Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 504
1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Roadster Engine no. 44637
Sold for US$54,880 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 504
1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Roadster
1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Roadster
Engine no. 44637
Engine no. 44637
177ci Flathead Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
Approx. 22hp at 1,600 rpm
2-Speed Planetary Manual Transmission
Transverse Leaf Springs and Solid Axles Front and Rear
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
*One of the longest owned cars in the collection
*Sensitive and high quality older restoration
*Former AACA National First Prize Winner
*A benchmark example of the sporting Model T
THE FORD MODEL T
Without a doubt, the most famous antique car is the Ford Model T. Its significance cannot be argued, and neither can its charisma. One of the key components of Henry Ford's enormous success must be chocked up to style. Ford employed teams of stylists to ensure that his products looked as good and appealing as possible; nowhere is this more apparent than in these early "brass" Ts.
Ford was able to balance the line between handsome and cute with these cars. A T, although not a big car, has great dignity and presence. Anyone would be proud to own one. While the competition's low-priced cars looked cheap and small, the Ford did not.
Ford also realized he was selling cars to a market of new drivers transitioning to the motorcar, which meant the car needed to be simple and intuitive. To operate the car, one only needed to use their feet, while their hands could stay on the steering wheel where they belonged. The simple planetary transmission was easy to operate and is still great fun to drive today.
For those who haven't experienced a great "Brass T," they are about as much fun as you can have on four wheels. Ford really got it right with the early Ford Ts, and when properly set up, they perform remarkably well. In fact, most brass car tourers have a story about a pesky Model T driver keeping up with the likes of a Silver Ghost or Pierce-Arrow.
The Torpedo could be seen as Ford's first performance car. It was a standard T stripped down with a little racer-type body. The hood was lengthened two inches, and the steering column was lowered. The result was a nimble and quick T with a look like no other. Any brass T is great fun for touring but the Torpedo is the ultimate.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
One of the longest cars to have resided in the collection, this very handsome Torpedo roadster has most probably lived its entire life in the NorthEast. On file are photos of the car being discovered in the 1950s in tired, but clearly complete order which must have made for a straightforward restoration project back in the day. That rebuild was undertaken between the years of 1952 to 1953 as attested to by a plaque on the dash of the Ford, the work being completed by both the selling elder generation and its predecessor themselves. Confirming the authenticity and quality of the rebuild, it proudly displays the well-earned AACA National First Prize Award on its firewall.
The Ford presents extremely well despite the age of its restoration, all being testament to the diligence and knowledge of its owners. Its rich Royal Blue coachwork is perfectly pinstriped in white and contrasted with black fenders. The upholstery remains in extremely tidy order, while now being bedded in and slightly patinated. The car is fully equipped with all the necessary and correct brass accoutrements, such as Ford 666 headlamps made by E&J, Ford tail lamps and side lamps, and the dash is nicely furnished with Stewart Speedometer and clock, as well as a KW Ignition coil switch.
Museum displayed rather than used in recent years a good check over its recommended and it is felt that the dashboard mounted coils may need to be replaced – a simple fix as any 'T' collector would confirm.
Offered from nearly 70 years of continuous family ownership, this early Model T is a real jewel.
Single Carburetor
Approx. 22hp at 1,600 rpm
2-Speed Planetary Manual Transmission
Transverse Leaf Springs and Solid Axles Front and Rear
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
*One of the longest owned cars in the collection
*Sensitive and high quality older restoration
*Former AACA National First Prize Winner
*A benchmark example of the sporting Model T
THE FORD MODEL T
Without a doubt, the most famous antique car is the Ford Model T. Its significance cannot be argued, and neither can its charisma. One of the key components of Henry Ford's enormous success must be chocked up to style. Ford employed teams of stylists to ensure that his products looked as good and appealing as possible; nowhere is this more apparent than in these early "brass" Ts.
Ford was able to balance the line between handsome and cute with these cars. A T, although not a big car, has great dignity and presence. Anyone would be proud to own one. While the competition's low-priced cars looked cheap and small, the Ford did not.
Ford also realized he was selling cars to a market of new drivers transitioning to the motorcar, which meant the car needed to be simple and intuitive. To operate the car, one only needed to use their feet, while their hands could stay on the steering wheel where they belonged. The simple planetary transmission was easy to operate and is still great fun to drive today.
For those who haven't experienced a great "Brass T," they are about as much fun as you can have on four wheels. Ford really got it right with the early Ford Ts, and when properly set up, they perform remarkably well. In fact, most brass car tourers have a story about a pesky Model T driver keeping up with the likes of a Silver Ghost or Pierce-Arrow.
The Torpedo could be seen as Ford's first performance car. It was a standard T stripped down with a little racer-type body. The hood was lengthened two inches, and the steering column was lowered. The result was a nimble and quick T with a look like no other. Any brass T is great fun for touring but the Torpedo is the ultimate.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
One of the longest cars to have resided in the collection, this very handsome Torpedo roadster has most probably lived its entire life in the NorthEast. On file are photos of the car being discovered in the 1950s in tired, but clearly complete order which must have made for a straightforward restoration project back in the day. That rebuild was undertaken between the years of 1952 to 1953 as attested to by a plaque on the dash of the Ford, the work being completed by both the selling elder generation and its predecessor themselves. Confirming the authenticity and quality of the rebuild, it proudly displays the well-earned AACA National First Prize Award on its firewall.
The Ford presents extremely well despite the age of its restoration, all being testament to the diligence and knowledge of its owners. Its rich Royal Blue coachwork is perfectly pinstriped in white and contrasted with black fenders. The upholstery remains in extremely tidy order, while now being bedded in and slightly patinated. The car is fully equipped with all the necessary and correct brass accoutrements, such as Ford 666 headlamps made by E&J, Ford tail lamps and side lamps, and the dash is nicely furnished with Stewart Speedometer and clock, as well as a KW Ignition coil switch.
Museum displayed rather than used in recent years a good check over its recommended and it is felt that the dashboard mounted coils may need to be replaced – a simple fix as any 'T' collector would confirm.
Offered from nearly 70 years of continuous family ownership, this early Model T is a real jewel.
Saleroom notices
Please note car is titles as a 1924. Title in transit.
Additional information
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