I watch the Government Auctions pretty regular. But once in a while something pops up that makes me go "say what?"
Unless this was a Tax repo or something, why in the world does the Federal Government have this? 1916 Ford Model T Pickup. VIN: 1074993. Original engine with hand crank start. This old T starts right up and runs good, - Government Liquidation
I know it's off topic, but it is an awesome old Ford Truck.




The auction is online, 3/27-3/29/2018, and the truck is in California. If anyone is interested.

 

That's a good looking ride. Back in the day when you had to work to drive a vehicle... meaning it's not put in drive and go.

 

1915 was the last year for T brass radiators.

 

Seized property? Tax seizure? Neat old truck, it will probably go for peanuts. Not a lot of interest in T's any more.

 

 

Not absolutely certain, but I think it's a restoration.

 

Never mind. ;-)

 

I think it would be cool to have one of those in original format! But CA is a long way from me...

 

Posted in wrong place. This is the 1948-1956 forum.

(Kidding!)

That would make a great daily driver. Plates and registration etc would be fun, because DMV and insurance co. computer probably thinks "2016" not "1916".

 

Nice truck. I'm not a Model T expert but I'm always surprised how little Model Ts sell for. This seller is looking for $15,000+ if I read the fine print correctly. But here is one in Hemmings going for $6,800.
1916 Ford Model T Roadster with pickup style bed

 

That one is special. It has a water pump AND a starter.




Think if we offered them $300 they would take it? After all, it is used.

 

But this wasn't true originally, because the T was the first widely collected automobile. 10's of 1,000's of people loved and owned them.

But they fell out of favor for many reasons, for examples: The T only had 2 wheel brakes, top speed was less than 40 MPH, so they couldn't be driven on interstates.

T's had a planetary gearbox, the leg room was wanting, because the front seat couldn't be adjusted. The fuel tank was under the front seat, there was no fuel or water pump.

However, the real reason the T had fallen from favor, many of the people that owned and loved them passed away.

The Long Beach Model T Club swap meet was for many years the largest event on the west coast, larger than Harrah's and the Pomona meets.

Originally held at South Gate Park, it moved to the "Dust Bowl" in Long Beach, when it outgrew this location, moved to the paved parking lot at Long Beach College.

The attendance began to drop off dramatically because when newbies to the hobby noticed T in the name, they thought only Model T parts were being sold.

The last event I attended about 15 years ago (the meet had moved again, but I cannot recall where), the swap meet resembled a ghost town.

 

If you offered payment in silver dollars they might, US $20 gold pieces almost certainly. $300 dead president cash, I dunno.