Runabout Find? 1919 Ford Model T

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Until the Volkswagen Beetle came along, the Model T was the most produced car of the 20th Century. It saw 15 million copies built between 1908-27, whereas the Beetle would eventually top 21 million cars worldwide. The seller describes his machine as a “roadster pickup” which doesn’t correlate exactly to how Ford categorized them. I don’t see any area on this one that resembles a bed to haul anything, so I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s a Runabout. Plus. it’s only configured for two passengers. Located in a garage in East Falmouth, Massachusetts, the century-old car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,000.

Henry Ford cornered the market in the 1900s with inexpensive “horseless carriages,” principally the Model T. As more and more of them were built, the cost of production and the sales price went down. What was $825 in 1908 was $500 for a little Runabout by 1919, so almost everyone could afford one. There were no less than 16 categories of the car that year and total production fell just short of a half-million units. The Runabout was the second most popular version, coming in at 49,000 copies or 10% of the total.

We don’t know a lot about the seller’s car other than it’s a project. It may or may not be complete. We don’t know about the engine, which may be a 177 cubic inch 4-cylinder that put out a whopping 20 hp back in the day. There is no indication of mileage or how long it’s been dormant, in its present location, or any location for that matter.

The Model T doesn’t run, so the successful buyer will need to bring a trailer along with him to take his new prize home. Considering that the seller isn’t asking crazy money, it may be worth taking a gamble if you’ve been wanting to restore a 100-year-old car. The top dollar for a 1920s Model T is around $20,000.

Comments

  1. dogwater

    These old things are coming out of there sheds, were seeing a lot more now they are just not worth throwing money and time the owners are getting to old to work on them or have lost interest.

    Like 5
  2. arkie

    I agree with you, dogwater. Popularity of T-Models and brass era cars is dwindling. I’m seriously considering something like this one listed here, though. I live in a small town and I’m thinking of using it as a runabout, as the name implies. I’d do nothing more than get it functional safe and not worry about making a showpiece of it. Lot more original than a dolled up golf cart.

    Like 10
  3. Brian

    This is a Roadster. A Roadster Pickup would be just that. “Runabout” was a name given to many cars of the era.

    Like 0
  4. Rex Welker

    It has a key in the ignition! That should bumb upthe price!

    Like 2
  5. Ron

    The younger generation has no interest in a historical item unless it is connected to a game board. It’s a shame they are letting it get away from their generation. I have several model T’s restored and unrestored and my children and I have many good memories driving our cars sense they were able to push the pedals. The model T groups are more fun to be with then the other car groups who won’t let anyone touch their cars. I take every young person I can for rides when I do shows and road trips.

    Like 3
    • RICK REEVE

      the younger generation does have interest in these they cut them up and make street rods or rat rods

      Like 0
  6. Ron

    Perfect starter car for a kid with little money.
    Poor man with a rich mans hobby. Easy car to get running.

    Like 1
  7. Howard A Howard AMember

    The mayor of our little town ( pop. 5,000ish) has a Model T like this, much better condition, sitting under a carport collecting dust. His home is on my bicycle route, in the 4 years, I’ve seen it move once, for a parade. I think there are still enough old timers that would love to have this, but skip a few generations, and interest will fall flat. Like I said on the other one, driving one takes a special “knack”, and that “knack” is dying off, and sadly it stops there.( if you can. I heard many using the “reverse band” in a panic stop) May as well put a velvet rope around these things.

    Like 2
  8. Rodney

    “No indication of mileage…”. Yeah. Model T odometers are pretty scarce!

    Like 2
  9. Ron

    We need to loosen up and show the younger generation what they are missing out on. Take them for rides and get their interest going so our hobby doesn’t die. Take a picture of them behind the wheel of or toys and they will post it on social media. It could be a start to a new group of hobbyist.

    Like 1
  10. David McKinney

    I have a few Model Ts and are Incredibly fun to work on and to drive.

    Like 0
  11. RICK REEVE

    my 1924 has been setting on jack in a shed since 1994 all kinds of stuff piled on it i drove it once and parked it there i will never drive it its in nebraska wishing it had a new home

    Like 0
    • Ronald fuller

      Well Rick maybe it is time to list it for sale in the Model T Times Magazine (Model T Ford Club Of America ) it will get a new home and be enjoyed by a hobbiest.

      Like 0

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