If you are into building wild custom hot rods, this find might just be up your alley! Reader Michael B’s father-in-law started building this Ford Model T a few years ago but unfortunately passed away before being able to finish it. Rather than let it sit in the garage gathering more dust, his family has decided to let someone else finish it. A huge amount of work has been done to build it, but it still needs a lot of work to finish. As a result, the family has decided to ask $4,000 or best offer and it’s located in Chichester, New Hampshire. If you’d love to have it, you can contact Michael via Barn Finds Classifieds.
Michael’s father-in-law worked as an autobody guy for 50 years, so it appears that he wanted to put his experience to good use and build something really unique. It features a ton of custom-made parts, like the grille, hood, rear fenders, and roof. The body is said to be fiberglass, while the front fenders and headlights are from a Model A. It’s definitely distinctive and would get attention everywhere it goes. While most people building custom Model Ts use two-door bodies, I actually like that this one is a 4-door touring body. It would give you more space and you likely won’t see other 4-doors at the local car shows.
A lot of the heavy lifting has already been done here, but there are still plenty of things to be finished. The 327 V8 and Powerglide transmission are mounted up, but the driveshaft isn’t installed (it’s present though). It also needs the wiring finished up, the engine plumbed, and I’m sure there will be lots of small things that need to be buttoned up. Michael states that the suspension is from a C4 Corvette, so it might actually handle nicely. He doesn’t say whether the rear end is also from the Corvette, but it seems likely if the rear suspension is from the Corvette. You’ll want to inspect the chassis though as it’s custom-fabricated and you’ll want to make sure it’s solid and well reinforced before hitting the street in it.
Buying someone else’s custom vehicle can be a little bit of a challenge since we all have different tastes and how we want things done. While this one is going to require a buyer that likes this type of custom build, where it’s not completely done, you can still change things and make it your own. Plus, the asking price is low enough that you can value it just off of the parts. A good 327 V8 will set you back about $3,000 by itself, plus whatever a Powerglide is worth. This is definitely one I would want to get inspected before pulling the trigger, but it could prove to be a fun machine to work on and cruise in. So, would you just get it going as is or would you redo some of it to make it more your style?
Definitely heard the beat of a different drummer.
A different drummer on another planet living in an alternative universe. Someone definitely had a vision and acted on it unlike most people.
It’s ALIVE, it’s ALIVE!!
Looks like a lot of time and energy went into the build, and the C-4 chassis is a good choice. I hope someone comes along and completes the project rather than part it out.
That said, I own several 327 engines I’d be happy to sell for 3k…
What’s with the parachute? While I don’t mean to belittle a family item, being the BFs loud mouth, I’ll say it,,,it’s hideous. Sorry, nothing jives here. It’s a hodge podge of this and that, and I’m not sure what the intent here was. The parachute suggests a drag car ( chutes required for under 10 seconds in the 1/4, I heard) but this car is far from that. I’d be real leery going fast in a home built car. Is that a Rambler gas cap? Nice!!!
Agreed that in its present form my eyes are trying to run and hide, but with some smoothing and customization, there is some coolness lurking in this build. (Trim and style bumper, new grill that would pay homage to the original and the original artist who created this, better execution of headlights, less distracting intake, modernish curved windscreen, keep the cool dash, comfy interior) I don’t think this could ever hit the 150 mph in the 1/4 to necessitate the chute. (I wouldn’t even want to hit 150 in Bonneville with this) definately a cool starting point for not a ton of $$$$. Wish there was a title.
Hi John, I actually had a bit of remorse after posting that comment, I hope Michael B isn’t too upset and I want to apologize. It’s bad enough losing a loved one, it’s a tough time. These “creations” rarely find owners, as it appeals to the builder, but not many others. It is kind of cool, more like a rat-rod drag racer, and the guy did a lot of work, something I’m not sure I could do.
The poster child for “Don’t do it yourself’.
One can only assume it is up for sale because they are tired of their children having nightmares.
That was certainly the kindest write-up I’ve ever read.
I’ve got nothing! No words, I am just sorry. If it mechanically checks out and price is negotiated ,the parts my be worth it.
Henry Ford would not approve. In fact, …. pretty sure it is a Federal crime to call this a “Model T”.
I think the word we are looking for here is: “Abortion”
Gonna give this mess a big “nope !” 👎🏿
Wow it’s ummm different I am wit Howard not my cup of tea weird front grill bumper and flat top rear fenders and that triangle dashboard is definitely unique and then an aluminum racing seat
Usually I try to look at the positives when someone has spent so long on a project, but … a bathtub with a greenhouse on top.
Sorry.
When I read all the negative comments about a custom build like this, I wonder what the custom build of the commenters look like. Oh wait – they don’t have one. Easier to criticize others’ work than make the effort themselves.
Not quite, Kenn. Most of us have better sense that to build a turd, when a stock T is a “no help needed” vehicle already and cheap and easy to own. Building a custom is like music. Most of us know that there is plenty of good stuff out there already. We don’t all need to have a band.
Kenn, I agree, which I why I’m usually supportive of self-builds.
Usually.