Lot 230: 1917 Ford Model T Runabout

In 1908 Henry Ford decided on a one model policy, and this was to be the Model T. It remained in production for the phenomenal period of 20 years, during which over 15 million were made throughout the world; the English factory at Old Trafford was opened in 1911, and by 1925 had made over 500,000 Model Ts, eventually moving to Dagenham in 1932. The rugged but simple construction and high ground clearance made these cars ideal for opening up undeveloped countries like Africa and Australia; in 1916 there were over 100 car makers in America and the Model T accounted for more than 50% of total sales with an original price of $850, although this was reduced over the years. Lawrence of Arabia once said that the Model T and the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost were the only vehicles able to withstand the rigours of desert warfare. The original design included the famous pedal-operated two speed epicyclic gearbox and transverse suspension springing front and rear. This example features the Ruckstell two speed back axle, thus providing four forward and two reverse gears; it also has the Buffalo wire wheels and Rocky Mountain brakes, the latter consisting of hand-operated external contracting bands on the rear drums and a foot-operated transmission brake. Tuning specialists were quick to produce a great variety of modifications for the cars, and it is perhaps not generally realised that special races were held for them at Brooklands; in 1913 one of them won a Short Handicap race at over 56mph, and others lapped at over 70mph. In 1909 a Model T was also the winner of the Guggenheim Trophy race across America. The Model T offered here was built in America in 1917 and imported to Great Britain in 1995. It is in very good condition throughout and comes complete with V5 registration document, import documents, repair invoices and a current MoT test certificate valid until September 2008. The car underwent a comprehensive mechanical overhaul in 2003, and since that time it has covered fewer than 100 miles. As such, it represents a superb opportunity to acquire a legendary piece of motoring history.