recently restored 1915 runabout in a Hemmings auction

[NealW]

We are reluctantly selling the 1915 runabout that I fully restored during 2019-2020 to make room for a 1929 Model A and since we aren't driving it as much since we finished restoring our 1911 T touring car.

There aren't many recently restored Model T's out there; particularly for sale. It's a great car that is fun to drive and needs nothing but some gas to go enjoy!

Here's the link to the auction, if someone is looking for a nice brass T:

https://www.hemmings.com/auction/1915-f ... -ks-510300

[Art Ebeling]

That is a nice car and the reserve has been met. Wouldn't a serial number of 591xxx be well in the 1914 model year? Art

[NealW]

Wouldn't a serial number of 591xxx be well in the 1914 model year?

It is a 9/30/14 assembly date, which was early in the 1915 model year. The car was likely finished in early 1915, as Ford was having trouble with the transition to the new 1915 body styles, both for the runabout and touring car.

Ford installed brass horns for about the first half of the 15 model year before switching to magneto horns. When I restored the car, there were two screw holes in the block of wood underneath the side panel, indicating that a brass horn bulb had been installed on the car when new. The horn hose and attach bracket were made to Ford drawings by the late RV Anderson, and he told me that they were "eyeball" hand located in the factory but gave me the general dimensions for where Ford factory workers installed them. From what I recall, his instructions were pretty close to where the holes were.

[1912touring]

Very nice car...and very tempting

[NealW]

Very nice car...and very tempting

It is quite likely that the final bid will be below what was invested in doing the full restoration. Someone is going to end up with a really nice brass T for a really good price!

[TWrenn]

I bet the final bid day the bids will explode!

[TWrenn]

I bet the final bid day the bids will explode!

Takes me a while to think of things...ha ha...but I just read where naturally there's a buyer's fee of 5%. Obviously adds to the cost!

[TWrenn]

I see it's up to $10.5K now...let the dog fight begin! If I were lucky enough (LOL) to get it for $11K, with buyers premium, sales tax I'd be on the hook for here in Ohio, plus going to get it, now this car would be pretty close to $14K! Still a helluva deal just the same.

[TWrenn]

Went for $12.5K. Got himself a good deal even if it does have '17 rear fenders. Easily corrected. Congrats! Unreal how low values on brass cars are even going. Sign of times

[speedytinc]

There are are a few anomalies with this T.
That is a lot of money for this T. Rear fenders & Top irons 17 or later also. Thats more added cost to correct. Seat cushion cover backwards?
Plus a buyers premium. Best way to launder an old car/motorcycle is thru an auction. I doubt the buyer knows what he was looking @.

The strangest thing I find is the claimed September '14 build.
The metal cowled 15's didnt come out until April of 15 for open cars.
My 14/15 has an engine casting date of late October. The body is of the typical 14 style with 15 style curved rear fenders.
The engine casting #'s are located different. Could it be Canadian?

[NealW]

There are are a few anomalies with this T.
That is a lot of money for this T. Rear fenders & Top irons 17 or later also. Thats more added cost to correct. Seat cushion cover backwards?
Plus a buyers premium. Best way to launder an old car/motorcycle is thru an auction. I doubt the buyer knows what he was looking @.

The "anomalies" were spelled out in the auction listing. NO, THE SEAT CUSHION COVER IS NOT INSTALLED BACKWARDS.

Your last two sentences that I quoted above make assumptions about the seller and buyer; both of whom you know nothing about.

[speedytinc]

I am happy for your successful sale. You should be quite happy also. You got top dollar.
I waited for the sale to end before making any comments. Primarily I dont understand your claimed build date.
The body dont fit the date, unless its a Canadian thing?

[TWrenn]

Top dollar? Seriously? Everyone of course has their idea of value vs. product, yes this car has a couple "anomolies" but I sure's heck didn't see anything earth shattering! To me the "worst" would be the '17 fenders and cripes a quick order for 2 Rootliebs will cure that and sell those gorgeously painted '17 fenders to someone restoring, well, a '17!! No brainer! And top irons? Same thing and quite frankly most people wouldn't even notice the difference, let alone care, unless they intend to put this car into judging like the International club has. I'm more worried how LOW the car went. I bid $12K just literally on a "whim", and was fearing the wrath of the wife had I won! About 6 or so years ago I sold an equally nice '15 Touring for a lot more than what this car fetched. Things aren't going the right direction in my estimation. Just MY opinion. Everyone has a right to theirs of course. Dang gorgeous car with apparently proper care.