I have inherited a Model T touring and I am trying to figure out what year it is and how much it is worth. It is in original condition, was running 15 years ago but has since been in storage. It also has 4 doors that open and electric headlamps. The licence plate on the rear of the car says 1916.
Ralf Webber:
Can you post some pictures.
this is what a 16 touring looks like. this is a touring. Some body styles are worth more than others.
Post pictures, and the serial number. It's on the left side of the engine, stamped above the water inlet.
I am going back to clean the vehicle next weekend, at that time I will take pictures and record the serial#. Which range of numbers are made in 1916? Mine does not have bras ...perhaps it was painted over?
You can look them up online. Otherwise these guy know their stuff.
Ralph,
Ford discontinued brass trim on the headlights and lanterns in 1916 (though many have been restored with brass trim because it looks fancier). The radiator remained brass in 1916. I suppose, as you've said, it's possible your radiator may have been painted over, though I think that's unlikely. Like Steve says, post some photos and get us the serial number and we can solve this riddle for you.
It has four doors
He's in British Columbia.
Canadian serial numbers'
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/281372.html?1334847922
The VIN on the vehicles engine block is C113812. Made in USA. From the index it appears to be manufactured between July 31,1916 and July 31,1917. Does this seem correct?
Your number is correct for a Canadian T made between the dates you have posted, the question is Made in USA, is that on the engine block?
Yep. Assuming a similar number produced each month, that would put your number somewhere in April or May of 1917.
So would it be listed as a 1917?, it has a 1916 licence plate on it. Made in the USA was on the engine block.
It would be called a 1917, Ford used fiscal years for model changes, that, made in the USA should not come up on a canadian T, all it should have is the Ford logo on the side of the block and a few years later "made in Canada" on it, The engine may have been replaced at some time, some photo's would help.
Is Made in USA on the block, or just the head? It could be a USA head on a Canadian block. Nobody has mentioned "4 doors that open". That indicates it's not a USA body. USA cars had only three doors.
I'll take some pictures on the weekend and post them.
I think everybody's missing something. If it has four doors that all open as Ralph Webber said in his original post, and it's a touring, I would think that it just about has to be what's known as the "new improved" Model T, which is a '26 or a '27.
The Canadian Fords had doors that open all around because they used the same body for Canada (Left hand drive) and the rest of the British Commonwealth (Right hand drive). One of the cars at the Piquette Plant in Detroit is a very nice 1915 Canadian Model T touring car.
Nope... 4 doors in '17 means it's a Canadian T. You should also have in various and sundry places on the car "made in Canada". Being in BC, this shouldn't be surprising...
If the motor is embossed on the block "made in USA" (not Canada), it was probably a restamped replacement motor. Not uncommon.
a '17 model year would have the rounded black radiator shell, not the brass one. Also remember, even tho your new baby may be original, parts may have been replaced or accessories added over the previous 95 or so years!
Anyway, looking forward to the pix...
Of course sometimes parts are swapped around and other times accessories may be added. In which case a USA touring could have four doors before 1926 -- but not from the factory.
For additional details see the thread at: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/259674.html
But based on what has been shared so far -- I agree it is most likely a Canadian produced touring.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
I gave the car a wash and snapped a few pictures. The last time it ran was in 1995, previous to that it was stored on a Saskatchewan farm for over 40 years. Definitely a Canadian 1916 or 1917 model. Not sure if there are many left like this in original running condition. I would like to know the value of this vehicle if anyone can tell me.
http://photobucket.com/1917ModelT
Hi Ralph,
The 1916 model year was the last of the brass radiator Fords. You have what we call a "steel car" and yes, to my untrained eye, yours looks like it could be of 1917 vintage. What it's worth depends on the condition of the paint, top and upholstery, the level of equipment and the drive-train. Rust will devaluate the car as will a non-running engine. Judging by the photos, I'd say your car needs a complete restoration and the cost of having that much work professionally done would be good deal more than the car will ever be worth on paper, so it is in no way an investment for a speculator.
On the other hand, a buyer who has the talent to do his own restorative work would probably see your car as a complete "kit" and make a hobby of the needed work. Certainly, somebody will want to adopt it. Because it's not running, I'm going to guess the car is worth just south of $5,000.
Of course there is another option. It seems there is a growing number of folks that just do what it takes to make the car mechanically sound and safe and leave the rest unrestored. We have a 1918 US made Touring in very similar condition. We enjoy the heck out of it.
I suppose values vary from place to place and person to person. If it doesn't run, $5k sounds kinda high. If you can get it to run, that would sound like a pretty good deal.
Hey do those Canadian cars have the brake control lever in a different spot than on the American cars? Even if that blank did open on my car you'd not be able to get in due to that lever in the way.
Martin,
Yes, the emergency brake is in the way unless you are a really small person. That is also true for the RHD cars -- the emergency brake switches to the same basic "in the way" but for the right hand door.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 Cut off
If this were an original car, I'd say don't restore. Just make it mechanically sound and fix the most deteriorated upholstery. But the red primer showing through and the Oklahoma chrome on the engine suggest to me that the car has been "done" before.
The car ran fine in 1995 and then was garaged until now. I can attempt to start it up ...I'm sure it still runs well. I forgot to take a picture of the "Made in Canada" label on the dashboard. Could the red showing through possibly be the original color or just a primer?
Ralph,
The red paint under the black, red on the frame and the red over spray on the radiator and upholstery are a clear indication that it has been repainted before. It was originally all black with no red primer.
Jim
What type of upholstery was on the stock Model T? This vehicle has canvas covering the insides of the doors and back of the rear seat.
Were we looking at the same pictures? It looks good to me why would it need restoring?
The canvas is a home made repair. Here's what the original upholstery looked like.
"Door and side panels were covered with imitation leather until about 1917 when the side panels were changed to a black cardboard-like material, with a trim welting around the edges. 1926 and 1927 cars came with and without buttons in the seat upholstery." ~ Bruce McCalley's Model T Encyclopedia found on this website. It has a lot of good information.
Kep makes a good point. While it's been restored before and could be again, it looks pretty good as it is.
So as far as pricing is concerned it's worth about $5K, running add 3 or $4K more? May be interested in selling it as I don't have the time to put into it right now. Where are the best places to advertise?
Ralph -- My first choice would be the Classified Ads section of this website.
http://www.oldautos.ca/
is a good Canadian paper for advertising
Ralph, I agree with Mike Walker. Less hassle, informed buyers, less chance of getting ripped off by someone who wants more than expected.