Faux patina lovers: eat your heart out, because this Model T is the real deal. According to the seller, this 1926 Ford Model T hot rod in Tullahoma, Tennessee was built, more-or-less like you see it here, in the 1960s. A handful of newer parts threaten to break the spell, but those could be easily swapped out if the full-on retro vibe floats your boat. The modified T runs “great,” according to the seller, and has even been used as a daily driver. Check out more pictures and details here on eBay, where the vintage hot rod awaits an opening bid of $11,000 as we go to press. If patience is not your virtue click Buy It Now for $18,000 and write the next chapter in the life of this sweet T.
Anyone complaining about a small block Chevy V8 in a Ford can stand down. Despite the similar-looking exhaust port arrangement, this is no SBC! The 1957 Ford “Y Block” 292 cid (4.8L) V8 spins a later five-speed T5 manual transmission. A bazillion Mustangs used that gearbox, including my 1989 Mustang LX 5.0. Triple two-barrels on an Offenhauser intake and finned valve covers accentuate the throw-back style. The electric fan… not so much, but you’ll forgive that the first time you’re stuck in August traffic.
Diamond upholstery has seen better days, but kudos to the owner for keeping the vintage pieces. Trying to touch things up on a ride like this can be a slippery slope. Door speakers represent the key faux pas here, but they were probably installed last century. What looks like about a 1950 Ford steering wheel fits the look for sure. Pull on your Engineer Boots, roll up a pack of Camels in your sleeve, stash a bottle of Old Harper and a souvenir baseball bat under the seat, and you’re ready for anything.
White wall tires and what look like blue-dot tail lamps set the Way-back Machine to the late ’50s or early ’60s. Overall the look could pass for “ran when parked,” but keeping that appropriately weathered look is not so easy on a turn-key driver.
The ammo can would have cost a couple bucks at the local Army Surplus store in the ’60s. While the battery location may be original to the Eisenhower era, I’d consider hiding the modern battery and cables.
The transverse leaf spring beam axle suspension won’t win any awards in the ride and handling department, but it’s strong and serviceable, and the period-correct tires will soak up some harsh impacts, a difficult challenge for modern cars and their “O-ring” tires. People have spent far more than this Ford’s Buy It Now price faking a retro hot rod. Would you rather have one with more hidden updates or this mostly-genuine T?
Never mind hiding the battery, I’d be covering the terminals!
… and strap it down.
Yes you can tell it’s an early Ford V8 by the dist postition
Wow a daily driver with straight pipes not sure those speakers would do any good with that y block signing
Great.
It’s the true spirit of hot rod.
I don’t mind the patina, kinda like it really, but I’d have to do something about the seat and door cards, they just look disgusting. Oh, and hang some headphone ear protection on the steering column.
Would do two things for this car if it wasn’t going to a museum as is. Raise the rear end and put a decent suspension under it and replace the headers to go underneath the car to mufflers so you don’t need the aforementioned ear protection.
Cover the battery terminals and drive it. It’ll get more attention at the local “Cars & Coffee” gathering than all of the high dollar trailer queens combined. Very cool. 😎
Love it, and it’s Y Block engine.
The electric fan is necessary because of the relationship of the radiator/upper hose to the water pump pulley. Electric fans are ugly, noisy and to be avoided if at all possible. They are arguably less effective than a properly shrouded mechanical fan, but in this case that would be difficult to achieve and ruin the proportions of the radiator and shell. I only comment because of the assumption that an electric fan is automatically better.
Genuine 4 me
I’m probably alone here but I don’t care for the open rear wheel I think it needs fenders otherwise its a cool fun toy
That’s a real hotrod, probably not pretty, but all hand built, not fabricated from bought components. Love it, rust and all. Y block as well , what’s not to love. Looks like it may have started life as a coupe.
Who needs ear protection? A ride like this generally is always at full throttle. Easy in my opinion to keep the decibels on the reasonable side.
Love that Y-block. And it is a daily driver.
If circumstances allowed I’d park it in my driveway and upgrade as needed along the way.
I think it’s a Model A, not model T. The model T came out in the early 1900’s and had skinny wheels and tires.
Might want to do your homework on the Model A and the Model T.