MTFCA Forum

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In the loft of one of the many buildings at the Gilmore is Model T Ford serial number 131. This is a two lever, water pump equipped Model T, one of the earliest known to exist today. The tires are covered by vinyl covers intended to reduce the graying effect of sunlight on the tires. Note the linoleum covered wooden running boards with brass edge trim, a feature discontinued after the first 2499 Model T’s. The rear body brackets on the first 2499 Model T’s had four bolts as seen here and the fragile “no rivet” 1909 rear axle assembly as used on the first 10,000 cars. Notice there is not a pinion bearing housing, the driveshaft was supported at each end by a babbitt bushing. The car was purchased with no options, and remains that way today. As such it does not have headlamps, a windshield, or a top. Controls in the first 700 Model T’s consisted of two pedals, two levers, the mixture control, steering wheel, spark and gas levers.
modeltfordfix.com
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#131 was formerly in Harrahs collection, likely restored to very high standards, would believe “correct” as money could make, absent the white rubber mat, carpet protector now.


#131 at Concoures DE Elegance car show in Palos Verdes, CA, 2008. Had white front floor mat then, along with a red painted steering wheel.



Aug 2022, visited the Gilmore in MI and took these updated photos of #131

Since when did you become interested in correct Model T's?

And, in this corner ladies and gentlemen........

modeltspaz wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 16, 2025 1:06 pm

And, in this corner ladies and gentlemen........

That's a good one, all right!!

I believe this car was owned by Ken Keesee (sp?) after Harrah's. When he bought the car from Harrah's, it was in very "unrestored" condition. I believe Mark Mahoney managed/restored the car for Ken. The car was part of Ken's Model T collection/museum in Orange County/Anaheim CA. Ken had a great Model T collection and museum.

Some creative license at work here IMO. This has a post #2500 touring body, built I'm told by the late Bob Marx.
Distinct features of the 1st 2500 are lower door handle elevation as the result of earliest door latches and catch plates. Per 2500 also has a vertical black trim welt approx 2 inches parallel and rear of the doors.
Was this car not previously credited to the late Bill Hess?

Some early posts about #131
2009 scroll down to the end as well https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/8 ... 1255192769
2011 https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/1 ... 1314166861

Mark Mahoney is the most knowledgeable on this car. It was parted next to mine at the Palos Verdes Concourse, Mark drove it onto the field and it ran well. I have quite a few notes on this car, but I don't have any first hand knowledge. In Don Hess's little black, he is listed as the owner at one time, then Harrahs auto collection then to Ken Keesee. I believe it was then sold to the current owner in NJ.

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Lee Chase, MTFCA Member #29 and early member of the Model T Ford Club of Southern California, and his 1909 Two Pedal - Two Lever Touring. Los Angeles Circa 1963.
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NorthSouth wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 17, 2025 12:56 pm

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Lee Chase, MTFCA Member #29 and early member of the Model T Ford Club of Southern California, and his 1909 Two Pedal - Two Lever Touring. Los Angeles Circa 1963.
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IMG_0865.jpeg

It's pulling a boat trailer! I love it!

More time has passed between this picture being taken and now (62 years), than between the 1909 date of manufacture and 1963 (54 years). What a character he must have been. Where is his car now? Are there more pictures of it?

The Lee Chase car was restored by Ray McIlwain and his father in law. They had two 1909's
Ray had car number 451 which is now in the Harrah Museum.
Ray's father in law had car number "452" which is the car Lee Chase later owned.
Some where I have a picture of three 2 pedal 2 lever cars parked in front of our house, taken around 1963.
The 2 Mcilwain cars and my dad's car #714.