Looking for Model T for wife. Prices seem a lot higher than expected. Why?

[P.S.]

Wife and I have a stock Model A that we restored (mechanically and cosmetically) ourselves and we drive all over the place. It has been a VERY useful car, not just a "toy".

Wife really wants a Model T for use as a 'farmer's market' car. I thought, hey why not?! If the wife is showing that kind of interest in old cars, it is certainly my job to help her out, right?

So, I have been shopping Model T's in Hemmings and elsewhere for the last 4-5 months. Was always under the impression that a Model T was going to be a lot more affordable. However, for a car or pickup that is running and decently driveable, pricing seems on par with a Model A. Is there ever a time, like an 'off season', when T prices drop?

[redmodelt]

Look on ebay or Craigs list. Remember that a lot of times if they are for sale in some venues the price will be higher then market. In any case you should be able to get into a Huckster type T for under $10,000 which in most cases for a nice A would still be less. Look for Depot Hack or Huckster. If you look on ebay after you set your search parameters you can do an advance search and see what has sold or not sold and at what kind of price.

[bart78]

Look for a older restoration. And some of it might be location.

[P.S.]

Thanks, guys.

Yea, for the prices I'm seeing (for the level of T we are seeking), looks like a Model A would be less costly.

I think I'll just try and talk her into getting another Model A for what she wants.

A couple years ago, I kept hearing about guys picking up restored T's for way under $10K (like $5-8K) and was expecting something closer to that range now. Well, guess those days are gone.

Another option, since we're very young, maybe the prices will dip again someday and we can revisit this at that time.

[redmodelt]

Anyway something to think about. Has your wife ever driven a Model T? If not she should find someone in the area and get a lesson or two driving one. The Model A is way more easy to drive then a Model T , you don't just jump in a T and go like the A. (That is not saying she can't because there are a number of lady's that can and do drive them.) Also if you keep looking in Hemmings you will keep seeing the high prices. There are plenty of very nice restored T's for under $10K unless you are looking for brass era T's which you don't say.

[J Franklin]

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I doubt you can find a restored Model A for 5-8K either. here is one that runs and drives but still need a bit to be reliable you can have for $5000. I was using it for a fair exhibit at our museum.

[P.S.]

Thank you again, guys.

We are aware of how a T is operated. Agreed, one does not simply jump in a T and go. Though, it would be funny to watch some know-it-all try. I suspect it would be like watching a chimp try to use a cellphone.

My observation was that for the amount of money that is apparently needed for a Model T in the minimum condition we would like, we would possibly be better off just getting her a Model A. She just specifically requested a T, so I was going off of that. Like I said, if she is showing that kind of interest, I don't want to say "no". From what I have read here, very few wives want an antique car of their own (not just ride along in husband's antique car).

It took a couple years to restore the Model A, but she doesn't want to go to that length on this. She seems to want a Model T that can be driven safely and reliably but isn't concerned over the cosmetics.

Our A was cosmetically OK, but mechanically horrible when we got it. It was a do-over and she doesn't want to burden me with a total body-off teardown project for this to happen. Honestly, I'm quite thankful for that!

We use our Model A a lot. However, after the compete rebuild of everything, then interior and paint, etc., we have more of a showpiece than she would like for her pleasure use. She's a little afraid to drive it, though she is very capable.

[fordf1trucknut]

They are out there just keep looking. I picked up our t this summer for 6k and it has a completely rebuilt drivetrain.

I learned to drive it and have no issues. However my wife still has NOT! She is very capable and drives all our other older cars. (30 a, 50 f-1, 52 f-1, 56 Vicky) but the t scares her a bit especially in tight spots/traffic.

[bart78]

I know where a 1917 touring car is. That will probably come up for sale. The old man died and gave it to his grandson. That was three years ago. He has not come to pick it up. He tried and did not know how to start it. The old mans son is ready to sell the house and all. I know the title is still in the old mans name and has never been transferred. It will go for cheap. It was restored in the 80's with original parts.

[P.S.]

Sounds good, please share the info.

Feel free to send a PM if you wish to keep the info hush. Might be beneficial.

[CharlieB]

Ford1 has it right. They are out there and rather decent in the $65/7500 range. Hemmigs is about the worst place to look for a bargain anyway. The prices are unreasonable. Your totally best bet (experience talkin' here) is to find and old timer with a T whose looking to get rid of it. I've had this happen to me twice and got 2 great '23 Tourings that way. I could have driven the second one home it was that nice. I'm going to say something that I feel is true: You're not going to get a decent price from a "T guy". That is someone that's put in some work and knows T's. Again experience talkin'. I made nice profits on both those 23's after clean-up & repairs.

[P.S.]

Excellent information.

We are not looking for a car to 'flip' or make a profit, we are looking for a car or truck for the wife to use for her trips to town and puttering around the area. She also likes to carry some produce or eggs from our farm to the market, but with style. Our Model A is "too nice" and she is nervous about using it this way. Besides, she likes the horseless carriage look and the simplicity.

Thank you again.

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by P.S.

Thanks, guys.

Yea, for the prices I'm seeing (for the level of T we are seeking), looks like a Model A would be less costly.
A couple years ago, I kept hearing about guys picking up restored T's for way under $10K (like $5-8K)

In america those prices are common so i am led to believe.

[Dodge]

Look on Craigslist, best bet. There is one in Nevada City, Ca. a 1925 Roadster older restoration looks like a decent car. $6500. Punch in Craigslist Gold County .. 1924 to 1925

[Dodge]

You can easily remove the turtle deck on this Roadster and make up a wooden pickup
bed for her also. It was done a lot in the day.

Dodge

[P.S.]

Thanks, Dodge! Found it.

[jrhoa2]

I realize you are out in California, but I am currently trying to help a long time family friend sell her husbands TT here in Minnesota. I made a post asking about value in another thread. There are some pictures in the other thread. http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=149980 She is asking 7K or best offer for it. It sounds like her son will be doing the required maintenance to get it back up and running after sitting for a few years.

[Dodge]

P.S.
I hope it works out, let us know what happens...

Dodge

[Dodge]

Also a 1923 Touring in Chico craigslist

[P.S.]

Thanks jrhoa2. However, that is a case where you will be trying to get top dollar. We are looking for a bargain. Also, looking for something more local where we could see it together first.

Will do, Dodge.

[C26Pinelake]

Be patient and rather than scour theads place your own ad. I just purchased a 1924 Roadster fully restored 4 years ago and I paid $7500.
Wayne

[Steve Jelf]

When people doubt their ability to learn to drive a T, I tell them millions of people have done it, and you're probably smarter than at least a couple of them. It ain't rocket science.

[emf]

"Looking for Model T for wife." When I first read this, I thought what a good trade that might be.... But then, I don't know your wife...

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by emf

"Looking for Model T for wife." When I first read this, I thought what a good trade that might be.... But then, I don't know your wife...

Hahaha!! Well, she's a smokin hot blonde with a degree and a long distance runner physique. And I'm not joking. Been married 23 years and never had a fight. Think she's worth more than Model T.

[P.S.]

Well guys, thank you for all the advice and help and PMs.

Had a talk with the wife about this, and we came to the conclusion that for the money, she would be better off with her own Model A. She already knows how to drive a Model A, and I already know how to fix one.

We thought that a drivable, safe Model T was going to cost a lot less than a similar condition Model A. Guess we just waited too long to make her purchase.

[Dodge]

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They are $3500 to $4000 less than a Model A in similar condition. Wait until you go looking for a good Model A.

[P.S.]

Already found a couple A's in our price range. Also found a nice pickup for $8K. One of our club members also has a super nice Fordor in our price range.

[tekatlarge]

I just happen to have a 1923 T Coupe. it has a Non Stock paint job (Painted fire engine red) it also has a non stock interior upholstery (Some strange black fabric) All else is stock. Body is straight and solid. Rust free. It has nice Wood wheels. I haven't started this Car in about 4 years. Last time it ran I drove it and it ran great and drove pretty damn good. Body wood and door wood looks to be in good shape. It also has a fairly new top. All in all this is a nice little coupe. I want $7500.00 Cash.

I realize you have decided on an A but I was just giving you an idea of some average good running T's out there for less than 8 G's.

[mike dixon]

i think he is jerking us all off lol

[P.S.]

Mike- That wasn't a very nice thing to say. He's only trying to help.

Thank you, tekatlarge. Your post reminds me of something I hear over and over in ads- "Runs and drives great". Then you read down a bit and see that the car has been sitting for X number of years, hasn't been started for 4 years, etc. In my opinion, that is not a " running" car.

[Royce P]

Here is a nice runabout for $6400 that just needs gas and a driver:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161481365432...432%26_rdc%3D1

[Willie in Houston]

Royce, those kerosene side lights made me think the car was one of those "Poor boy specials" without an electric starter and generator. I did not think his wife would like that. After looking at the pictures on ebay, I see a starter and generator.
Looks like a good buy.

[trulyvintage]

A running & driving Model T that is in good operating condition
and is not just pieced together - is hard to find ...

But - you are in California where the statewide economy is generally
tough and where a lot of cars go east to new homes ...

Be patient - check the classifieds here and over on the MTFCA
website @ http://www.mtfca.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?3487/3487


I have hauled a few Model T vehicles from one California home to another,
you can find a suitable car " in your backyard " ....


Jim

[Stinch]

The red coupe looks to be a high radiator 1924 model year. 1923 model year T coupes had a low radiator and suicide doors.

[tekatlarge]

The Red Coupe, is a very late 1923. Now that doesn't mean it doesn't have some 24 parts but that is my story and I am sticking to it!

Call it what you like but I am the owner NOT you!

[Steve Jelf]

How late? The 1924 model year begins with August, 1923.

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG90.html

[a&tlover]

I have 1927 Touring car $7800.00

[tekatlarge]

Originally Posted by Stinch

The red coupe looks to be a high radiator 1924 model year. 1923 model year T coupes had a low radiator and suicide doors.

Your wrong on the fact all 23 coups had suicide doors. There were coupes with non suicide doors. Ask someone whom knows like the MTFCA.

You know this is exactly why I don't post much on Forums. I say something and immediately get jumped on by "keyboard experts" bent on exposing anything they can. You are just like our media these days they live to dig scratch and make a great story.

Now a couple of Facts Quoted from the MTFCA.

About the date of title. Mine is titled as a 1923 and has a late 23 engine s/n
"Often, when a dealer sold a car, it was TITLED ON THE DATE OF SALE, not the year it was made."

Now for 23 or 24 Who really knows and only a concurs collector would really give a crap.
"1923/1924 cars were identical to each other, but some bodies had steel doors; balloon tires; nickel plated radiator shell.

Now my final comment before I leave this place for good!!

My original comment was to the originator of this thread and not to anyone else. I was remarking that there were T's out in the country that could be had for a reasonable price. I offered it as a for sale. Then I have people making snide comments and others tearing it down!

If someone was interested and had valid questions I would answer off line not here. However I know not one of you commenters had even the slightest interest.

Now life is to short and my time is to important to argue with rude people.

No more comments except I hope you enjoy yourselves. I am done and gone.

The Tek At Large