What would you pay for this T?

[Desert Toad]

Howdy all!

I was offered this T for 7k. It came from the president of the Model T club in Montana, raced in the Montana 500 there.

I have a 1930 Model A, but don't know a lot about a T, although this seem like a good deal. The guy has a body shop and does excellent work, said I could have the full deal with body work and paint for 8k. I'm so tempted....

Anyone want to talk me out of this?

[Desert Toad]

Also has the stock high compression motor, runs like a champ.

[Steve Jelf]

Based on just those three pictures, it could be worth the 7K, or not. What auxiliary transmission does it have? Why is there a bungee on the brake lever? What does "stock high compression motor" mean? (The stock motor has compression of about 45-55 pounds and officially puts out 20 HP.) Does the rear axle have bronze thrust washers, or the original babbitt? How much play in the steering? If you jack it off the ground, grab a wheel, and shake, what happens? There are lots of things to check before you take the plunge. Aside from the missing top, there may be other things it needs.

[Desert Toad]

Thanks for the reply. I plan on checking it out next week, just needed everyone's help here to know what to look for.

:-)

[Rowdy]

Upon first look I would not go over $5500 with all that it appears it needs. Rod

[theHIGHLANDER]

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Ok, I'll talk you out of it. Have him bring it to Hershey next month, painted, and I'll give him his 8K and buy lunch.

[Derek Kiefer]

As it sits $7k might be high, but painted for $8k seems quite reasonable.

How recently was it raced in the Montana 500, and how well did it do?

[CharlieB]

There's a lot of alterations going on here. It appears to be a cut down Touring car with a bed added. What manufacturer is the bed from? The interior is dead wrong. The body and cowl are 2 different colors. No top as Steve mentioned. This car looks like a collection of parts that was built up a piece at a time. Not to mention any mechanical problems that may exist. "High comp. engine" only says to me it's been possibly run hard. You need a T guy to help you check it out. Don't try it on your own if you don't know. Do what you must but me? I'd pass. Too much going on. And I don't feel it's worth anywhere near the asking price because it's doesn't appear to be an "original"
car. Don't jump at the first one you see. There's plenty of T's out there.

[J Sims]

The main body is correct but the box is Model A and the rear fenders are earlier than what is correct.

[van Dyck]

J Sims is correct. There is something disconcerting about the Model A box - there is no front panel, and the very rear of the box appears to be abbreviated. Even painting that car as it is would not make it worth an extra thou. What is really being sold here is a '26 - '27 chassis and body.

[gz]

It's listed on ebay now.

[CharlieB]

Maybe Toad saw the light. The car will sell. There are plenty of folks out there that won't be bothered by it's condition.

[Desert Toad]

thanks all for the heads ups, got the guy down to 3750. Good enough to run the kids to town for ice cream?

[CharlieB]

It's up to you but yeah.

[big job]

Even I would go for that only 10 grand to get it here.
sam