Here's an exceptional way to be at the grassroots of the motoring age. This 1923 Ford Model T Runabout is a great classic that has been restored to a superior level and is believed to still have its original running gear. That makes it a turn-key example of our automotive history on wheels. The Model T is one of the most honest classic cars in the hobby. But with even with over 15 million produced, this one will let you stand out at the car show. It starts with an exceptionally careful restoration five years ago. All the major components were removed fenders, hood, rails, braces, body, etc. They were restored, prepped, painted (in black, of course), and correctly re-assembled down to the last detail. So while the Model T might have been a marvel of mass production, you're looking at one example that receive specialize handcrafted treatment for reaching the 90+ year milestone. The windshield is complete, the bolts are correct, and the doors open and close with confidence. So while it has been heavily invested in, it still retains the sturdy nature that makes these a legend. And the detail work is excellent, too. From the leather securing the hand crank, to the motometer radiator cap, to the custom toolbox in the trunk, to the custom 1923 Iowa license plate this is a fine example to showcase the dawn of the motoring age. The Runabout has a fun and jaunty name, so we know you'll happily fold down the complete and quite correct folding top and take this one for a ride. The interior remains a simple affair, just as it had when it left the factory all those decades ago. So you get a restored durable button-top black bench, thick rubber matting, and just enough room for you and someone special. Controls were simple, and it's quite easy to master driving a Model T with just a few minutes of familiarization with the three pedals and the hand throttle. The fat steering wheel makes navigation easy, and the view from up high is commanding. It was obviously decades away from air conditioning, but you won't mind a bit as the wind in this open-top machine can simultaneously cool you and transport you to a bygone era. The Model T's powerplant was the trusty 177 cubic-inch inline-four, which was rated at about 20 horsepower. It might not seem like much, but it feels plenty powerful thanks to a well-engineered setup with good low-end torque and smart gearing. Once it's in high gear, this T is happy to cruise at 35 MPH without complaints. The block is finished in black with its correct updraft carburetor, that's still fed by gravity to keep things simple. In fact, that's how to view this whole car. You'll be surprised at how much you'll enjoy driving it, and how intuitive the maintenance is. Better yet, on this particular car, the consignor states that this is the original motor and planetary gear setup. And so there have been nice investments in making sure it runs correctly. The 30-inch painted hickory wood wheels on Coker bias ply tires are the final touch to ensuring that this full period-correct package feels 1920s-accurate going down the road. This is an upper-tier restored iconic classic. They even used the correct cotter pins for the chassis it's that kind level of detail you're looking at on this one! So if you looking to be legendary tomorrow, you need to pick up this Model T today!
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