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Montana 500 Entry: 1910 Model T

1910-model-t

Contrary to what some may think, Ford did not invent the automobile. He just figured out how to make it cheap. Model T production began in 1908 and within 19 years, 15 million had been sold. Even with that many built, it can be hard to find them today. This 1910 example is far from original, but that just makes it all the more interesting. The seller states that it can be considered a barn find because it is currently in a barn and is more than a bit dusty. Sounds fair to us. It can be found on Seattle’s craigslist with an asking price of $4,400. Thanks goes to Brian C. for the tip!

model-t-fenders

Since the Model T was built for nearly 20 years, it was not uncommon for owners to swap parts from newer T’s. Improvements were made over the years and it only made sense to take advantage of them. This particular car benefits from a newer engine, an aftermarket aluminum body, and twenties’ fenders. The original kerosene lamps have also been replaced with electric units. It may not look the best, but we bet it goes down the road a little more briskly than when it left the factory.

model-t-found

Apparently the owner purchased this car back in 2011, or someone else found one just like it. They found it under a tarp and posted a few photos on the Model T Club of America forum asking for help with identifying the body. People chimed in with some interesting observations which can be read here, but no one was able to confirm the source of the “Apex” body though. Any T experts here?

model-t-aluminum-body

The engine does turn over, but is not currently running. The owner used it more as a conversation piece than a driver, so it is going to need a lot of work before it can be used on the road again. We would want to get it running, install some Rocky Mountain brakes, and then try to convince the guys at the Montana 500 to let us in. The 500 is one of the last public roads races and, although we doubt anyone hits triple digit speeds, there can’t be many things more thrilling than trying in a Tin Lizzie.

Comments

  1. Avatar Mark E

    Begining to sound like a ‘Heinz 57’ to me…1910 frame with late teens fenders/headlights, mid teens body and a mid-20s engine. “Modified” doesn’t BEGIN to describe it. I know if I wanted to enter it in an event that was for pre-1915 vehicles, I’d certainly expect to have to get a waiver from the organizers!

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  2. Avatar seth

    regular JC Whitney assortment of parts. What a typical farmer would do to keep his vehicle running.

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  3. Avatar Clay Bryant

    As we used to say 50 years ago,”Drop a good working radio in it and we’re good to go”.

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  4. Avatar braktrcr

    My late Father had a 21 Center Door Sedan for over 40 years. We sold it in the mid 90’s for 5K and gave a bunch of parts with it. It was an amateur restoration. Amazing vehicle, when he found it, it was being used as a chicken coop. I drove it once in my life, and it was the hardest vehicle ever to drive. Sweat was pouring off me after a few miles. You have to “un-learn” everything you were ever taught about driving. 3 pedals… none of them for gas LOL

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  5. Avatar Craig Bothwell

    What makes a 1910 model T “rare” is a 1910
    Model T engine, which this is lacking.
    There is nothing rare about this T. Nothing.

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  6. Avatar geomechs Member

    I had to read it again to get some facts straight. It looks to me like there’s very little 1910 parts left on it. I would tend to put this into the Jalopy category. Just the same, it would be a fun project to take on. Myself, I’m more into a complete 1910 model.

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  7. Avatar flash

    one piece at a time–Johnny Cash

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  8. Avatar Don Andreina

    Hmmmm…. Looks like a rear tyre was drilled to be lightweight

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  9. Avatar Darel

    Am I the only one amazed that there are enough driver-quality roadworthy Model Ts left that they have their own 500-mile road race, in Montana?

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