1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Charles Griffin’s lifelong love affair with American cars began at sixteen when he restored a dusty blue Studebaker. The passion he had for that car followed him through the rest of his life. Over the years, the scale of his garage and projects grew in step with his love for cars. Ultimately, Charles built his own restoration paradise, complete with a paint room, body shop, show room and features that most gearheads only dream about. His sanctuary became a second home to his family and friends. The selection of fine automobiles offered here represents the passion, drive, and memories that Charles shared. Hagerty Marketplace is honored to present the Griffin Collection, offered entirely without reserve.

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The 1911 Ford Torpedo Runabout, a variant of the iconic Model T, marked a bold step in automotive design and marketing. Introduced in late 1910 for the 1911 model year, the Torpedo was Ford’s attempt to offer a sportier, more stylish version of the Model T. It featured a longer hood, a lower and more steeply angled steering column, and a sleeker body with curved fenders—design elements that gave it a “racy” appearance compared to its predecessors.

Priced at $725, the Torpedo Runabout came fully equipped with carbide headlights, kerosene side and tail lamps, a windshield, folding top, and side curtains—luxuries that were becoming standard in Ford’s lineup. Early models had a square fuel tank mounted behind the seat to lower the seating position, enhancing its sporty profile. Later in the year, this was replaced with a round tank.

Painted in dark blue with black leather interiors and grey pinstriping, the Torpedo Runabout was not just a car — it was a statement. Though it retained the mechanical simplicity of the Model T, its design innovations helped broaden the appeal of Ford’s vehicles, paving the way for future styling trends in the automotive industry.

Highlights

• Offered from The Griffin Collection

• Finished in dark blue with black leather interior and grey pinstriping

• 177 cu-in four-cylinder engine

• Three-speed planetary manual transmission

• The chassis number (84601) decodes as:

  • Built late in 1911 (chassis 34901 to 88900)

Features

• Carbide headlamps

• Kerosene side and tail lamps

• Windshield

• Folding top

• Side curtains

Known Imperfections

• Please note that all of the lots in The Griffin Collection have been stored in a climate-controlled facility for four years without operation. The Hagerty Marketplace Team cannot confirm if this vehicle starts and runs due to its unique mechanics. As a result of their extended static display, all lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term storage or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.

• Not equipped with an odometer

Included

• Side curtains

Ownership History

This 1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout is offered from The Griffin Collection of no reserve automobiles.

Additional Notes

Please note this car is a 1911 titled as a 1912 by its engine number

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Cason Vogel Phone: 904.504.7848 email: cvogel@hagerty.com