MTFCA Forum

Just acquired a 1927 Speedster. The previous seller bought it on eBay, five or six years ago, and all he could remember was that it came from California and had been "renewed" in the 1990s. It has a custom trailer with tandem axles.

I am looking for any information about it? Who owned it? What upgrades, especially the engine?

The features,

12 volt system
Edmunds and Jones Type 20 headlights
Canadian engine
dropped front axle
Z'd frame
Double Solex downdraft carburetors
Atwater Kent Distributor (problem and replacing with Bosch)
Foot and hand throttle
Ruckstell axle
Speedo
Oil pressure gauge.
White with dark red undercarriage
Burgundy leather bucket seats.
Electric Fuel pump with regulator
Rootlieb fenders and running boards.

I am sorting it out so I can drive it. There is a spark at the points, but does not transfer to the plugs. The center part of the distributor cap is worn and may not be connecting. I don't get a spark from the coil. Apparently Atwater Kent parts are no longer available. So I have ordered a Texas T (Bosch) Dist, plug wires, 12v coil and plugs. Taking the lazy out and going solid state.

Hope to have it running soon.

Very Nice!

Thank you John.

I have several Model Ts, but what really attracted me to this speedster is that it looks like (If you squint) it resembles my 1913 Marmon Speedster 48B. Not sure if I should post the Marmon in a Model T forum? Will do so if OK.

Lets see it.

1913 Marmon Speedster 48B. 9.3 liters. Burgundy undercarriage like the Model T. Burgundy bucket seats. Front fenders. Big Brother

They're both pretty cars.

Those big, more upscale cars from that era always draw such a stark contrast to the T's. They must've been impressive beasts to someone from the country who was used to seeing Model T's and the like.

Bill M. - "A cow & a calf"!

Maybe a poor analogy, but a calf really is a lot more nimble and energetic that a cow,...so,.....maybe NOT such a poor analogy after all!

A real beauty Bill, and I'm betting that you'll eventually be driving the "T" speedster a lot more than the Marmon!

Still wondering who restored the Model T Speedster. It has some fine enhancements. All wiring terminals are soldered. Wiring is neatly bundled. A lot of love and care has been done. I really wonder what was done to the engine? Do I have a high compression head? Balanced crank? If the 'outside' looks good, the 'insides' should also be good. But no paperwork came with the car. What a mystery!

The trailer has been made especially made for the car. Perfect fit. I can easily haul it with our 2016 Cadillac SRX.

Still having ignition problems. Checking. Engine turns over easily. Gotta find the spark.

No question this will be a fine, fun, car to drive.

Have you verified that the distributor ROTOR is turning ?

Yes, the rotor is turning. Finally got the parts from Texas T. I had two day express and it was held up by UPS. I like Texas T!

I have replaced the plugs, plug wires, coil 12v, and it gave a bark like it was trying. I found the fuel pump has a separate switch.

But, now, the braided line coming down from the tank is leaking. Not able to get to the tank to reach where the line must connect with the tank fitting. Trying to remove the tank. If not successful, I am going to try some surgery!

There was one that looked exactly like this for sale at the big Conroe, TX swap meet a few years ago. It had the same headlights and the same trunk.

The guy was putting around in it to drum up interest.

Rusty, wish I could find more about him. Had to be the same car.

Catbird,

Did you get it running? What was the issue? Did you ever find the history?

Ted

I am pretty sure a guy in my neighborhood in San Luis Obispo, Ca, owned that car in the early to mid 90s, his name was Harry. That's all that I can remember. I went for a ride in it once.

Tim.

Tim Williams. If you could find any other info I would be very pleased to know!