Older Restoration: 1925 Ford Model T Sedan

Hiding under this cover is a car that has been voted in various polls as the most significant car of the 20th Century. It is a 1925 Ford Model T Sedan, and it is an older restoration that is looking for a new home. It runs and drives and is ready to be enjoyed by a lucky new owner. Located in Red Bluff, California, you will find the Ford listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $5,500, and the reserve has been met. The Model T is an older restoration, but it isn’t clear when the work was performed. Under the dust is a body that appears to be in excellent condition. There is no visible rust, and the seller doesn’t mention any issues in the listing. If it has spent most of its life in California, there is every chance that it has never experienced these issues. The owner says that the paint has a few marks and chips, but these aren’t visible in the supplied photos. The trim and glass show no issues, while the wheels appear to be in excellent condition. What the exterior needs more than anything is for someone to take the time to clean and detail it thoroughly. I believe that it would come up a treat with a bit of elbow grease. Once this is done, that cover could be slipped back over it because it is included in the sale. The Model T’s interior looks just as nice as the exterior, and all it would seem to need is some cleaning and detailing. The trim and carpet aren’t original, but they add a feeling of luxury and comfort to what was conceived as an affordable means of transport for “every man.” The upholstery is in good order, with no signs of rips or tears. The painted surfaces look excellent, and there are no issues with the wheel. The rear passenger compartment looks just as good as the front, which is one aspect of this Ford that makes it an attractive proposition. A 4-door body with a decent rear seat makes this Model T a practical vehicle for the enthusiast with a family. Anyone with young children can attest to how difficult it can be to squeeze a child into the rear of a 2-door classic. This offers to ease that burden and maximizes the chances that any outing will commence in a relaxed fashion. When the rest of the restoration work was completed, the Ford’s drivetrain was also treated to a refresh. The 177ci flathead 4-cylinder was rebuilt and is said to run well. With only around 20hp available to the driver, the Model T was by no means a fast vehicle. However, this old Ford does have an ace up its sleeve. It has been outfitted with a Ruckstell 2-speed rear end. This adds some flexibility to the vehicle, and while it might not improve its outright speed, it offers additional gear ratios when the going becomes hilly. By leaving the main transmission in high but engaging low on the rear-end, it effectively provides an intermediate gear between the regular high and low. On gradients where high is too high and low is too low, this system offers a brilliant solution. This Model T hasn’t had a lot of use since the rebuild was completed, but it is ready to hit the road the moment the buyer hands their cash to the seller. The Ford Model T was not the best car to roll off a production line during the early 20th Century. It was not the most refined, and towards the end of its production life, it was a long way from being the most technically advanced. However, it is a car that could be considered to have put the world on wheels. It was a shining symbol of America’s willingness to embrace technology, and at the height of its popularity, 50% of all cars on American roads were the venerable Tin Lizzy. Henry Ford knew what he wanted to achieve, making the automobile accessible to any person earning a reasonable wage. Until the Model T rolled off the production line, cars were the domain of the wealthy, but the Model T changed the landscape forever. Would the industry have developed to its current level if it weren’t for the Model T? That is a question that is impossible to answer. Still, plenty of knowledgeable motoring historians believe that the Model T had a profound impact worldwide. Someone now has the opportunity to own one of these important classics that is celebrating its 96th birthday. Given its overall condition, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it still about in another 96-years. Does that thought make it an attractive proposition for you?

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Comments

  1. doug

    Model T’s never had a vacuum tank. And I don’t think they came from Henry with a VW distributor. would be a fun cruiser, especially at that price.

    Like 0
  2. Joe Machado

    Is this Danny Ide’s or was, or a family member?
    Danny and went to Narbonne High and graduated in 1963, Harbor City.
    Remember Joe Field?

    Like 0
  3. Steve Clinton

    Why would someone use a photo of the car completely covered as their lead-off pic?

    Like 3
    • Rodney - GSM

      …the same person who does not wash a car they are trying to sell.

      Like 6
  4. Jay E.Member

    A bargain at this price, should go for twice that. I loved Model T’s and this one is a beauty. But not on today’s roads with distracted driving. Has a 2 speed, which gives it a 45mph top speed, but it definitely would need a brake upgrade. I’d bid on this, but in my heart of hearts I know it would just sit and the upkeep is too much for a couple of drives a year.

    Like 1
  5. Raoul-F Raoul-F

    Nice car…and nice price… despite some newer parts. The Ruckstell covers all these little deviations. :-)

    Like 1
  6. Mike

    Be cool to wear period clothes and ride around.

    Like 2
  7. Bob Mck

    It is an interesting ride. I prefer something in the late 30’s.

    Like 0
  8. Slotblog

    The car is not a 1925 Model T, but rather a 1926, as evidenced by the fenders and dash. Could have been produced in 1925, but it is a 1926 (or ’27) model year car.

    Like 0
  9. Arden

    I own a ’23 in similar condition. Guess I don’t need to insure it for $8,000 anymore.

    Like 0

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