What a neat find! Closing in on close to the century mark is this 1926 Ford Model T coupe. Originally from the Peach State, this Model T was purchased from the original family owners and is now domiciled in Canandaigua, New York. Some restoration work has been started but the seller wants to move it on to a new owner. It is available here on craigslist for $11,050. Thanks to Mike T. for this great trip!
The story of Henry Ford’s Model T is well known, it is one of the most ubiquitous cars of all time with approximately 15M assembled between 1908 and 1927. This example is one of about 1.5M Model T’s produced in ’26 and was priced at $485 when new. Model T variations that year were aplenty including a runabout, touring car, coupe, roadster pickup, Tudor sedan, Fordor sedan, and a chassis for further modification.
The seller states that there is “professional restoring underway” but due to age and health concerns he has decided to sell. He further adds, “This car is extremely solid, surface exterior rust only, very clean underside. Great restoration vehicle!” The body and glass are intact and straight, there are some small imperfections with the fender edges, etc. but nothing that would be considered major. As previously noted by the seller, the finish, at least I think that’s what it is, is faded and worn with signs of light surface rust making an overall appearance. My guess is that this T was originally black, what else, right? The important thing is that there doesn’t appear to be any rot-through topside or bottom side. The condition of the fabric roof (today known as Cobra Long Grain) is unknown, there is no mention or image of it. The first thing that I see when viewing this T from behind are the lines of an enclosed carriage – I guess this body design in ’26 was not that far removed.
Here’s a nice surprise, the seller claims, “Starts, drives, rides tight, stops great! New tires, tubes, and restored wheels. Recent brakes. New OEM exhaust and vintage wiring.” I was expecting that the 20 HP, 177 CI, in-line, four-cylinder engine would be a non-runner. I have to admit that the “vintage wiring” reference caught my attention. Does that mean 94-year-old wiring or new, original style wiring? Hopefully the latter and not the former. The seller adds that he has many vintage OEM parts included with the sale.
The interior is about as original as a Model T can get. The seat is showing signs of wear and the exterior “aged” look continues the trend indoors. But it all looks to be there, an almost eerie, undisturbed time capsule. The entire presence of this car makes one wonder where it has been all of these years; it has clearly experienced a very long period of quiet solitude. The seller mentions an interesting provenance but I guess you’ll have to inquire if you want to know the story.
The seller suggests that this Model T is, “a true barn find with super potential“. The originality and completeness of it would make one think that is the case with this example. But I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not qualified to delve into the ups and downs, or positives and negatives of Model T restoration. But I know quite a few of our Barn Finds readers are, so please chime in, what do you think, good bones here?
Restore? Oh my goodness no! I would preserve it and drive it like it is.(with comfort upgrades) Model T prices these days usually don’t warrant a nut and bolt restoration yet I admit it would be beautiful restored.
There could’ve been some other factory
color on the body as Henry began offering different colors to the public in
’26. Colors like Maroon, Dark Blue, and
two shades of Green could be had for the lower body while the roof and fenders remained Black. You could also
get bumpers and wire spoked wheels as well. Despite his best efforts, Henry
Ford knew that the Model T was reaching the end of its run. Other
companies like GM and Chrysler were
building more modern vehicles than the
T and the public was flocking to them.
As for this car, $10K may be too much.
The folks that tinkered with them in the
’50s, ’60s, and ’70s are dying off and
today’s young people have no interest
in something this old. That’s a shame
too because a car like this needs to be
preserved for future generations who
might never get to see one in the flesh.
Amen
The drawback to a T is that they’re not exactly highway material. Side roads…High Holidays..sure but taking it on a 55 mph road . not so much. That’s why A’s command such a better price
Thw
11K seems a little steep to me,
Begging for a Hellcat upgrade
My dad’s good friend has a 26 Model T Touring. Burgundy with black interior. Nice parade condition. Only thing it needs is a new top, but all the bows are there. I’m sure he would love to get $11,000 for it. Sadly it is appraised at $8,500.
If I had the money to buy it, I would in a heart beat and drive it.
Used to buy these Model T cars for ten dollars, fifteen if they were running in the early 60’s. Maybe I should have saved a couple of them.