One of the greatest attractions of the “Tin Lizzy” is that it evolved slowly during its 19-year production run. That means that many parts are not just suitable to swap from one year to the next, but from one decade to the next. This 1917 Model T is a perfect example of this philosophy because some of its body parts appear to be from an earlier model. It has been parked since 1965, but it is a complete project car that is structurally sound. Adding to its attraction is that a significant collection of parts will be included in the sale. Located in Reno, Nevada, you will find the little Ford listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the auction to open at $3,200, but there have been no bids. However, 94 people are watching the listing. 
Before finding its way to Nevada, the Model T spent decades stored in a California barn as a restoration project that stalled before it could start. That helps to explain how it has accumulated little more than a heavy coating of surface corrosion during its life. For all of his faults and foibles, Henry knew how to build a car. Just take a look at the current crop of offerings that we see in showrooms today and try to imagine whether any of those would survive to celebrate their 104th birthday. I would highly doubt it. This classic personifies (or “auto-fies”) that old story about the guy who owned his grandfather’s ax. It was completely original except that it had received three new heads and six new handles. This Model T is a bit like that because while most of it is original, it does wear some body parts from earlier models. This includes the main body structure, radiator, cowl, and front fenders. The seller believes that these are from a 1915 or 1916 model. Everything else is consistent with a 1917 model. There is plenty of surface corrosion but no penetrating rust. The frame is structurally sound, but the buyer will need to source a new top and a replacement for the cracked windshield. 
The best way to view this Ford’s interior would be to consider it as a blank canvas. There is precious little in the way of fittings and no upholstery, which means that the buyer will be starting from scratch with this area of the car. That’s not a complete disaster because most of the parts are pretty easy to find. Ford produced more than 15,000,000 examples of the “T” during its production run, and that pretty well guaranteed that there would always be a thriving industry for genuine and reproduction parts. Incredibly, even today, genuine NOS parts that were made more than 100-years-ago will pop up for sale on sites like eBay. That means that if the buyer is patient and is seeking complete originality, it is conceivable that they could achieve it with a Model T. 
The owner has done some checking, and he believes that the 177ci flathead 4-cylinder engine that occupies this Ford’s engine bay is original to the car. These are a bulletproof old thing that is capable of producing 20hp. They are such a robust design that many saw service as stationary units to power pumps and sawmill equipment long after the rest of the car had found its way onto the scrapheap. This engine doesn’t run, but it is complete. The owner has applied a starting handle, and the little four does turn freely. It is conceivable that it could be coaxed back to life, but I would be inclined to treat it to a careful inspection first. Yes, they’re tough, but we’re talking about a 104-year-old engine that has lain dormant for more than five decades. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 
Included in the sale is a wide variety of parts, and while some are believed to be from a later Model A, there are still plenty of bits suitable for this classic. This includes wheels, tires, axles, brakes, front spindles, oil pans, and even a spare engine block. The owner could choose to retain these parts or sell the surplus pieces to help fund the restoration work. 
This 1917 Ford Model T isn’t completely original, but it holds a lot of promise as a restoration project. The fact that it has remained intact and structurally sound for more than a century is a testament to how well these cars were built. It would make a wonderful family project that could be enjoyed and appreciated when the work is complete. Many activities can serve as family bonding experiences, but a project like this rates as one of the best. Plenty of families have reaped the benefits of this type of project, and if you do have a young family, maybe this is a classic that deserves a closer look.
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Feb 6, 2021 • For Sale • 10 Comments
Putt-putt, pow, pow, if Laurel and Hardy movies taught me anything. I use BF’s comment section, or lack of them, as an indicator of the popularity of a vehicle shown, and after 9 hours, bupkis on the Model T. It’s a clear sign of the times. The mayor of our burg, has a Model T that comes out once a year for the gay pride parade, but otherwise, just sits under a carport. Just no interest today.
Sad but true…
As I get older and think about such things,I am dagnabit amazed and impressed at the ability of succeeding generations of Americans to further mechanical system development. In a hundred years personal transportation has gone from this to an F350 dually.to pick one at random…or even looneytunes Musks’ Tesla.
I know its obvious but every once in a while I just shake my head and think its agood thing society didn’t rely on me to briing us this far! :)
I guess it’s all where you’re located. There’s an annual show-n-shine in Glacier/Waterton Park around the end of August and after the show, the guys with the old Ts and other Brass Era cars go driving through town with loads of kids aboard. It’s great to see it. Those kids are clamoring for another ride. There’s also the Pigs-Fords-Races in Tillamook OR each year. That’s a family tradition with lots of family members carrying on through the generations…
At a local car show, ( not last year, obviously) there was a man and wife in a Model A, the only one there ( of maybe 50 cars)nobody was talking to them, so I went over, and told them what a nice car they had. She said thanks, but it would probably be their last show. They were the last of several friends that have Model A’s, and just don’t feel safe driving it anymore, and that was a Model A, I’d have to think a Model T would be worse. Best bet on these, trailer them behind your dually pickup, get 2 blocks from the show, off load and putt-putt in.
The guys out west drive ’em, and drive ’em a lot. We were in Glacier a couple of summers ago and there must have been 20 Model Ts there, from as far away as South Carolina. And they drove the entire distance…
I love Model T’s. The first car I ever restored was a 14 T touring. That was in 1969 and I was 15. I got an AACA second place at Hershey with it. Over the years my father and I had many T’s, from a 1911 to one of the last T’s built in 27. If you’ve never driven one, it’s quite an experience getting use to the 3 pedals for clutch, brake & reverse, which all operate on bands in the transmission.
This T is a hodge bodge of parts. 1916 was the last year for the square brass radiator (though that radiator’s either home made, or a cobbled up original), and the last year for flat top front fenders. The hood’s even earlier, 15-16 hoods had louvers in them. Unfortunately, very few of the spare parts included would be helpful in restoring the car. Most look like mechanical parts, that probably aren’t needed, but I don’t see any of the the things needed to make it look like a 17 T again.
A great project for a family wanting to get into the collector car hobby but with limited funds, assuming some mechanical ability. These are fun vehicles around town, and not just for parades.
1917? I thought Ford quit the brass radiators at the end of the 15 production year. I would love to have a brass-rad Ford…
its a 15 brass rad with steel headlites went to steel rad sheel in 16 hope no one butchers it up