1911 Ford Model T Touring.

This Model T (Engine#49746 / Body#62368) rolled off the Ford assembly line on April 25, 1911. It was sold in Fargo, North Dakota and must have led a pampered life as 40 years later (1951) it was purchased in California by a collector, Emery Funk. It remained in completely original condition until 1987 when it was purchased by a collector in Illinois who set out on a two-year, no-expense-spared frame-off restoration to the highest quality show standards.

Every piece of this car was removed and correctly restored. Hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars were invested to make this car a showstopper. And it is. The metal body was refinished in correct 1911 Ford Blue with French Gray pinstriping. Black leather upholstery was created by Amish craftsmen using five hides that were dyed and sewn in correct Ford style, replicating the original design. A new correct top was fashioned (and has never been down since installation.) A set of rare John W. Brown headlamps, side lamps and tail light were located and restored to as-new condition. The original open-valve engine (one of the last made before valve covers were adopted by Ford) was completely rebuilt, as was the running gear including the original 12-rivet clamshell rear axle (Although this is now commonly referred to as a "1912 axle", we are told it has been on the car since new.) There were thousands of other small details that went into bringing this car back as closely as possible to 1911 factory-new condition.

In 1989 this car received a National First Place Award from the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and at a second showing it received its AACA Senior First Place Award. The car was moved to these shows in a custom-built 20 foot Haulmark tandem-axle trailer that was designed specifically for this car. It is 9-1/2 feet tall so the top may remain up on the car. The owner also had custom-sewn bags to cover every piece of brass (and there are many) on this car, to protect them from wear and tarnish. A custom cover for the car was also made by Beverly Hills Motoring Accessories to cover the car (with top up) when in storage. Canvas "gators" were also made for the period-style white rubber tires. The car was never moved without the gators in place, so the tires never touched the ground unless the car was setting still, on display. Thus, the tires have always looked like new.

In 1990, the current owner in Oregon purchased the car. He has kept it in his climate-controlled garage/showroom ever since. Total mileage on the car since restoration now reads just 1.9 miles. It has always been maintained and today the engine still starts on the first pull of the crank. (Note in the photos that the fan belt was removed while the car has been stored.)  He has enjoyed the car for the last 24 years but would now like to pass it along to a collector or museum who will appreciate the quality of this Model T and continue to preserve it for the future. 

Today the car appears as a near-fresh restoration with virtually no signs of wear or age. Please see photos and video. If one wanted to drive it, for all intents and purposes it is a "brand-new", 103 year-old car. If you stepped into a Ford showroom in 1911, this is most likely what you would have seen. For the collector who wants a showpiece, this certainly qualifies and would be a highlight of any collection.

It is being offered here on eBay with a reserve in keeping with its quality and rarity. There are lots of $10,000 Model T's out there. This is not one of them. This has gone beyond being simply a car and is now a fine work of art that any museum would welcome. It could certainly not be restored to this level today for the reserve price. It is without doubt one of the finest Model T's available in the world today. Please bid accordingly.

The car is available for inspection by serious bidders, by appointment. Bring your experts. They will be impressed. CAR IS LOCATED IN EUGENE, OREGON.

(Note: The trailer is not included in the auction price but will be made available to the winning bidder, if they desire.)

WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS, WORLDWIDE.

Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK.

If the video link below is inactive, please go to: http://youtu.be/SdDddEwAmE4