1911 Ford Model T

FACTORY TORPEDO ROADSTER. Lau Collection. Convertible

4 cylinder. 20 HP

Manual

48008

Clear

Gasoline

1911 Ford Model T FACTORY TORPEDO ROADSTER. Fred Lau Collection. 1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Roadster. Fred Lau Collection. Body Number 48008. Engine Number 48008. Produced April 17, 1911. Of all of the Model T's produced between 1908 and 1927, certainly one of the rarest, sportiest (and fastest) was the Torpedo Roadster. Designed to seat two, with rear mounted gas tank and luggage rack plus folding soft top, this was the ideal "Gentleman's Roadster" for a Sunday afternoon picnic with your sweetheart, or a Saturday of racing on a dirt oval track. This particular car was produced on April 17, 1911 and delivered to San Francisco where it was sold by the local Ford agency. The car remained in California for many years (a brass 1915 California registration plate remains today on the dashboard) and by the 1950's had been acquired by a Ford dealer for display in their showroom and as a parade car. They added signage to the sides of the body (incorrectly dating it as a "1910" model) and it was used for public relations purposes for many years. It was later acquired by noted father/son Ford collectors, David and Fred Lau in Portland, Oregon. The Laus planned to restore the car, but other projects took precedence. The Torpedo was stored in the Lau's climate-controlled garage. David Lau died in 1994. Fred Lau passed away unexpectedly in April of this year. The family is now offering this car for sale, among others in the collection. This is a wonderfully-preserved car. While the mileage is unknown, it does not appear to have been abused or in an accident. The body appears to be solid, straight and mostly-complete. It may have been re-painted long ago in its correct dark blue (nearly black) color, but today presents as a seasoned, original car. The top looks to have been replaced in the 1950's or 60's with white vinyl, which is in very good condition and may be used as-is for touring or for patterns for a new, correct top for show. The upholstery and door panels were previously restored and are excellent. The wood is solid throughout. Body is excellent. Doors hang well and close easily. The metal and undercarriage are also excellent throughout. Wheels and tires appear excellent. The original brass lamps are with the car, along with the horn. Original Ford tagged brass radiator. Please see photos for details. The engine is the original, numbers-matching to the body. We are told that it was diagnosed with a bad head gasket, so the radiator hoses were previously removed in preparation for the repair. A box of parts (which includes a head gasket, the fan, new fan belt, spark plug wires, new hoses and clamps and other small parts) is included with the purchase, along with a correct brass speedometer, clock and rear oil lamp. In addition, a correct coil box (not pictured) will be included. The car is not running at this time and no attempt has been made to start it. It will require service by a competant Model T mechanic before running. A trailer will be required for transport. The car does not appear to be far away from running/driving condition. The car is in condition to be enjoyed as-is, or would be an exceptionally solid and complete candidate for a full concours restoration. Either way, the choice is yours and you'll be assured of the "smiles per gallon" that can only come from a Model T. A realistic reserve has been placed on this car in keeping with its rarity and current condition. Please bid accordingly. WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORLDWIDE. Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK! (Please note that we will be offering other Model T's from the Lau Collection on eBay in the following weeks, including the legendary 1908 T "#220". In addition, a sale of the remaining Lau collection of THOUSANDS of early Ford items including rare parts, memorabilia, dealer signs, factory literature, KRW tools, vintage toys and much more will be held at the Lau Garage in Portland, Oregon on October 24-25, 2015. This is an event not to be missed by Ford collectors. Message us for details by using the "Ask Seller a Question" tab, at the top right of this page.) We gladly sell to buyers WORLDWIDE. Winning bidder please contact us within 24 hours of auction close. A deposit of $2000 is due via PayPal at that time. Vehicle deposits are non-refundable, per PayPal and eBay policy. Balance due in certified U.S. funds via bank wire transfer within 7 days of auction close. We do not accept overseas bank drafts or cashier's checks. Vehicle has a clear title and is being sold by the owner, with our assistance. Please call David at 503-309-7729 between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time with any questions. Thank you. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer and not included in the auction price. Vehicle must be picked up within 14 days of payment, unless other arrangements have been made. Note that vehicle will be shipping from the Portland, Oregon area (Northwest coast of the U.S. between Seattle and San Francisco) with easy access to interstate highways (I-5: north-south, and I-84 east). We will gladly assist your carrier with loading. Please ask all questions before bidding. Your personal inspection is invited before the close of the auction. Only you know if the vehicle is right for you. All descriptions are based upon information provided by the seller and our own personal inspection of the vehicle. Obviously, with any collector vehicle there are internal areas that cannot be inspected, but the description is based upon the seller's representations and our observation of the vehicle. For that reason, the vehicle in this listing is being sold "as-is" with no warranties of any kind expressed or implied. Mileage listed is that showing on the odometer and unless otherwise noted, cannot be verified due to the age of the vehicle. Mileage of vehicles over 10 years old is considered "exempt" by the State of Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. By participating in this auction, the bidder agrees to these terms. Charvet Classic Cars assists sellers (all of whom are my personal friends) to find new appreciative homes for their special vehicles. I personally inspect each vehicle. I take the photographs and videos personally. It allows me to represent the vehicle accurately and answer any questions you may have about it. I have been an eBay seller with 100% positive feedback since 1998, and involved with classic cars for many years. I like these cars as much as you do! If you e-mail or call with questions, you will receive my personal attention and knowledge to help you make an informed decision. State of Oregon Dealer #DA4114. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Thank you - David Charvet You may e-mail by asking a question through the eBay site, or call David Charvet at 503-309-7729 between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time. On Aug-20-15 at 10:22:00 PDT, seller added the following information: Thanks! For all of the calls, e-mails and interest in this wonderful "T". A little more background that was recently unearthed: This car was re-discovered in 1938 in a chicken coop in central California with chickens roosting on it(!) It was purchased and reconditioned to run by a Ford dealer in 1950. The dealer moved to southern Oregon and displayed the car in his showroom there and used it as a parade car until 2006. It was acquired by Fred Lau in 2008. We have history/paperwork and photos showing the car during this time. Also note that the car is titled to the block casting date number: "4511" (4-5-11: April 5, 1911) It has apparently been linked to that number since 1950. As mentioned above, the engine block serial number and body number (48008) do match on this car. Again, thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK!