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Time for T: Survivor 1926 Ford Model T Tudor

From the very first one built on August 12, 1908, until the 15 millionth unit rolled out the door on May 26, 1927, the Model T grew to become known as the car that put America on wheels. While the title for the first mass-produced automobile technically goes to the 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile, Henry Ford refined the concept and created an efficient assembly line process. His goal was to create low-priced basic transportation for the middle class, that was easy to drive and utilized interchangeable parts to keep repairs simple. Prices for a 1926 Model T started at just $360 for a Runabout model, while Tudors such as our feature vehicle had an original MSRP of $580. Located near Boise, Idaho, and listed at a reasonable $8650 here on craigslist, the car appears to be in solid condition and is described as running and fully operational. After nearly a century, surprisingly little has been changed on the car over the years, aside from an older respray from the original green hue to black.

Powering the Model T was a 117ci inline four-cylinder engine, utilizing both a cast-iron block and cylinder head. With 20 hp on tap, the vehicle was able to achieve a top speed of 42 mph while maintaining around 13-21 mpg. The powerplant of our feature vehicle appears to be well-maintained and is currently in running condition. The ad states that the original 6-volt starter is on the floor and the crank handle is present at the front of the engine, as is the nickel-plated radiator. Also included in the sale is the vintage Boyce Motometer Ford brass and glass radiator cap.

While the ad does not include many detailed pictures of the interior, it does state that the car retains its original upholstery in light grey, with a green pinstripe to match the original paint color peeking out from under the black repaint. Some hard-to-find parts are still present, including the original silk rear window shade, door chime alarm, and a working horn. The dash retains its original 6-volt dome light, as well as a speedometer that was listed as optional equipment at the time. The rest of the dash and the other gauges appear to be in good condition if a little dirty.

 

While 15 million Model Ts were made over a nearly 20-year production run, it is estimated that only 60,000 still exist today. Of that number, only 50,000 are still on the road and countless numbers have been turned into hot rods, customs, or racecars over the years. This vehicle would be a good base for an original restoration or it could be simply maintained and driven as-is, with its bumps and bruises telling the story of a lifetime. With good, original vehicles getting harder to find, what direction would you take with this classic piece of Americana?

 

Comments

  1. Avatar Pit Stop Pauly

    I would return it to it’s original color, try to find some vintage mods like head, intake and exhaust, and the brakes. Then take it to special events.

    Like 12
  2. Avatar grant

    This is fantastic. I feel like it should be maintained just as it is.

    Like 16
  3. Avatar bobhess Member

    Amazing… it runs and drives and it’s still here in a respectable condition.

    Like 9
  4. Avatar Lowell Peterson

    One of my favorite cars to drive! I would love to have this one. Leave it alone! Just clean it and go play!

    Like 8
  5. Avatar Ron

    Would look awesome driving it down the road as is!!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar pwtiger

    I always thought they just came in black “You can get any color you want as long as it’s black” I guess you could give it quick sanding and then get out the horse hair brush and put some green on it…

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Mike T

    Black was it’s original color. Just clean it up and enjoy it. It is truly a classic.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Kenn

    I used to take mine to car shows – where “Do not touch” signs adorned so many vehicles – and put a sign in the window reading: “This is how Henry meant the car to be used. Feel free to touch.”
    An amazing number of folks, especially seniors, climbed in and had their pictures taken.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Bunky

    Model Ts were available in several colors, including green, from 1908-1913, and in 1926 and 1927. The article states that this car was originally green.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Terry Furness New Zealand

      15,000,000 T were made???? 15,007,033 was the last from Detroit. Another 1,000,000 from Canada. 100s were made in England, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries, So the caption should read “The car that put the WORLD on wheels”

      Like 2
  10. Avatar Bob Mck

    I thought I wanted one until a friend showed me how to start and drive one.
    If I lived in the country maybe I would change my mind.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Mark E. Edmiston

    I would use it as a pattern to build reproduction cars.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar Rob L

    Price seems a little inflated since it only cost $580 new. Model T is on my bucket list. Too bad this one is in Idaho.

    Like 1

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