Topless: 1927 Ford Model T Pickup
As amazing as it seems given the intense popularity of the F-150, Henry Ford required convincing before he was willing to launch a pickup. Before about 1924, truck bodies were made by outside suppliers such as Field, Galion Allsteel, and Knapheide, on a Model T or TT chassis delivered to the customer. Buyers were somewhat accustomed to this arrangement because almost all Model T sheet metal was built by one of Ford’s eighteen suppliers, many specializing in either open or closed bodies. By the mid ‘teens, Ford had constructed a panel factory but demand was so substantial that body production remained in the hands of outside suppliers for years. Ford began building its own truck bodies in 1924 on the TT chassis, and 1925 on the T. Here on eBay is a Ford roadster pickup and while the seller calls this a Model T, it may be a Model TT orchard truck – deliberately made without a top to fit under trees. The wheelbase would tell us, but that detail is missing. Whatever it is, the asking price is $7900. As great as it looks, it hasn’t run in ten years, so take a trailer to Pleasant Plain, Ohio to retrieve her.
The Model T/TT engine is Ford’s tried and true 177 cu. in. inline four-cylinder, good for about 20 hp. Here’s where it would be great to know if this is a TT, because the heavy-duty truck will top out at only 20 mph thanks to a worm drive rear axle. An auxiliary gearbox – which could be installed on any Model T – gave a wider range of ratios to cope with hills or produce slightly higher speeds. The TT has extra leaf springs, too; technically Ford sold the TT as a one-ton. The seller mentions that the band brake on this example needs rebuilding; as noted, the engine has not run in a decade, though it does turn. The underside is fairly clean, attesting to its climate-controlled storage environment over the last three decades.
The interior is classicly spartan, with one gauge showing amps, and a switch with an ignition key slot. By 1919, Ford offered an electric starter; before that, you were the battery, operating the hand crank on the crankshaft to start the car. The top is nowhere in evidence. The bench seat is lumpy; I’d think about a rebuild on that baby. The windshield ratchets out about halfway down the glass, and the seller notes that it has a small crack – as does the steering wheel.
This truck’s “face” shows off the small “Ford” embossing on the radiator – the last year this would be seen. The Model A arrived in the same year this truck was made and it finally sported the famous blue oval. While Model Ts, like Model As, have received a bit of a price lift lately, they remain a niche market. Here’s hoping this one finds a happy home at a reasonable price.
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Comments
It’s an even bet that one of your more astute readers will know what this is insofar as specifics, Michelle.
Be that as it may, though you, the staff and those astute readers probably back up your subject knowledge with info from the ‘net your base knowledge and experiences are amazing.
Those of us learning from you all-even as late in life as are some of us-really enjoy your sharing.
Ok, now I am blushing. Thanks so much, you all inspire me. I want to be even better for you.
Already sold. Someone is going to have some fun with this one.
Dang! I thought that was a great price. Sold already at $7900.
That was a great price! How often are these, in this condition, still found today? Getting out running shouldn’t be any trouble. I’m told these are very easy to repair. Great truck! Would love to see it when it’s finished.
There’s an elderly gentleman in our area that drives one in our local Independence Day parade. Beautiful condition in basic black. I like talking with some people who have their cars in the parades. Not the same group as you find at the shows. Always neat to see a unit like this.
I had a daily driver grandville convertible that was a fixture in parades and homecoming. I would get the call several times a year. Particularly good in the Christmas parade. It would hold a dozen girl scouts!
I own a 1931 Model A Pickup and a 1931 Model A Roadster. Love them both. Drive them each about once per week. Love to drive into Lowe’s with the pickup and buy one 2×4 and then leave.
I had a 1930 Model A cabrolet drove it to high school. Now at 85 I would still love to find an affordable Model A. I’m in Riverview, Fl.
I drove a 1930 Model A rumble-seat coupe to college in 1956-’58. Still own it. I’m 87. Glad I kept it, but haven’t used it for several years. Time flies.
This is not a TT (stands for Ton Truck) but a regular T based roadster pickup. It does have the larger rear brake drums which were only used on 26 and 27 model years and other details confirm the year. But the pedals suggest an engine swap from a pre 26 T.
As Michelle stated, the first year for the T pickup was 1925 but that came later in the model year and surprisingly makes 25 T pickups one of the rarest of Model T’s.
Strange tip here. There’s a resurgent interest in Model T’s by a younger motorheads. Some of this for driving a working piece marketing history. The Model T Museum in Richmond, Indiana has, at times, helped lead buyers to T’s for sale.
I wholeheartedly agree! I personally am looking for a model T truck as my first car. Only thing is I have to wait a few years.
Good night to all
Flint
Hope you can find a T, Flint. My first three cars were all model Ts, purchased for under $100, driven for a while and then sold for the same price. Lot of fun for a high-schooler back in the early 50’s! Not as difficult to learn to drive as some nay-sayers would have you believe.
Just how little do you have to be to fit inside one of the Model A’s ???? I justw bought a 1931 Model A Roadster and find that I cannot fit inside to drive it. Wow. Am I unhappy. I am only 6′ and 175 #’s and yet it was a nightmare getting in and getting out. Once in I had just barely enough room. Were people that tiny back then ?
Should be able to slide the seat back almost 6 inches. I’m 6 ft and fit comfortably in my Coupe.
Oh how I wish Kenn. Mine is a Convertible. Maybe that is why. There is absolutely no way to move the seat front or back.