MTFCA Forum

Hello, it's Randy. I am aware the the Ford Model T was in production from 1909 to 1927. I have heard that only a few 1909 models are remaining. Approximately how many of the early 1909 models are left and if so, what are the differences between the early 1909 models with the later brass era models of 1915 and 16?

Only six of the early 09's remain. As for differences, there are exactly 16,
... all listed and detailed in the official SOP matrix.

There seems to be a surprising number of 09/10 survivors, given the times they lived through. Mine is #9267, Aug 17 1909. For differences, check out the encyclopedia on this site.

Well I suppose it's how you interpret the question of differences from 09 to 1916, body appearances or all changes? just in engine block alone there are 12 changes, drive shaft, axles, diff housing, hogs etc, the list is long in even saying that nearly nothing on a early 09 is the same as a 1915\16

If you say there is only six around then I must be lucky cause there is two real close to where I live 962 roadster and 1513? tourabout one is a pump engine and the other when they did away with the pump.I have wrench on both and took many pictures to look at later for reference.

There is quite a few 09's that have newer blocks that look like the earlier ones but you can sure tell once you are inside, I am glad who ever made these blocks because they sure are stronger on the rear mains than originals.

The really noticeable difference between the early 09 T’s and the rest of the Brass T’s is that they had two pedals instead of three. That’s the biggest difference.
Instead of having a pedal for the clutch or low speed it had a hand lever for the low speed along with a hand brake.
So there were 2 pedals and 2 hand levers.
Others who have experience with the early cars can maybe give a better explanation about that system.
Those cars are really rare and not many still exist. Ford went with the the common 3 pedal system which the majority of T enthusiasts know today.

About 15 years ago we had a national tour centered in Riverside Ca. We went in several directions and returned to the same hotel each day. One day we went somewhere in Orange County and on one of the stops we visited a house with an early 1909 parked in the garage. I remember looking at it, but unfortunately, I didn't look at the pedals! Later I heard people remarking that it had only two pedals. It was one of the earliest models. Anyway, I have seen one, but at the time didn't realize what I was looking at
Norm

John Kuhen - On the two lever, two pedal cars the second lever controlled reverse, not low. This was a change from previous Fords so that the driver could kept both hands on the wheel while driving.

The Model T Encyclopedia gives a very detailed history of the differences and changes year by year.
https://www.mtfca.com/model_t_encyclopedia/1909-10/

Thanks for the update and am familiar with the encyclopedia info. I posted off the top of my head and couldn’t remember exactly how the 2 pedal cars worked.

We have 2152 which is a water pump three pedal car. I restored it in 2003.

Of the 2003 Z/28 Camaros built, 4165 remain.

Concerning the early 2 pedal T’s the MTFCA encyclopedia states the first 750 or so cars had 2 pedals and uses the word approximate to come up with that number.
I have a feeling that number has varied as time goes on. So if you see one on Craigslist nowadays you would have to wonder!

Floyd Clymers Restoration Handbook has pictured Henry Ford Museum’s barn find 09 2 pedal T.
It was restored around 1962. That’s nearly 60 years ago and it was a rare find then.

I think that the car was restored for Ford's 50th in 1953.

There are about 15 cars or engines of the two lever ones in existence, there perhaps 10 complete cars. I have seen three of them.

After 111 years a lot of later parts are on mine but it has the aluminum skinned body that was discontinued in Sept. of 1909 from what I have read somewhere. This is my late 09 on a rest while giving rides a couple weeks ago.