Automotive

1923 Ford Model T Coupe

For consignment, a 1923 Ford Model T coupe showing 8 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Purchased by the previous owner in 1972 and restored in 1974, this tin lizzie is holding up extremely well. In ’23, you could get any color on a Ford model as long as it was black, although dealers could paint your car any color you liked. Yes, their entire line was painted black and some body changes were introduced mid year, in August with other components going unchanged from the ’22 models.

Exterior

True to form, this American classic is Black, still in single stage coverage, augmented only by whispers of metalwork on the side and of course, the 30-inch wooden spoke wheels with silver rims. New for late ’23 was the lip we see on the fenders giving them new character and depth, connecting with a wide running board and steel, textured step. The wider and higher hood for ’23 includes stamped steel handles, vent louvers, and the winged Motometer as the radiator cap. Our vintage headlights are paired with more modern marking lights up front and the same type appear in red out back along with an LED tail light. The exterior is in very fine condition and we could not find any glaring imperfections.

Interior

Brown broadcloth adorns the door panels with doors that open in reverse style and both are in very good shape, leading to the matching material on the column tufted bench that could be mistaken for a parlor loveseat, here presenting cleanly. At a time when cars were one color, the control area was equally as simple with a black four spoke steering wheel leading to an all black dash, now with some electrical switches added but also the vintage gauges in the center and in front of the passenger, close enough to read from the nearby pilot position. Shoe shaped pedals are embossed with a representative letter and along with the handbrake, are based on the floor with a rubber mat and carpeted footwells. A mohair-like headliner is above us and in nice shape, while the trunk is painted black and barren.

Drivetrain

A clean and original looking 177ci L-head inline four cylinder is behind the engine cover and with fuel coming from a 1-barrel carburetor, puts out 20 horsepower. It is linked to a 2 speed planetary transmission with 3.63 gears in the rear axle.

Undercarriage

Almost as simple as the underside of a horse, the undercarriage presents cleanly and as correct, all black. A single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler and dumps under the car, with a baffle directing spent fuel towards the ground. Mechanical drum brakes are on the rear wheels only and transverse leaf springs make up the front and rear suspension. We note some fluid under the transmission, but overall the underside is clean.

Drive-Ability

No key proximity start up in this vintage ride, and after a few steps, we get the ’23 rolling and track a quick lap around our test loop. It delivers on all accounts and we have to give praise to the 102 year old for near flawless operation. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Here’s a shining, and shiny, example of a car that changed the face of the country and likely the world. It’s museum worthy but how great it would be to see this thing pull up at a Cars and Coffee, puttering past the Lambos and Porsches on its way to getting more attention from real car aficionados. This 20 horsepower legend is waiting for you, and we’ll keep it dry until you get here!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that’s more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!