MTFCA Forum

I looked at a 25 coupe that a widow has for sale. It has not been started in four years but before that is was driven almost every day for errands. The lady said they have owned it since 2003 and her husband was in the local Model T Club. The car had respoked wheels and a restored interior, covered with blankets. It also had several accesories such as a ricardo head, drum headlights, fat man steering wheel, front bumper and a unique turn/stop light. The paint was nice except the right front fender had some peeling. She also said she had a huge stack of paperwork of things done to the car. Her original price was in the mid teens but is now looking for a offer which I said I would consider and get back to her. What are your thoughts on the price? I am thinking in the 8000.00 area. Of course I would like to get it as cheap as possible but also am not wanting to take advantage. Art

More pictures...

I would say you're right in the ballpark Art.

Probably overall in good shape. Don’t know about the drum headlights though. Not for me but could be changed to original easy enough. I’m pretty sure she has a good title for the car but wouldn’t hurt to ask. Check out the radiator too. But you’re in the ballpark range of $8000.00. I’m sure it has antifreeze in it but? A close inspection might be good to check things out so there won’t be any surprises if you buy it.

Got this '25 coupe 3 years ago for $8500. Interior redone non-stock, nice body. Wasn't running when purchased, had clear title, so that was a plus. But found engine and trans issues, bad knocking, rear axle issues, so overall a bit costly afterward, but you know, it is an old Ford

A fair price to me would be $9,500, anything less would be taking advantage of the widow.

$ 8 K won't buy a pile of scrap at a tote-the-note.

Does it have a 25 engine? To me the correct motor is a value in a car I am looking at. From what I am seeing in your pics a range of $9,500-$11,500.

As is I think 8,500 is good, maybe even high. If it were running and running well it would be maybe 9,500 or more. What you don't know is whether the drive train is in good condition or the radiator. Also having been setting for a long time unless the gas tank had been completely drained, you might need to clean it or replace it. The carburetor could also need to be cleaned. Also the price of a battery should be deducted unless she has recently replaced it and kept it charged.
Norm

Ask her how many typewriters she'll accept in lieu of cash......

I don't know where she advertised this car but I have a 25 almost exactly like this one and would not take less that $15,000. In fact, I have been offered almost that after I installed the new upholstery.

rickd wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 22, 2023 10:10 am

Does it have a 25 engine? To me the correct motor is a value in a car I am looking at. From what I am seeing in your pics a range of $9,500-$11,500.

I'm in this camp.
The accessories add a lot of value to me. Some might not & want a stock white bread T.
I would want to drive her first. I would expect & demand a strong runner. Run some hills. Only thing missing is a rux.
8.5 K would be a smoking good deal.

I my opinion, the car should be in running, drive-able condition at a $14-15K asking price and available for a road test by a prospective buyer. It should start and run normally without any issues. It should be in a condition to pass a state safety inspection. It should handle well on average, level roads at speeds up to 35 - 40 MPH.

It should have no significant leaks or knocks, and all lighting should work, and the tires should be in good condition and road ready. Safety glass in the windshield would be a plus. Documentation and receipts are a plus.

This car is not perfect, but I suspect that it was well loved and cared for. For starters, receipts were kept and that is the sign of someone who is careful and organized (it will clearly define the level of restoration this thing has or has not undergone). It has a Ricardo head, so the owner valued both performance while at the same time retaining period equipment. Wiring, engine bay and interior all show workmanship-like care went into keeping it in shape. It's nice, but not great, and simply put, is a Black T of late vintage, quite common, and really is not remarkable in any way, shape or form.

A fouled fuel system is absolutely expected and would not be a surprise. It also would not affect the sale price by very much if it were my deal. Any car purchased as inoperative will end up costing another $1000 to make fully right and bring up to your standards...it is not uncommon to buy a mint-fresh restoration and STILL sink the 1K into it to make it "your" car.

A timid purchaser would pay $8500; a bold one, $9000; but If this is a $15000 car, it would have to be in Dubai and sold to some young sheik who was looking for something new to diddle with.

Need to get the car running.

I agree with TXGoat. There is a substantial difference in the price of a running car and one that is not.

Your $8,000 seems reasonable to me. I have a '25 Tudor I restored and have driven for 20 years or so. I like to think it is worth much more but doubt I could sell it for much more than $8,000. There are many cars on the market now.