1920 Ford Model T 1-Ton Smith Form-a-Truck

The National Automobile Museum Auction|13 June 2026, 10:00 PDT|Reno, National Automobile Museum

1920 Ford Model T 1-Ton Smith Form-a-Truck
Engine no. 4192505

176.7ci L-Head Inline Four-Cylinder
Single carburetor
20bhp at 1,600rpm
Two-Speed Planetary Transmission with Reverse
Live Axles with front Semi-Elliptical Transverse Leaf Spring and Longitudinal Rear Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Hand-Operated Expanding Show Drum Rear Brakes, Foot-Operated Transmission Brake

* 1-Ton conversion frame and rear axle for a Ford Model T
* Only $350 (plus a Model T) in 1917
* Uses the standard Model T front frame and drivetrain
* As seen here, ready to be bodied for multiple applications
* A work in progress

THE TRUCK OFFERED

Such was the adaptability, reliability and strength of Henry Ford's Model T that they soon were adapted by practical buyers to hauling goods and produce. Gradually the applications got heavier and bigger. Makers of truck conversions appeared to fill the need and make conversions easier. The Graham brothers got their start making Model T truck conversions and eventually grew into making their own Graham automobiles.

In 1915 the demand was so significant that Ford began to sell bare Model T chassis for the conversion and coach-built market and in that first (fiscal, August 1914-July 1915) year built 13,459 of them.

In early 1916 Smith Motor Truck Corporation in Chicago announced its product, a 1-ton extended chassis conversion that took the front of a Model T (frame, hood, engine, transmission, fenders and front axle) and added a longer rectangular 4" channel steel heavy duty frame that allowed the owner to mount any large body, from a five-row jitney bus to a rugged bulk hauler, on a basic Model T.

The Form-a-Truck retained the complete Model T front suspension but supplemented its rear suspension with a double chain drive, heavy duty axle and solid rubber tires.

In 1917 Smith advertised in The Saturday Evening Post a real-world test from Washington, D.C. to Centreville, Virginia and return on spring season roads both hard surfaced and through axle-deep mud carrying a 3,500 load of lumber. It averaged 18 mph for the round trip. Form-a-Truck conversions were advertised for $350 and available for both Chevrolet and Maxwell chassis in addition to Ford.

The basic Smith Form-a-Truck looked like the one offered here; a channel steel perimeter frame, double chain drive, rear axle, heavy duty springs and wide wood spoke wheels with solid rubber tires with a Model T front frame, engine, transmission and suspension. Front tires are the Model T's 28x2 ½ pneumatics, but the rears are rugged varnished wood artillery wheels with 34x5 solid rubber tires. It has electric headlights, black painted kerosene sidelights and an electric starter. The driver's and passenger's accommodation is a rudimentary varnished wood box that matches the varnished wood floor and firewall.

It is the basic Model T with Smith Form-a-Truck conversion: rugged, reliable, strong and adaptable, exactly as it would have been to demonstrate what a 1920 buyer got for $350 and a Model T, waiting to be bodied according to the buyer's needs.

Additional information

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Payment Deadline: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, June 13, during the auction
Sunday, June 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, June 15, 8:30am to 12pm
Shipping Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]

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