1915 Ford Model T

Touring car -

4 - Cyl.

Manual

121515

Gasoline

Up for auction is a 1915 Ford Model T touring. I bought this car approximately 5 years ago and have been enjoying it ever since. The person that sold it to me bought it to restore, but decided they didn’t want to do it after all and he only had it for a couple months. He had bought it from a neighbor who owned the car for around 40 years. When I got it, the car didn’t have the upholstery or top installed and it hadn’t run for a long time. I called the gentleman that owned it since the 60s and told me he had never tried to start it. I tested the coils, changed the oil, checked the magneto, installed a new fuel line, cleaned the gas tank, and rebuilt the carburetor. The car started right up after that with no battery just like it’s supposed to. The car runs and drives fine but could use attention on several things like most Model T that are on the road for any length of time. The front end could use a rebuild (play in steering), the upper radiator hose leaks a little especially if the coolant is drained and the hose dries out for a while, and the fuel petcock seeps just enough to make a gas smell but it doesn’t leak anything on the floor. My dad and I rebuilt the rear end so it has the new brass type thrust washers for safety. One thing the car does need before being driven is a wheel rebuild. The wooden spokes look fine but have shrunk over the years and at the very least should be looked at by someone who can determine their condition. The right front has a bit of a wobble so when being rebuilt it should have a new rim installed. I used these wheels until last year when I built a new set for my other Model T so I temporarily added them to this car. It will be sold with the non-demountable wheels and new front tires shown in the photos. Body – the body is very solid with good original wood and no rust problems in the sheetmetal. The sheetmetal is dented on the sides like it was either sandblasted and warped or just had lots of use over the years. I believe the fenders are replacements from a long time ago and the left rear has some slight damage that can be seen in the photos. How does it run? The engine starts easy enough on magneto, responds great to the mixture adjustment while driving, and gets down the road fairly well for a T. My dad’s ’29 Chevy’s speedometer says we cruise at 30mph going to and from the shows. Usually I run about 20 in town. Believe it or not, I’ve had this car out on some HOT days and it’s never boiled over. On the hottest of days it will gurgle when shot off, but the ancient radiator does it’s just well and that’s normal. It’s not the prettiest brass radiator out there but I love it. I have never had a mechanical problem with the engine or transmission. Before I tried to start it, I took off the inspection plate on the oil pan and looked at the Babbitt and it was in good shape. I’ve had the hogshead inspection plate off and adjusted the bands and nothing looked out of sort in there either. For several years, I drove the car almost every evening and on the weekends. My family lives closeby and it was basically my transportation around town. 2 years ago I switched jobs and work a lot more, so in the evenings I don’t play around anywhere near as much as I used to. I also have another Model T project that I haven’t worked on since getting this car and I’d like to finish it. Please look over the photos and make sure this is what you want before you bid. I’ll be adding more pictures from time to time so make sure you check back! I’m starting with several photos that I had in my computer and will get the car out hopefully sometime this week and take a bunch more. Also note that over the 95 years that this car has been around I’m sure some parts were changed out and it’s not completely original. It does have the correct aluminum hogshead and flat cover. The engine, while a ’15 block, must have been a replacement as there is no serial number. Replacement blocks were common according to the Model T books due to people letting them freeze in the winter. Several other 1915-only features are correct as well. I did not get a horn with it, and there is no headlight switch and the headlights aren't connected although the wiring is on the car (needs the small connectors behind the bulbs). The great thing about Model T Fords is that most parts are available for them at very reasonable prices and there are several suppliers acoss the country. Please note that this car did come with a title but it was not transferred to me. It is signed and notarized, ready to be put in your name. Payment – payment is to be made in cash at time of pickup. I will not accept Paypal, money orders, etc. I’ll ship the car but you have to make the arrangements and it must be paid for in advance. I will accept a check but it must clear before the car leaves. That usually means 12 days but that’s up to the bank, not me. Please understand that I have no control over when the funds clear and I will not release the car until that happens, period. I’m selling it as-is where-is and there’s no warranty. Please ask any questions you have before you bid and good luck! Engine photos: