1920 Ford Model T

Waukesha Ricardo "Improved" Four

Planetary 2 + 2-speed Rearend

4318425

Clear

Incredible Opportunity: 1920 Ford Model T Speedster! Produced from late 1908 until early 1927, Ford's Model T put the world on wheels at a time when most of the country was traveling on horseback. In disguise of a Speedster, a Model T could be as sporty as its bigger cousins, the immortal Stutz Bearcat and the Mercer Raceabout, while proving on the race track that it was also a great deal faster than a horse could run! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Driving fast and stopping fast are two different things though, which is why this particular Speedster got in an accident when the 2-speed rear end got stuck in neutral and effectively disconnected the driveshaft-operated brake from the rear wheels. The left frame rail, the front axle and the wishbone were bent; the radiator, radiator surround and left headlight were damaged, and some minor things will need mending. Before the accident, this was a fully sorted and very capable Speedster, able to reach 60mph+ in a jiffy and driven at that speed on the El Mirage Dry Lake in 2012. Since the wife made it perfectly clear that she will never ride in "that thing" again, it's now up for adoption into an appreciative home. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Manufactured late in August of 1920, VIN *4318425* was expertly converted into a Speedster presumably in the late 1960s or early 1970s, using only the best period-correct speed components available at the time. The previous owner, a gentleman from Riverside, Calif., acquired the car 22 years ago and parked it in his garage in 1995 when his son was diagnosed with autism and needed his full attention. I purchased it from him two years ago and have spent a documented $12,260.78 plus -- literally -- hundreds of hours to sensibly refurbish the car to the highest standard possible, yet in a way that would be true to its spirit, period, and character. Not a single component on this car post-dates 1927 when Model T production ended, and thus the car is eligible for the most prestigious Speedster events in the country, including the fabulous Santa Clara run that has a very strict rule book. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title in my name and the set of Horseless Carriage license plates shown. It is currently licensed as a 1920 Ford Model T Speedster and registration and insurance are up to date. If the new owner so desires, I can renew the registration 'til August 24, 2014 for an additional $80, which would leave plenty of time to get the car roadworthy again. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A substantial folder with 44 documents -- all chronologically ordered and protected in clear sheet protectors -- accompanies this car. In addition, an EXCEL spreadsheet gives detailed information on what was spent and when, down to the last nickel and dime. Also part of this auction are the following books and manuals that relate to a Model T Speedster: Large wiring diagram for this specific car Model T Speed Secrets Model T Ford in Speed & Sport Morton and Brett Speed Equipment Ruckstell Axle Operating Instructions Lubrication Adjustment and Care of the Ruckstell Axle Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) When I acquired the car, it was painted in the 1909 Ford Color Carmine Red, and fenderless. Since 1920 is within Ford's black era, I stripped everything down to the bare metal and bare wood, every component, bolt, nut, washer and screw and refurbished all those items properly. A lot of correct brass hardware, patiently and competently aged, was used. Perhaps important to mention, unlike a Runabout that seems to be perfect for people with rather short legs, this Speedster has plenty of leg room. I'm 6'6" tall and fit quite comfortably. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The engine is an "improved" (1926/'27) 4-dip-pan unit. Thorough research revealed that the engine block is most likely a factory replacement from the late 1920s which was sold without a number, but then stamped by the mechanic's shop with the existing engine number which also happens to be the vehicle ID number. Thus, this is the highest developed engine for any Model T, yet it carries the old 1920 engine number. The engine always started easily, manually as well as with the electric starter, runs on (a new) battery as well as the magneto. It is super clean inside and features an outside oil line to feed the front main bearing on steep hills. It's exactly the engine you'd want to have in a Speedster. Note that the cracked left hood shelf, a result of the accident, needs to be replaced. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view A special treat is the highly coveted and expensive Waukesha Ricardo high performance head. It increases the compression and improves combustion and performance. I resisted the temptation to paint it, as I feel it looks just perfect the way it is right now. Spark plugs are new Champion X, spark plug wires are new as well. Carburetor, protected by a foam filter, is a Holley NH, final development, and it performs flawlessly. The wiring block and the entire cloth-covered wiring loom are new throughout the entire car. Please note that the engine cannot be started right now, as the radiator was pushed back and now interferes with the fan blades. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Oil side lamps and spot light feature original finishes, dating back almost a century. Oval Speedster fuel tank with brass trim and filler cap is a genuine Ford-licensed item. Dashboard is a replacement made from solid 100-year-old black walnut (original dashboard is included as well). All four fenders and the early cast running board brackets are original Ford units; running boards, wood blocks and associated hardware are new reproductions and just about perfect. Rear end is a big (brake) drum, second generation 2-speed Ruckstell with 3:1 high speed gearing, worth probably close to $2,000 by itself. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The improved engine (easily identified by the two mounting bolts in the back of the block) is mounted to an "improved" transmission. It features a much wider brake band and consequently a much wide pedal spacement. I wear a shoe size 13 and am able to operate the pedals with ease. Transmission bands are of the cotton type; I have not replaced them, nor do they need to be replaced. Note how clean the transmission is inside, thanks to a period transmission filter! Entire exhaust system with brass nut is new and 100% correct. Note that there are stress cracks in the wood and that the hand brake mechanism is bent. Also damaged is the front wood of the driver's seat. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view From left to right: Original finish cowl lamps; fantastic rear view mirror Solid brass monocle with new safetly glass windshield Original finish center spot light with brass trim ring Click on any of the above images for a full-size view From left to right: Original paint switch and gauge panel. Car comes with 2 keys. Ammeter works perfectly Freshly rebuilt coils from Ron the Coilman. What a difference they made! Model T esoterica and pure unobtainium: Milwaulkee Bakelite timer with brass trim. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view From left to right: Vintage HCC event plaques, dating back to California of 1957 Exhaust cutout with Aermore exhaust whistle and foot switch. Sounds like a steam locomotive! Original plate with serial number on Ruckstell 2-speed rear axle Click on any of the above images for a full-size view From left to right: Fully refurbished and perfectly true 1926/'27 Model T wire wheels with brass hub caps All 5 wire wheels sand blasted and painted All new wheel flaps, valves, tubes, and correct Lucas 440/450-21 balloon tires Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) If you've been looking at Model T Speedsters, you probably know that there's a lot of not-so-nice cars out there, oftentimes painted in garish colors, featuring wrong hardware and cheap components. A Speedster that looks factory correct, genuine and -- dare I say it? -- sexy, equipped with top-of-the-line speed parts is the rare exception and accordingly difficult to find. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Here's your opportunity to get one of the best looking and most competent Model T Speedsters for pennies on the dollar. If you are willing to spend a small amount of money and a medium amount of time, you'll be rewarded with a Speedster that not only will be worth a lot more than you'll have invested in it, but one that will make your heart beat faster every time you go into the garage. Opportunity knocks, are you ready to answer? You are most welcome to inspect this Speedster in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. I reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions at all. . TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! I require a $500 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title and current registration as well as the HC license plates shown. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Since there's no odometer, the mileage is not known. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. Auction Presentation & Copyright © by Author. All Rights Reserved. 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