I've been looking for a nice Touring, and i came across this. I know its only 4 pics and not very descriptive, but give it your best shot at what you see right or wrong, and what you think about the price if you can...Thanks.
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/d/1923-ford-model-touring/6335092703.html
They always look great in the photo's and this one does too. Minimal info makes it necessary for you to take the lead to find out more. If you're going for a look see bring a T savvy guy with you if you're not up on them to check things out. As to price; 14 is high. It's also an initial asking price and I'd fully expect to go down from there. It looks OK in the pics but we're talking about a plain middle of the run black T so brass car prices are out. I'd be at about $9500 to 11 G's max after a good hard look over.
One never knows what was done in a older restoration unless someone kept the receipts for work and parts. Not knowing any better years ago I bought my 1919 Touring that was "restored" and ended up doing a total engine, transmission and rear end rebuild. I have enough money in this 19' that I could never sell it for what I have in it. For that price I would expect a great runner with Ruckstell, high head and a Stromberg OF! Then again us Model T guys are cheap! Proceed with careful attitude.....
14 grand is too much for almost any 1923. Two rules apply: 1 Beauty is only skin deep; 2 Everything looks better in pictures. Rule 1 is valid in varying degrees. In some cases a T is cosmetically good but mechanically is one step above a basket case. I am the voice of experience on that one. Look carefully and ask questions. When was the engine work done, and by whom? What was done? Ditto the transmission and rear axle.
Looks good from the pics but for that money I would look at it close and ask a LOT of questions. The seller probably has that much or more in it.
Something to remember is you'll probably wont get back what you have invested in it. The seller will find that out.
A good place to look at first is underneath the car. If it was fairly well restored it would have had the body removed and had the chassis gone through. You can tell pretty quick by the looks of the undercarriage.
Top money would be 8-11,000 depending on what you find out about the car.
Boy, that is a VERY nicely installed top. If the rest of the car is as nice, it's a dandy. But even so, 14K is too much for a '23.
If I were to do it again, I would have purchased my T from one of the forum members. I was just plain lucky that I picked up a decent 1920 Runabout. Even so, I have spent the last two years working on it, and just recently got it on the road.
Model Ts are not rare, and there is always the perfect "T" just about to be listed for sale.
That given, a car purchased here will come to you with considerable more history and forthrightfulness in terms of what needs to be done on it, if anything.
I have seen some real gems over the past few years. If it weren't for that pesky money thing getting in the way...
My OP; the engine and under the hood do not match the quality of the rest of the car. There are an heck of a lot of cars that the outside was done first class but the running gear was just given a once over. These cars were maybe driven in a local parade or went for ice cream with the grand kids.
I would suggest looking in the transmission, open the fill hole in the rear end(what color is the lube) and compression check. How clean or dirty is the oil? etc. How tight are the wheels? If the front is jacked up, how tight do things feel?
I can't find anything to pick on. There are many nice ones out there for less.
Rich
John, Since you already own a 25 Roadster... What do you think?
Anyone can criticize an unseen car... Many good deals have been lost because of someone else's opinion. I would go see the car, determine its value to you, then negotiate accordingly. Be bold!
My initial thought was that it might be worth 10-11k max if the engine/trans/rear-end turned out to be in good shape. I realize the later style touring's aren't as desirable as the earlier years, but i kind of like the plain Jane utilitarian look of it, call me weird. Might be worth a trip North to have a look, still pondering.
John,
Not a lot of cars in your area.
You have the advantage of laying eyes on this before you buy it - you are also going into the off season ( well for most folks excepting Bill Harper ... ).
The only opinion that matters is yours.
FJ
HEY!!
I resemble that remark.
FWIW, I had a '23 touring for exactly 50 years - My first T - that I sold last year for $10,500. It was " restored" back in the '60s and has a Ruckstell and a Giant Power Head.