Should I buy a Model A or T ????

[billybronco1]

Well I'm in the market for another antique Ford. I sold my 1929 Fordoor Sedan last spring and now thinking of buying something else. Should I buy an A or T I like old but know nothing about the T's is there really that much difference? I'm looking at a 1927 two door sedan, what should I be aware of - thanks

[Layden B]

If you are asking that question then you have never driven a Model T!!
World of difference. Make friends with a T owner and take it for a test drive, hills and traffic too.

[redmodelt]

Do you want to learn how to use the 3 pedals and adjust your bands (or replace them)? Do you want to drive at an average speed of 30-35 MPH? Do you want to learn how the magneto, coils and timer work?
If yes, then maybe a T's for you! Good idea on a test drive.

[nhusa]

A Model T is a horseless carriage while a Model A is an antique auto.
Completely different animals -

[fordman67]

Once you drive a t for the first time you will know.

I was hooked!! I have no desire for an a afterward. And its anti theft....not many people in general can just hop in and go in a model t.

[Dick Webber]

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I have had a Model A for 53 years and a T (23 touring) for 40. I love them both. The A is dependable, stops OK and stays up with traffic pretty well. The T is somewhat more challenging with all of these, but it is a real pleasure to own and drive and a really significant piece of motoring history.

[dumb person]

A t in good tune will do 50+ MPH but you have to grip the wheel really tight and be aware of others on the road at that speed.

[fordman67]

I tried for 50 in my speedster.my rod bearings just never were the same afterward lol

[Buckelew]

I have driven my '20 T once, and it was a monster!

The seller said he remembered his father building (rebuilding?) the car about 1950, but rarely ever driving it. The seller did get it out on an open stretch of pug road in the 1970s, and promptly reached about 85 mph with plenty of leg remaining.

My one put around in a field was enough to convince me some upgrades were necessary. I have assembled an actual roadster body for it. It already has some Rocky Mountain-style brakes, but I may opt for four wheel discs.

My next T will probably be a little more stock.

[nhusa]

Buckelew are you positive you didn't misplace a decimal point in your post?

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by nhusa

Buckelew are you positive you didn't misplace a decimal point in your post?

Judging from his picture it is a period speedster/racecar.
And rockies are fine if you don't go over 50 MPH much.

[A bones]

Wasn't gonna say but you want opinions, here's mine. I own A'24 tudor when I have her out I'm a movie star. If I was to go round again I'd get the oldest I could afford. It has taught me to be a better driver. (no brakes at the wheels ) Definitely more hands on for adjustments and repairs. And one negative comment. The '26 '27 models were (the public wanted a better, newer not "T") under Henry's orders "improved". As such to my way of thinking they lose the horseless carriage flavor but keep the mechanicals. Wise of you to ask here. Definitely find out what the buzz is by taking the wheel.

[Steve Jelf]

Yes, drive one and experience the difference. Wherever you drive, you are your own parade; wherever you park, you are your own car show. But watch out, they can be addictive. Many folks, after getting their first one, just have to have another.

On a practical level, as others have pointed out, the A is pretty much a modern car. The T is a horseless carriage. Some folks require the modern speed of an A. Some of us appreciate life in the slow lane and find cruising at 30-35 mph relaxing and enjoyable. Many more T's were made than A's, so buying and fixing a T generally costs less.

For fun, here's a famous bit of writing about the Model T: http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG74.html

And here are a couple of T videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCWn...tpDgCPJXbFCA6w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21k8...tpDgCPJXbFCA6w

[C26Pinelake]

i have both and very much prefer the Model A's. Big difference in driving especially in traffic. Also the demand factor means the T is in my opinion a poor investment. Very fw people are shopping for a T so supply is way more than demand. I am sure I can never ever get my investment back. So if you buy a Model T plan to keep it !
Wayne

[Brother Hesekiel]

I own both -- a '25 Roadster and a '31 Roadster -- and I love 'em both. They are different animals though. the A you can almost drive as a daily driver; I drive mine like a "normal" car in normal traffic. The T requires me to calm down and enter my spiritual Zen zone. I have to focus on what I'm doing. If you ever switched from a British motorcycle with right hand shift to an old Harley with suicide clutch, that gives you an idea. I always crank my T into life, even though it has an electric starter. It's part of the ritual. The T's impact is much bigger than the A's. People just stare in disbelief that I drive that thing like it's a car. Well, it is, but with almost non-existent brakes, so it's not a car you want to drive during rush hour as people are jumping right in front of you. If you're into aftermarket items, there are not only period correct Rocky Mountain brakes but also quite hidden rear disk brake kits available now. Point in case, I wouldn't want to be without either of them, but if you can have only one, you NEED to experience a T before you can make a judgement call. Final pearls of wisdom: the "improved Ford," the Model T of 1926 and '27, has the fuel tank in the cowl, like the Model A. A late T is almost like an early A, except for the planetary transmission. Love it or hate it, but it's what got people off the horse and into the motorcar.

[Buckelew]

Originally Posted by nhusa

Buckelew are you positive you didn't misplace a decimal point in your post?

During my one and only drive of this car, I ran it just over midway through the 12 different ratios (high-direct-high). I never did throttle it up, and the car was scary fast. The restorer who was helping me refused to even get "on" the car, said it was dangerously fast. Perhaps even in its heyday the daredevils would have said the same thing.

Considering the definition of "safety" today...

[Buckelew]

Originally Posted by Steve Jelf

Yes, drive one and experience the difference...

And here are a couple of T videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCWn...tpDgCPJXbFCA6w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21k8...tpDgCPJXbFCA6w

Steve, I never saw you press on the brake, or throw out an anchor and chain at a stoplight.

[rusty12]

They are both great cars, but completely different. I couldn't decide either so I got three Ts and two As.

[Dodge]

You should have at least one of each. Even Jay Leno says every car collection should
have a Model T in it. When I want to putts I take the Model T and when I want to drive
any distance I take the Model A.
With Kevalar bands and a littler higher compression the Model T does very well.
I have had a set of Kevalar bands in my T for 15yrs. and have adjusted them about
once a year and only about an 1/8 of a turn on the low pedal none on the reverse
or brake although it has the big rocky mountain brakes on it. Also a necessity
for when the brakes on a stock Model T go out your in deep doo doo. The brake band
can go out the drive shaft can break or if an axle key goes....no brakes.
The rocky mountains make the car stop almost as good as a Model A.

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by Dodge

You should have at least one of each. Even Jay Leno says every car collection should
have a Model T in it. When I want to putts I take the Model T and when I want to drive
any distance I take the Model A.
With Kevalar bands and a littler higher compression the Model T does very well.
I have had a set of Kevalar bands in my T for 15yrs. and have adjusted them about
once a year and only about an 1/8 of a turn on the low pedal none on the reverse
or brake although it has the big rocky mountain brakes on it. Also a necessity
for when the brakes on a stock Model T go out your in deep doo doo. The brake band
can go out the drive shaft can break or if an axle key goes....no brakes.
The rocky mountains make the car stop almost as good as a Model A.

I love my 31' Model A but one day I've got have to get me on of these!!!



And the color or lack thereof is RIGHT!