When I look at classics like this 1925 Ford Model T Truck, I wonder whether I will look as good when I have one hundred years under my belt. This centenarian shows promise as a project candidate, appearing solid and missing only a few minor parts. The seller is listing it on behalf of their father, and the interest it has garnered suggests a few people wish to give it a new home. The Ford is listed here on eBay in Cochranville, Pennsylvania. Bidding currently sits at $2,018 in a No Reserve auction.
Much has been written about the Ford Model T and how it put the world on wheels. This is no exaggeration because, at one point, over 50% of the vehicles roaming the planet’s roads were a “T” in one form or another. The secret to its success wasn’t simply that Henry Ford focused on affordability, but utilized elegantly simple and rugged engineering principles that allowed these classics to cope with some incredibly adverse conditions. The seller’s father planned to restore this truck to its former glory, but with his interest waning, he has decided the time is right for it to find a new home. The listing images paint a positive picture, with the frame appearing to be rock-solid. The body is largely complete, with the hood side covers the only missing major part. Scouring the typical online auction sites will almost certainly unearth replacements, although with new reproduction complete hoods retailing for under $450, that might be a better option. The timber looks remarkably good and may be an ideal candidate to be stripped, sanded, and repainted. The body steel requires the same level of attention and, given how easy these vehicles are to dismantle and reassemble, a nut-and-bolt approach to achieve a high-end result may prove tempting. The windshield appears to be crack-free, and most of the bright trim pieces look restorable.
Every Model T built during the nineteen-year production run featured a 177ci flathead four under the hood. Henry Ford focused on simplicity, teaming the flathead with a two-speed planetary transmission, and with 20hp at the driver’s disposal, performance was considered exceptional when the first cars left the factory. Ford’s competitors played catch-up as the years passed, and the Model T was struggling to keep pace by the time the company performed its changeover to the Model A. However, the reputation for rugged reliability remained intact, helping to explain why even during the shortened final year, an impressive 399,725 buyers handed over their cash to own a Model T. Our featured Ford is mechanically complete, with the seller confirming that the engine turns freely. They haven’t tried to coax it to life, but include a new wiring harness and other parts to help the winning bidder on their restoration pathway.
Simplicity and a focus on affordability are reflected once we dive inside a Model T. The dash and trim were basic, and Ford only offered a few options to improve occupant comfort. This Truck features a complete dash and a rubber floor mat, but it appears that the seat is missing. Once again, locating an affordable replacement won’t pose many challenges for the new owner. The remaining items appear restorable without breaking the bank.
Affordability is often a prime consideration for those searching for a project candidate, as is the availability of parts. Ford’s Model T ticks the second box soundly, with many companies producing parts that would allow enthusiasts to theoretically recreate a complete vehicle from new components. This 1925 Truck doesn’t require that type of approach, with only a few pieces missing. It has attracted fifteen bids, but undeniably still falls within the affordable category. With No Reserve in play, it is guaranteed to find a new home in a few days. If a DIY project has been on your mind, could this centenarian be a candidate?
What’s that hissing sound? Oh, nothing, just the sound of the steam escaping from the interest in these projects. No comments( an iron clad indicator of interest) 82 viewers and $2 grand, you don’t need much more proof than that. I think there is some interest, if it was turn,,,crank maybe, but it’s pretty clear, people are shying away from projects, the end doesn’t justify the means, a trend most certainly will continue, sadly. It really is about the best example you will find. Starting, shifting and stopping will baffle most today.
Hey Howard, keep your shorts on, it’s Sunday morning and not everyone starts the day as early as you. There’s a tow-bar in the back to drag it home, it’s electric start (a big plus). I think it would be a great small town around town project, let’s see what every body thinks.
“Hey Howard, keep your shorts on,” made my miller high life shoot out my nose. Thanks for the laugh
I was at a local car show last year and someone had a Model T there. I probably talked to him the most. He didnt make it perfect. Just got it running and was painted a matte black. There were bumps and bruises on it. Dents and dings, he just painted over it to make it look clean. He just really enjoyed getting a local T up and running again. And I admired what he did. He tried to keep the budget as low as possible. I can see something like that with this one too. Get it running clean it up and just enjoy it as is. Driving a Model T is definitely on my bucket list for sure.
Second that. There are some vehicles you don’t need to restore and this truck meets that criteria. Looks like fun standing still.
My brother and I have an all original, unrestored 21 T that was our dad’s. It is completely original with the exception of tires and hoses. It is pretty beat up looking but runs well. We took it to an all T show put on by the Long Beach Model T Club a few years back. We had a crowd around us the whole time we were there. All of these guys, some with a lot of Model T expertise, we’re looking at our car as if it was a time capsule. All said that this car should never be restored.
So yes there is interest in theses old relics. Maybe it’s a niche crowd, but, never the less, the interest is there.
I forgot. The battery is also not original. Pretty sure that’s it; hoses, tires, and battery.
I have a drivable unrestored 1920 Model T. EVERYONE who sees it, loves it. A restoration might kill that.
I see a stack of spare parts for the bed and rear seats, maybe even new floor boards, on the left of the first picture.
I hate to say it but Howard it right. Interest in these projects IS declining. Parts ARE getting more expensive and harder to find. Clubs are getting smaller or disappearing. Machine shop and mechanic rates are through the roof.
I do agree this is easy to work on, reasonable priced ( actually really cheap for what it is) and a lot of fun to own if you like to tinker. The green color is reminiscent of JD green of the day. The wood is good, it is all there. All it takes is MONEY, skill and TIME, all of which seem to be in short supply. I could do it all, but every day is my remaining time it too precious to mess with an old T.
ThIs is a PA truck. I would like to suggest to the seller to contact the ATCA and offer it in their magazine.. If nothing else take it up to Macungie PA on Father’s Day weekend. They have a century row display and also a For Sale corral.
Contrary to some Model Ts are still capturing a lot of attention. Until my friend’s mind started slipping he ran a real nice T pickup. His grandkids were learning to drive it and I’m sure that the older ones have become quite skilled. Lots of support out there and parts fairly easy to come by. What’s not to want? They’re a little slow; a little noisy, but they’re still a lot of fun.
The original Model T used magnetos to produce the electricity to create spark when the hand crank was turned vigorously. Later models only had a battery to support electric start and lights. So, these are essentially EMP proof! The perfect prepper accessory.
I’d make into a driver but I’ve driven Model Ts and don’t care to again.
To each his own.
Too many parts missing to consider it a 25 pickup. The first factory pickup with a steel bed was the 1925 Ford T. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t even come close.
Either you love’em or ya hate’em. No in between, but after 60+ years of Fordin’ they are fun! This one looks pretty complete as an extended cab (4 seater, not original) and has a lot going for it. Just be advised that the front cylinder water jacket (under the bank) looks to have a crack, noted by the rusty finish above the timing gear case. Nothing that 2 raw eggs (or some horse manure!!) in the radiator wont remedy on the non presurized thermo syphon cooling system; no water pump either. $$$ is any easy number so far for this unit. In prime condition maybe worth 5-7 K. 1927 rear end, wheels and tires are a plus as well. Mash down on that LOW pedal and get rollin”!!
I accidently bought a restored 1927 Roadster at an auction (long story). Had to ask the old timers how the hell to start and drive it. They don’t go fast enough for me and I didn’t enjoy it much, but taught my 14 year old daughter how to drive it and she did better than I did. I’ve saved up a few of the 26 &27 T roadsters to try to build a couple T buckets if I live long enough.