1911 Ford Model T Speedster Planetary 177ci

Beautifully crafted Model T Speedster nicknamed The Cyclone! Finished in Carmine Red with Black leather seats, this fully restored example comes modernized with superb driver enhancements! Rebuilt engine with balanced rotating assembly, 12-volt alternator charged system, high volume oiling system, brake lights, electric headlights, Kevlar transmission bands, larger brakes, and more! Gorgeous and very drivable brass era Model T!
Henry Ford's legendary Model T, introduced in 1908, is undoubtedly the most influential and versatile American automobile of all time. The model's proven mechanicals and ease of repair allowed many consumers to own and utilize an automobile for the first time, forever leaving the horse and buggy to the past. Fords dominance in the automotive marketplace came from Henry's commitment to efficient production and finding ways to reduce the cost to automobile buyers. It fair to say his successes in assembly line production also paved the way to lowering costs of all consumer manufactured products.
The Model T's simplistic design allowed for various modifications, and form the foundation of this custom Torpedo Speedster. Different from the production Runabout or Touring car, the Speedster was meant for one thing, shedding unnecessary weight and going fast! This example was the creation of Jeffrey Nelson, who spent 4 years carefully constructing and restoring this 1911 example. While retaining the original hood and fenders, the new sporty coachwork came inspired by the venerable Mercer Raceabout! The new wood body is covered in lightweight aluminum and painted in Carmine red, with beautifully stained cherry wood trim panels, diamond stitched & button tucked black leather seats, and black & gold pinstripe accents throughout! The brass appointments are highly polished and maintain a brilliant shine!
He called his creation The Cyclone Body by The Nelson Automobile Body Co. to add a unique authenticity, and it is believed to be the only one ever built. Because good looks only get you so far, he also set out to ensure the car would perform reliably! Beginning with a later generation Model T 177ci L-head 4 cylinder engine from 1924, it allowed for the ease of an electric starter. It was then fitted with a forged, counter-balanced crankshaft, high-lift camshaft with oversized valves, high compression head to run more efficiently on today's fuel, polished aluminum high volume intake with Holley NH carburetor, billet aluminum water pump pulleys with larger accessory belt & 4-blade cooling fan, and high flow Mills Bilt exhaust manifold with large diameter exhaust tubing! Additionally, this engine comes fitted with a Texas T Parts 12-volt distributor/alternator conversation kit with Bosch coil and Autolite spark plugs. It is estimated as having closer to 30 horsepower today rather than the factory rated 22hp. The original 2-speed planetary transmission received Kevlar bands and a Texas T Parts high volume oiling system. And a later generation Model T rear axle provide larger brakes for optimum stopping power.
The enhancements continue with electrified headlights and taillamp hidden discretely inside the original Edmunds & Jones Manufacturing Model 466 brass headlamps and rear taillight housing. An original Prest-O-Lite acetylene tank rides on the driver's running board with hoses hiding the necessary wiring inside. A clever trick no doubt! Also hidden underneath the rear body are two brake lights tied in to the brake pedal to offer rearward warning to other drivers when slowing down or stopping. A great safety feature for touring and usage during parades. And for fun, a cable-operated brass exhaust whistle!
Once completed, it was used annually in low speed parades and driven on Model T events some 3,000 estimated miles, at times hitting speeds in excess of 50mph! Included with this example are several spare parts in the rear tool box that include a Ford crank jack, tire iron, two extra tire tubes, vintage tire pump, an authentic Ford tool roll, Ford oil can, extra distributor cap & coil, and fuel gauge stick! The period style all-white Wards Riverside 30x3.5" tires have darkened with age, but continue to perform very well. It would be very difficult to find such beautiful coachwork mated with such wonderful mechanicals on the market! This custom Model T Speedster is a perfect entry into the exciting world of brass era motoring! Please call to schedule a chance to view in person, or submit an offer to add to your own collection.