MTFCA Forum

I'm looking for help figuring out what year this one is?

I'm going to go out on a limp and say 1911 runabout with some major changes from the firewall forward

Colin Mavins wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:57 pm

I'm going to go out on a limp and say 1911 runabout with some major changes from the firewall forward

THX, The radiator shell was throwing me off. Hazard to guess what its worth?

Torpedo, isn’t it ? I’d say ‘12 judging by the firewall.

Value would depend on more details like if original engine, diff etc, it has some later parts on it just from that one photo.

It’s got 11 Torpedo fenders and a Torpedo body with doors. Safe to say it’s an 11. The details underneath- well who knows without many more detail photos. The aftermarket nose and hood are different. The cowl light brackets are incorrect. Hard to give a value without more information. Could be made correct, but would cost some money. If you like it and it works for you, buy it.

It could be an optical illusion, but the running board looks to be a bit longer than the typical '11 Torpedo? If it is, then it would be a '12

Running boards are short, rubber covered wood with trim on edges.


Front end has accessory rebound lever shocks, and a steering gizmo on center of axle, and spring is later clip leaf.

(click on photo to enlarge)

I know it was meant to be an improvement but that aerodynamic shell looks out of place and awkward. I much prefer the square brass radiator shell it originally came with. If I had a brass era T, I would never alter it so drastically with such an accessory. Jim Patrick

If there is a real 1911 under there? That could be a really tough call? Make it a correct 1911? Or is it an era upgrade? That could make the car truly unique, in a special way that should be preserved that way?
Lots of questions.
I would say, IF the chassis is not a real 1911, and therefore not a real 1911 torpedo with a genuine era upgrade? It might be better to use the upgrade radiator and hood etc on a more appropriate slightly later T, like a 1915/'16 maybe? That would present the era upgrade as they were originally intended, to make your recent model T appear not too quickly out of date. The 1911 torpedo then could be made more correct to whatever extent a future owner may want. If the car is for sale?
Such radiator and hood upgrades were being offered by 1914, and maybe a bit earlier. I have seen a couple photos of a custom model T roadster with a similar radiator, photos claimed to have been about 1910. But that was a complete custom body and more at a car show. I haven't seen that picture in a few years. Don't know if I still have it or not.

I think it is an altered 11.
The rear window is incorrect for a Ford of the era.

1915 model T touring with very similar radiator and hood. This car also has upgraded fenders and a bumper. It may also have Firestone type demountable wheels.

Steve, the clamp-on front axle bracket may be part of a self centering device. The bracket in the centre acts as a stop, up against which two compression springs around the tie rod press. There will be a collar on each side at the other end of the springs. Turn left and the left spring is compressed, helping to return the wheel once the turn is completed. Same if you turn right.
The better design had an arm which extended clear back to the ball joint on the pan, where it was clamped like a second wishbone is. This helped to hold everthing in place like a second radius rod, as well as acting as the centre stop for the steering device.

I could be wrong.

Allan from down under.

I think it's a put-together loosely based on a 12 runabout configuration. If that work was done on the front end, and other parts (square felloe wheels, squared leaf spring,earlier fenders, etc.) it makes me wonder what else has been done underneath. The chassis could be much later.
Terry