Reading the seller’s listing for this 1926 Ford Model T, I realized that I share their sentiment: We both hope that if we reach a century, we both look this good. It is a rock-solid project candidate that has generated significant interest since it hit the market. Anyone seeking a DIY restoration may initially find it attractive, although the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve may make it irresistible. The seller has listed this wonderful Model T here on eBay in New London, Wisconsin. Bidding sits at $3,150, and with No Reserve, it is only days away from finding a new home.
After hitting the market in 1909, the Model T remained on sale until mid-1927. This gem rolled off the line in 1926, and while it wasn’t the car’s most successful showroom year, the sales tally of 1,554,465 vehicles was far from a disaster. The car’s history is unclear, but it has two characteristics that many enthusiasts would find crucial. The first is that, apart from a couple of small items, the Ford is essentially complete. The second is that, as a project candidate, it is rock-solid. The listing images reveal plenty of dry surface corrosion, but no penetrating rust. The panels have minor bumps and bruises, but none are severe enough to justify steel replacement. That raises a tantalizing prospect for those preferring originality. There is no reason why the winning bidder couldn’t treat the corrosion to prevent deterioration, preserving the Model T’s survivor status. I guarantee it would command plenty of attention and respect if left in its current form. The wheels are an unknown quantity, and having them inspected to ensure there are no problems would be wise.
Henry Ford made it quite clear to anyone who would listen that he had no time for engines with more than four cylinders. He experimented with a couple of alternative configurations while the Model T was on sale, including a radical motor with an “X” cylinder configuration. However, the “T” reflected his love for a four, with its 177ci flathead producing 20hp. The transmission was interesting, with Ford adopting a two-speed planetary setup that was incredibly robust. Some owners initially struggled with the two-speed, but with the Model T dominating sales, operating the transmission soon became second nature to most motorists. The seller states that, although they removed the carburetor and are awaiting parts for a rebuild, they have coaxed the flathead to life with spray. Therefore, returning the car to a mechanically roadworthy state could be a realistic short-term goal.
The interior images set my fingers itching, because I wanted to dive in and perform a deep clean. The seatcover and door trims look pretty tidy, with no holes or other problems. The painted surfaces look tired, but refreshing them during a restoration would be easy. Once again, they could be left as-is if the buyer chooses a preservation path. Whatever the future holds for this Model T, whipping the inside into shape will be one of the easiest and most rewarding tasks.
Promising projects cross our desks fairly frequently at Barn Finds, although some are better than others. This 1926 Ford Model T is one of the better candidates, because it is ideal for someone seeking a first project. It has already received thirty-nine bids, and with a healthy Watch List tally, the action is far from over. Are you tempted to join what could fast become a bidding war?
The Model T has graced this screen here probably more than any other car. I was sure we saw this one before, but apparently not. For some reason, they all look the same( cough) They are literally coming out of the woodwork, and I don’t have to tell you why. I’m usually the only one mentioning this, but this was called a “Doctors Coupe”. It replaced “Old Dobbin” and the buggy, and many lives in rural areas were saved, thanks to this car. Think of all the gunslingers that might have been saved, only to be hung later. It increased mobility, was a welcome site puttering down the lane, I’m sure. Not sure if this is still the pedals for the transmission, I have never encountered one, and the list of people that DO know how, is dwindling. Judging by the dust here, nobody has tried in a while. My (Packard) grandfather explained to me once how they operate, I hadn’t the faintest clue what he was talking about. It has a tad more interest than the Lincoln, but at $3grand, it’s only the ones that really want it, and not to flip and make money. It’s an outstanding find.
This was my father’s “teenage car”. He said,” if a spark plug went bad, you could make one with a corncob and piece of bailing wire to get by”. Just one of the many stories he told me about these fascinating vehicles. The most versatile utilitarian vehicle ever made.
Zero appeal. Needs to go the way of stove pipe hats and hoop skirts.
I can’t think of a more fun project! Not a vehicle for the main roads, but if you live in a small town or a very big subdivision, buy it, clean it up and drive it EVERY chance you get. What fun!