000 or so that were produced between 1908 and 1912? The first T’s were sold as 1909’s but production started late in 1908. Ford may have well produced 15 million between 1913 and 1927 since film of the 15 millionth rolling off the line showed that more were still coming behind it. How many more? I’ve never heard an exact figure. It is interesting that T engines stayed in production until 1940 or so. Hard to believe people still wanted to buy service replacements so long after. Maybe they stayed in production due to some industrial application.
I just bought a 1927 Tudor. They are coming out of the woodwork, all with similar stories. Owner died and no one in the family has any interest, or the owner has Alzheimers and can’t drive it any longer. The run of the mill T goes for between 5 and 10 thousand dollars. Pristine restored examples bring more and rare body styles even more than that. I love the originality of this one and that price seems very reasonable.
My plan is to drive mine as much as possible AND offer people (especially younger folks) the opportunity to drive it, hopefully helping to revive some interest in the Flivver.
Good man……..there is more satisfaction to share than to hog it for ones self……….what a joy it must be to drive instead of just looking in admiration……………
Model Ts NEVER came with varnished wooden spokes –Originally black
Im not buying the claim its all original. Too many areas that point to its having been restored at some point. Personally, i can think of lots better places to park 10k
Absolutely love this. A true glimpse into history without restoration (other than a few touch-ups). I am amazed that this is the original interior and fabric. I truly hope that whoever purchases this time capsule decides to preserve as opposed to restore. As for the “mint” interior comment …a family who keeps an automobile interior in that condition through 8 decades (let alone 8 years) deserves to use the term “mint”.
It’s an unfortunate thing, but the level of interest in T’s and similar era cars (at least the everyday ones) is declining. They simply aren’t practical for road use. They are great for putting around neighborhoods and parade use, but getting to a car show requires a trailer. While they are rolling pieces of history, the demograpic that drove their values for decades is dying away.
I love this car but Fred is right, they cannot be driven in modern traffic. Parades are ok but even trying to get to the parade it needs to be trailered. They are just too slow. I hope this car gets a good home, I think for a “T” lover it is an awesome deal.
LOL, fred and Shilo are correct. I knew someone who arranged a collectors car tour and he set the speed at 45 mph basically ’cause that was what the Model T’s would do topped out. Of course the Packard & Pierce Arrow crowd had to practically idle their cars in top gear at that speed…
The nice thing about owning a T where I live in the country is I can keep up with some of the traffic in my 1920 Centredoor. The farm implements. Most of them.
I have one of those flashing led bicycle lights on the back of my car to warn upcoming traffic. And hopefully people remember their hand signals as I don’t even have a brake light.
I’ve been playing with old cars for 40 years now. People like to talk to you about them, but a T will attract everyone. It’s one of those cars that you have to experience driving at least once in your life.
Love it…May it find a loving home where they will maintain the car as it is.
It must be wired to find a car owned by your great-great grandparents.