For years the Model T Ford was the backbone of car collecting. The numbers in which it was produced ensured that thousands would survive even while most of the millions of Model Ts built were used up, worn out and thrown away. More important, just about every potential collector a generation or two ago had a personal Model T experience that gave the car real, tangible, individual meaning. Much like Henry’s years of success building the Model T in ever larger quantities had done for the automobile itself, the vast number of collectors who kept them alive ensured that junk yards full of parts, reference books, experienced mechanics and even newly-manufactured reproduction parts and supplies were continuously available to support the population of Model Ts in various stages of restoration and preservation. It is unlikely that in the Model T’s 99 year history replacement parts like head gaskets have ever been out of production. It wasn’t until the late Thirties that Ford quit building new Model T engines. October 2008 marks the milestone of the 100th anniversary of the Ford Model T’s introduction and the Paine Collection’s 1915 Model T Roadster is ready to keep its new owner occupied until then getting it ready for the yearlong celebration of the Model T, the car that put the world on wheels. One of the final years of brass radiators (which would be replaced by black painted steel in 1917) the evolution away from bright trim was already apparent in this 1915 roadster’s black painted windshield frame. Given a cosmetic treatment some years ago with an old repaint, it is mostly original and unrestored, the perfect candidate for a low risk restoration. On the mechanical side, it was observed to be stuck in gear when photographed. It is accessorized with a crude homemade sidemount spare tire frame on the left running board and has electric headlights with brass rims, kerosene sidelights (painted yellow like the body) and a kerosene taillight. A tool box sits on the right running board. One of the flivver’s well known weaknesses was its thermosyphon cooling system which circulated water through the engine and radiator by convection and had no water pump. Aftermarket suppliers were quick to recognize and take advantage of the opportunity which this erratic if economical expedient presented and this Model T is fitted with a belt-driven water pump – branded “Flivver” for obvious reasons. The transverse leaf springs were another acknowledged shortcoming (albeit one that Ford would stick with until after World War II) and this 1915 roadster has one of many available accessory spring systems on the front axle designed to soften the ride with a system of levers and helper springs. Adaptable for everything from making doctors’ rounds easier and faster to hauling produce to market, the Model T achieved Henry Ford’s objective of putting efficient individual transportation within reach of every working American. It has been and still remains the most widely collected, used, shown and toured antique automobile and none are more attractive than a brass radiator roadster like this.
For years the Model T Ford was the backbone of car collecting. The numbers in which it was produced ensured that thousands would survive even while most of the millions of Model Ts built were used up, worn out and thrown away. More important, just about every potential collector a generation or two ago had a personal Model T experience that gave the car real, tangible, individual meaning. Much like Henry’s years of success building the Model T in ever larger quantities had done for the automobile itself, the vast number of collectors who kept them alive ensured that junk yards full of parts, reference books, experienced mechanics and even newly-manufactured reproduction parts and supplies were continuously available to support the population of Model Ts in various stages of restoration and preservation. It is unlikely that in the Model T’s 99 year history replacement parts like head gaskets have ever been out of production. It wasn’t until the late Thirties that Ford quit building new Model T engines. October 2008 marks the milestone of the 100th anniversary of the Ford Model T’s introduction and the Paine Collection’s 1915 Model T Roadster is ready to keep its new owner occupied until then getting it ready for the yearlong celebration of the Model T, the car that put the world on wheels. One of the final years of brass radiators (which would be replaced by black painted steel in 1917) the evolution away from bright trim was already apparent in this 1915 roadster’s black painted windshield frame. Given a cosmetic treatment some years ago with an old repaint, it is mostly original and unrestored, the perfect candidate for a low risk restoration. On the mechanical side, it was observed to be stuck in gear when photographed. It is accessorized with a crude homemade sidemount spare tire frame on the left running board and has electric headlights with brass rims, kerosene sidelights (painted yellow like the body) and a kerosene taillight. A tool box sits on the right running board. One of the flivver’s well known weaknesses was its thermosyphon cooling system which circulated water through the engine and radiator by convection and had no water pump. Aftermarket suppliers were quick to recognize and take advantage of the opportunity which this erratic if economical expedient presented and this Model T is fitted with a belt-driven water pump – branded “Flivver” for obvious reasons. The transverse leaf springs were another acknowledged shortcoming (albeit one that Ford would stick with until after World War II) and this 1915 roadster has one of many available accessory spring systems on the front axle designed to soften the ride with a system of levers and helper springs. Adaptable for everything from making doctors’ rounds easier and faster to hauling produce to market, the Model T achieved Henry Ford’s objective of putting efficient individual transportation within reach of every working American. It has been and still remains the most widely collected, used, shown and toured antique automobile and none are more attractive than a brass radiator roadster like this.
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