Description

1920 Ford Model T

No Reserve

From the The Automobile Magazine 'Oily Rag' Reserve Collection; exceedingly rare English coachwork by Ball of Birmingham; fabulous original interior

The Ford Model T (colloquially known as the ‘Tin Lizzie’ or the ‘Flivver’) was launched by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company in 1908 and is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, the car which "put America on wheels".
By 1914, the assembly process for the Model T had been so streamlined it took only 93 minutes to assemble a car. That year Ford produced more cars than all other car makers combined.
Costing just $850 at launch (when competing cars often cost $2,000-$3,000), the Model T was a huge commercial success, and by the time Henry made his 10 millionth car, 9 out of 10 of all cars in the world were Fords. In fact, it was so successful that Ford did not purchase any advertising between 1917 and 1923 – the T just sold itself.
In total, more than 15 million Model Ts were manufactured before production ended in 1927, more than any other model of car for almost a century. Powered by a 20hp monobloc 4-cylinder engine, it was capable of 45mph and returned 25-30mpg in tourer form, the basic engine and chassis layout being used for a wide range of bodystyles including saloons and a variety of commercial vans and trucks.
As the dash plaques confirm, this Model T was supplied new via TM Dutton A.M.I.E.E. Engineer of Chester with coachwork by Ball & Co of Birmingham. The buff logbook shows that it was originally owned by a William Fryer of Cheshire who appears to have kept it until 1956 when ownership transferred to a Peter Rockliff of Liverpool. He kept it until 1978 when it was acquired by Inskip Motor Engineers of Preston.
A copy of an old V5C shows that it then had two further Lancashire owners in the late 2000s, being subsequently acquired by Neil Tuckett of Model T specialists Tuckett Brothers in 2014. They recommissioned the car and advertised it for sale, stating the following: "A true barn find just out of long-term storage. This car has recently been recommissioned by ourselves. Runs and drives beautifully. Exceptional original upholstery. A rare opportunity to own an exceptional English oily rag car". It was acquired from Tucketts to join the Oily Rag Collection in 2015.
As you can see in the photos, the car remains in wonderfully original condition throughout and has a truly gorgeous corduroy interior which was reputedly specially made for the car to please the wife of the first owner. A unique and jaw-dropping Model T, it comes with a handy booklet giving instructions on how to drive it and is sure to open many doors on the show circuit for the fortunate new owner.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com