Make: | Ford |
Model: | Model T |
Type: | Convertible Pickup |
Year: | 1923 |
Mileage: | 10,000 |
VIN: | 7337045 |
Color: | unpainted |
Engine: | gasoline |
Cylinders: | 4 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Manual |
Drive type: | RWD |
Interior color: | Tan |
Drive side: | Left-hand drive |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Newport Beach, California, United States |
1923 Ford Model T s/n 7337045
History
On October 1, 1908, Henry Ford began delivering the first Model T’s to an excited public. In its first year, over 10,000 were sold, setting a new record. The formula was simple. For $825, a Model T customer could take home a car that was light, about 1,200 pounds, relatively powerful, with a four-cylinder, 20 horsepower engine, and fairly easy to drive, with a two-speed, foot controlled “planetary” transmission. Less than 19 years later, on May 26, 1927, Ford watched the 15 millionth Model T roll off the assembly line in Highland Park, Michigan.
1923 Ford Model T s/n 7337045
This remarkable 1923 Model T was completed at Ford’s Highland Park, Michigan plant in March 1923. According to the previous owner, the car was delivered to a farmer in Southern California. The Model T stayed with the original owner’s family for more than 80 years, when it was acquired by Charles Wyatt of Redlands, CA. Mr. Wyatt kept the car for a several years before selling it to Jack Wear of Huntington Beach, CA in 2010. I saw the Model T at a local car show and fell in love with it. I immediately recognized it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy an original, unrestored Model T, so I asked Mr. Wear if we would consider selling it. To my delight, he said yes, and we struck a deal.
After taking possession, I delivered my new prize to noted Model T expert, Larry Blair at the Tin Shed. My directive was simple: Go through the car, and repair anything that needs attention – just don’t do anything that would ruin the car’s originality and patina. A month later, the Model T emerged from his shop with new coils, a rebuilt generator, a re-cored radiator, new brakes and dozen other details. As a result of Mr. Blair’s efforts, my kids and I enjoy driving “Rusty” around Newport Beach – much to the delight of other drivers that wave and cheer as we go by.
Now, we are ready to embark on our next project, a 1962 Land Rover II, and “Rusty” needs a new home. If you would like to enjoy an original, unrestored 1923 Model T that has its original drivetrain, frame, body, jack and tools, and drives as good today as it did in 1923, this is the car for you!
If you have any questions, or you would like to arrange for a personal inspection, please feel free to call Chris Hoskins at (714) 470-6400.