MTFCA Forum

I am interested buying a 1909_1912 model t touring.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1912-ford-model-t/
http://topclassiccarsforsale.com/ford/3 ... uring.html
https://classiccars.com/listings/find/1 ... rd/model-t
https://mfpclassiccars.com/ford/403393- ... a-car.html
http://smclassiccars.com/ford/85273-190 ... e-29l.html

They are out there if you have the money. Quite a bit of money.

1909 through 1912 are a tough era to want. Easily half of all model Ts for sale from that era are fakes! Some are honestly represented as what they are, fun cars that look nice to be around. Way too many of them are represented as real authentic early cars which they are NOT. A REAL 1909 with mostly proper 1909 parts well and correctly restored can be worth above $70,000! There was a fake for sale a couple years ago that was claimed as the real thing, it wasn't worth even $10,000 given the all later parts, rough old reproduction pieces and generally bad workmanship, yet the seller wanted more than $30,000 for it. A couple years ago, a totally fake later parts and reproduction bling car sold for about $35,000! Two fools kept bidding over the other. The car was nicely done, and looked good (from a bit of distance?), but if the buyer ever decided to sell it, he better hope the other fool still wants it!
Really nice fakes may in fact be worth more than $20,000? They certainly cost more than that to have one built. But for that same a bit more than $20,000, a real hobbyist can get a nice 1913 to 1915 in ready to drive and enjoy condition! And most real hobbyists would rather have a slightly later real thing than an eye-popping fake. Besides, although the fakes do find their way onto HCCA tours and other meets? The fakes technically DO NOT qualify under longtime and current HCCA rules. And THAT also affects the value of the car, a bunch.

If you do not really know the hundreds of minute details involved? Better to make good friends with a few people that do and are willing to teach at least most of the basics. And also, be well aware, not everyone that thinks they 'know this stuff'? Really does?

As a simple point of reference? I know more about the model Ts of those years than most model T people do. And I do NOT consider myself to be an expert.

Wayne Sheldon, still learning.

I should also mention, that I am not against the 'fakes'. In fact I really like good ones. The best thing about them, if nicely done, is that they do look wonderful! Most people in the world do not know the difference, and a lot of fun can be had driving them around, without worrying about all those really rare and very expensive pieces breaking! Since the (for lack of a better word?) fakes already use mostly late 1910s and 1920s major parts, if an engine decides to blow itself to bits? One is looking at a few thousand dollars to buy and rebuild (to a high quality!) another later engine. Much easier to swallow than having to spend maybe $30,000 to buy and properly rebuild a real 1910!

I have quite a few good friends that have such cars, and they really enjoy that fact that they can enjoy them without the worrying about something breaking. MOST mostly real 1909 and 1910 model Ts are rarely driven more than a few miles.

My major concern in these posts is that you and others be aware that THERE IS A DIFERENCE! That that difference DOES make a big difference in the value (dollars as well as intrinsic) of the cars. I want you and others to enjoy this hobby, and getting taken on a fake does tend to cut the enjoyment a bit much.

Like others have said when you find one of the 09-12 Model T’s check it closely for authenticity. Those cars are going to cost you so if you want to buy one with the correct engine, driveline, transmission, and chassis parts. There are some nice very early brass cars around that look and run fine BUT sometimes they have later engines with a starter and later differentials. And that’s fine if the buyer lets you know what’s been changed. It’s happened that even the owner doesn’t know what’s unique about the early cars. Read up on the subject so you spot what may not be exactly right.
Get as much of the history if that’s survived with the car. Good Luck!

Thank you everyone for this useful advice I really do appreciat it.

I have a real 10 touring I will be selling. If interested. 480-998-6617

Check the HCCA website. Looks like Don Lang has a 1909 Tourabout available. There are also a couple of nice 1912s listed for sale there also.
Terry

Terry, that Tourabout is all but sold. I've been communicating with the prospective buyer the last few days about it. Seems he's gonna pull the trigger on it today.

Visited Craig Beek Today. Said he'd let this one go

Frank, wonder for how much?

TWrenn wrote: ↑

Thu May 20, 2021 3:32 pm

Frank, wonder for how much?

You know what they say, if you have to ask you can't afford it. I have no idea, but these are perfect. Had to twist his arm to think about which one he'd sell. He sold a 1912 Farm Roadster (modified for buyer with electric start) in the 30's in 2018. Sold another T (year ?) in the past 6 month. - if your interested I can email Craig's phone#. Doesn't want to post it

If you want to see some detailed pictures of a 1909 Model T you could do worse that search for on this forum for

Resurrection of a 1909

Most everything on the vehicle was either authentic with many detailed pictures or a clear statement of what was thought to be done in the 1950s and during my work in 2017-19.
During the past decade I have looked over many so called early Model Ts and very few hold up to a critical review.

TonyB wrote: ↑

Thu May 20, 2021 7:41 pm

If you want to see some detailed pictures of a 1909 Model T you could do worse that search for on this forum for

Resurrection of a 1909

Most everything on the vehicle was either authentic with many detailed pictures or a clear statement of what was thought to be done in the 1950s and during my work in 2017-19.
During the past decade I have looked over many so called early Model Ts and very few hold up to a critical review.

Not sure what vehicle your referring to but it’s NOT the one I posted of Craig’s. Are you referring one of your own?