The success of the mass-produced Ford Model T will forever be recorded in history books. With its launching in 1908, it was built in multiple styles through 1927. With generational design changes along the way, the Model T sold confidently each year as a practical, inexpensive vehicle affordable by almost any working individual with plenty of parts and service centers located just about anywhere you needed. Henry Ford continued to produce America’s affordable Model T at a rapid pace into the late 1920’s, averaging over 1 million units each year! The simplicity of the design, along with nine model choices to choose from, made Ford an easy choice for budget conscience buyers. In some cases, specialty bodies were supplied by independent coach builders to suit individual client requirements, especially in the commercial market.
In the case of this Model T offered here, the body was supplied by Kratzer Carriage Company who built quality, hand-crafted bodies specialized for use as delivery equipment. They were based in Des Moines, Iowa with over 20 distributors throughout the entire state. Their bodies were sold totally constructed using top-grade materials, complete with paint and pinstriping to the buyer’s discretion, and 100% ready to simply bolt onto a Ford chassis.
This Model T offered here is fitted with their Express Type Delivery Truck body. Note the twin hinged doors on both sides with special handle locks when closed & body side retainers to hold them open when necessary; two drop side windows and a rear sliding window for extra ventilation; as well as upper and lower front windshields that also pivot to allow air flow from the front. The seatback cleverly hides coiled springs behind the cushion for added comfort to the driver on longer voyages. At the rear, you will find a flat bed with stained wood planks along with a special, fully boxed enclosure for hauling payloads more securely. Atop each side rail are removable display billboards that can be later personalized to your own taste, along with a folding and removable rear tailgate panel to unload cargo with ease!
This beautiful 1925 Ford Model T Express Delivery Truck was restored many years ago and continues to look and drive truly excellent! Under the hood remains a period correct 177ci Inline 4-cylinder engine rated at approximately 20 horsepower mated to a 2-speed planetary transmission. Our example here was further enhanced with a Rocky Mountain 6-speed transmission which triples the gearing range of the Ford transmission with an Under Drive, Direct Drive, and an Overdrive option for each of the forward gears, even reverse. According to Rocky Mountain literature, this provided 85% more pulling power, and 25% higher top end speed for traveling. They are extremely durable and have a proven industry history.
Other features on this incredibly special Model T include oil wick cowl lamps and rear stop lamp, electric headlamps with Ford lenses, added electric taillamps, auxiliary water pump, electric horn and a brass bulb horn, Ford amp meter, Boyce winged motometer, wood steering wheel, and interior rubber floor mat. This Model T has a documented history dating back to 1960 while still being shown and enjoyed in the Iowa region. It would migrate to Omaha, Nebraska in 1967 where it would earn top honors at the Omaha Antique Auto Hall of Fame Show, and later featured in the Sunday World-Herald Magazine of the Midlands in July 1971 as part of an article highlighting Omaha’s Centennial Model T Club.
Upon arrival to the St. Louis Car Museum & Sales, our service team performed a comprehensive inspection. We ultimately replaced the older gas tank for a brand new unit, sediment bowl with shut-off valve, and drain petcock; rebuilt the carburetor with steel needle & seat, bowl shim, spray nozzle, and gasket set; brand new water pump, connection pipe, hoses & clamps; new 180 degree thermostat, new fluids and oils from the radiator the rear axle; transmission oil screen and cover door gasket; and new ignition switch. It runs absolutely amazing and is ready for the next owner to show with tremendous pride! A Model T in this condition will never last long! Please call with any questions or to schedule your chance to review it in person.
