1913 Ford Model T Runabout
"Ford used the term runabout to describe 1 seater for 2 people right after production of what we now call mother inlaw runabouts. The 1909-1912 cars with the mother in law seat were labeled roadsters in the USA catalogs, while the cars that only had a front seat were called runabouts, (torpedo or open). From 1913 on, the two passenger car was called a runabout by Ford sales literature." Thx to mtfca.com
For consignment, a 1913 Ford Model T Runabout with 1,523 unverifiable miles showing. It has parts from later T's to, in the consignor's words, make it "climb hills better, stop quicker, and run faster than a stock Model T."
Exterior
Following a stunning and near flawless brass radiator shell and headlight housing, we find the characteristic central hinged hood in Dark Olive complete with louver vents, all framed in black with a gold pinstripe that lines the square panels. This pattern repeats on the main body and doors of the car which are separated by a glossy and brass trimmed wood panel that serves as the firewall. On the turtle deck of this car, there is a Murphy trunk representing one of the earliest versions of integrated rear trunks and housing a 6 volt battery. The car is bordered by long thin fenders that slope or cascade down to the running board where on the driver's side, it serves as a platform for a 12 volt battery storage box and mounting point for a spare tire. The beautiful painted and detailed 30-inch wood spoke wheels which are from a later model and match the car's color and retain brass hubcaps for the ultimate in color coordination. The retractable beige canvas top is in very good condition and functions well although the plastic window is torn. The rear tail lamp, brass, black and red glass, is simply a work of art. Imperfections include just two with a large vertical scratch with chipping paint and some chipped paint from a rounded edge.
Interior
Saddle leather door cards with pouches are topped with polished wood header and brown carpeted lower. Chesterfield style button tufting is found on the luxurious leather bench seat the top of which wraps around to provide armrests. A glossy wood rimmed steering wheel is nicely presented with black spokes and brass instrumentation. The dashboard is more lacquered wood with a more modernized series of toggle switches and gauges, along with brass knobs and trim. Brass plates surround the pedals, handbrake, and shifter on the floor.
Drivetrain
A 177ci L-head inline 4 cylinder engine presents cleanly behind the covers, fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and rated at 20 horsepower. That's 19 more than most people were used to! A 3-speed Warford manual transmission with overdrive sets the runabout running and mechanical drum brakes on the rear slow it down. The engine contains a mix of old and new components and is show worthy.
Undercarriage
Clean and uniformly black underneath with a network of rail supports and linkage. The rear differential is a glossy black and along with the oil pan and transmission, are free of oil. The knuckles and rear mechanical Rocky Mountain brake components are simple, visible, and clean. Transverse leaf springs serve as suspension front and back and a single exhaust reaches a stock style muffler before terminating under the car.
Drive-Ability
With brass timing and throttle adjusted and after going through the seven steps for starting, we brought this antique to life, and we couldn't help thinking what a revolution it was to have a motor vehicle like this in 1913. Meanwhile, it takes its twenty horses and propels across our flat test loop and the tall tires would likely do well on dirt roads and farms as well. All functions on this old machine with newer instrumentation worked as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This is a unique glimpse into the early days of travel by automobile. A working example just 13 years after the end of the 19th century! And this one borrows from some later T's for durability. Imagine all the history that has passed while this car has been on the planet. We've represented numerous Runabouts over the years and they never fail to find a new owner. Don't get in line for this one, LEAD the line!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
