This 1915 Ford Model T Speedster For Sale Is Cooler Than A Mustang
It is a (slightly) faster horse.
The Ford Motor Company was founded on speed.
Henry Ford proved the mettle of his metal by winning the 1901 Sweepstakes at the Grosse Pointe Race Track, but then pivoted toward the very mass market Model T economy car that put America and the world on wheels.
It also spawned countless custom builds, including speedster-style sports cars with stylish low-slung bodywork.
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Some of these cars have survived or more than a century and one coming up for sale at the Leland Little Auctions in North Carolina on March 19.
The yellow two passenger car started its life as a factory roadster and was converted into a speedster in the 1920s. It features the classic Model T 20 hp L-Head four cylinder engine, which has been updated with a Bosch magneto and electric starter. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a two-speed manual transmission. High performance Rocky Mountain drum brakes have been added along with knock-off spoke wheels.
Styling updates added over the years include a brass gas tank and trim, snakeskin upholstery for the bench seat and a mahogany trunk. The car is equipped with gas flame headlights, but they aren’t currently functional. The circular windscreen might keep some rocks off of the driver’s face, but not the wind out of their hair.
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Performance specifications have not been provided, but the top speed for cars like this was usually around 45 mph, which would’ve felt blistering with the open bodywork and narrow tires.
The auction house hasn’t put an estimated value, but Model T speedsters often sell in the $15,000 to $25,000 range, which makes them a bargain compared to the $41,715 price a Mustang convertible goes for today, if you’re looking for a fun car that will turn a lot of heads.