For sale a 1909 Model T touring.
Asking price 40,000 (OBO)
Photos can be found at: http://s1104.photobucket.com/albums/h331/Nhopton/
It is one of the early aluminum bodied models. Almost everything is original, including the rear and front axles. The only two parts that are not original is the radiator( its from a 1912 model T) and the intake manifold. I have the original manifold but it needs to be repaired as one of the bolt spots have been broken. The engine turns over and has spark but is currently not running.
This car was restored in the 50's in Ohio and then moved to Florida in the late 80's to the sons of the restorers house after his father died. And then to California where my father owned it the last 17 years.
For those of you who didn't come across the older discussion about this car you should know that I am selling this car because my father passed away.
First 40,000 dollars gets this beauty or best offer.
Rare Model T's are a better investment than any stock in todays market.
Please ask with questions and I will answer to my best knowledge.
Thanks for your time,
Noah Hopton
noahhhopton@gmail.com
Noah;
Wonder why the coil box was mounted on the engine?
Probably because sometime down the road an owner was not able to get the correct coils from 1909. They are also very rare and not same size as the late coils.
Since the coil box seems to be there, it is a pretty quick fix to solve if the new owner get sleepless nights over it (and have more money to spend).
Here is an earlier thread about the car: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/151006.html?1279155555
An unbelievable number of correct early parts including a no-revit rear end with an early "long" driveshaft. Correct front axle, open valve etc. The minor things like incorrect coil box are easy to change.
I checked and re-checked my wallet, but came up short each time.
I am going to quickly try for a Lottery miracle.
Model T number 3182 was owned by a C. D. Stiner in 1960 according to a 1961 register.
Here's the rub. Rob wants a bit over $50K for his fully restored good running 1909 T and the line of takers is not long. An 11 just sold at auction in Az for $18k and some change. If one were to purchase the car for his asking price, just imagine how much you'd have in the car by the time its restored to Rob's standards. Consider the cost of a complete mechanical rebuild, new leather upholstery and top, new paint plus all the other little things that drive the price up.
I could do the mechanical restoration for a few thou but I don't do upholstery nor body paint. In California the cost of having these items done is very high so where does that leave a guy?
I think Noah has been coached by all those well wishers that caution against selling a car like his too cheap but, of course, don't have the money to buy it themselves. I've seen it time and time again when someone in the hobby dies and the friends caution the heirs against those sneaky low ballers.
They give inflated estimates as to what the car is worth but of course never buy it themselves.
Now here we are over two years down the road and Noah is still trying to sell the car.
I was in contact with him back then and would have purchased the car for an honest price, but it wasn't long before he blew me off no doubt thinking I was trying to steal it.
I completely agree with Richard.
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to buy old cars or parts from someone who has no idea (or hasn't done any research as to) their real worth or has an inflated idea based on misleading or anecdotal information from unintentioned buyers.
Ron the Coilman
I went to look at this car a year and a half ago. I spent quite a bit of time trying to help Noah out, telling him about the car and trying to point him in the right direction to get a good price for the car while leaving the car alone and selling it as is. He didn't know me, so i don't know if i did him any good or not. A month or so later, i made him an offer fairly close to his asking price. He was going to hold out so here we are at this point in time in a softer market. This is a really good car with a lot of rare parts still on the car. If a buyer would be happy with the car as is, its not to bad a deal, but if you want to restore it to looks like Rob's car, your going to have way more in it then its worth. Id still like to have the car, but 40 is just to much for me.
What we have here, is what my father in law used to call "the meeting place for two fools" The misinformed fellow who thinks he posses the Holy grail and the uneducated fellow who thinks he's found it. Nice car, just not for the purist!
I don't think Noah is misinformed at all. I think he has a pretty nice car and knows it, but should have sold it a while back when the market was better. As for as 09 T's go, this is a pretty correct car. Its got its original engine, a good original body, and a no rivet rear end with the long Babbitt bearing drive shaft. Very few 09 Fords have those parts still on them.
I'm sure that Noah's car is a fine example for somebody who has high standards and the means to afford what he desires.
I'm looking at this from not 1 but 2 entirely different perspectives though.
1) I want a fine early T Touring. For $20K or even slightly less, I can get a nice '10, '11, or '12. So that saves me $20K for other things.
2) I do have $40K to spend on a nice Touring car. In that case I would probably opt for something more upscale than a Model T.
But there's certainly a buyer out there for this crisp '09. It may just take some time until the timing is right.
At what value or rarity does a car cease being a car to drive, and becomes an objet d' art?
This will vary, of course, depending on the financial situation of the owner, but there must be a range of values.
rdr
Here's a reality check, the economy sucks you should have sold the car previously when you had a decent offer Noel! Good Luck!
I have a complete, unassembled 1909 Model T Ford. I would like to see it to go to a wonderfull home. On fact, I would love to see it restored. Even a ride in it!! Can one of ya fellows help me with a price to sell it as is? It is 99% complete. No tires. It's is UNassembled. 30 years of going to swap meets and collecting parts. I simply just don't have time to complete it. Thanks! Johnny.
I might be interested in such a project, can you forward me details
John