72 Years Family-Owned 1924 Ford Model T Runabout

Description

The 1924 Ford Model T Runabout was one of the final evolutions of the automobile that put America on wheels. Introduced in 1908, the Model T revolutionized transportation through Henry Ford’s moving assembly line and low-cost mass production, making car ownership affordable for millions of families and helping transform the United States into an automobile-centered society. The lightweight Runabout was the most affordable passenger-car body style in the lineup, offering simple, dependable transportation at a price few competitors could match.

Although largely unchanged from late 1923 models, the 1924 Model T demonstrated how Ford kept improving the car while maintaining its remarkable affordability. For 1924, changes were modest but reflected Ford’s ongoing refinement of the model, including the adoption of a new “four-dip” engine pan and a revised tail lamp and license-plate holder assembly. Although Model Ts were offered in other colors early on and for the final two production years, for 1914 through 1925 buyers could famously choose between black, black, or black.

This 1924 Ford Model T Runabout is finished in black, with a black radiator shell, convertible top, and interior. It is powered by Ford's venerable 177ci inline four-cylinder flathead engine, mated to a Model T-specific 2-speed planetary transmission. This example is said to have been acquired by the seller's father in 1954 in Iowa. The seller reportedly acquired this vehicle after his father's passing and continued the overhaul his father had started.

This 1924 Ford Model T Runabout is now offered with a clean North Carolina title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 177ci inline four-cylinder engine

• 2-speed planetary transmission

• Folding convertible soft top

• Steel body, running boards, and fenders

• Runabout body style

Factory Equipment

• 30" wooden spoke wheels

• Headlamps and taillamp

• Painted radiator shell

• Engine hand crank

• Electric starter

• Generator

• 6-volt electrical system

• Ammeter

Known Imperfections

• Right rear fender bracket is broken and paint on fender is scratched

• Turtle Deck (trunk) interior needs paint and battery cover board

• Turtle Deck lid does not latch

• Door needs trim and tacks

• Paint chips and blemishes

• Images detailing this 1924 Ford Model T Runabout's condition are available in the gallery

Servicing & Documentation

The seller states that under his father's ownership, the following was completed or serviced:

• Body sandblasted and painted

• Engine work performed

• Transmission bands replaced

• Wiring replaced

• Windshield safety glass replaced

• Floorboards in front and Turtle Deck (trunk) replaced

• Seat upholstery and top fabric replaced

• Wooden wheels refurbished

The seller states that the following was completed or serviced under his ownership:

• Magneto and coils replaced

• Engine tuning and valve adjustment

• Wheel rims powder-coated

• Tires and tubes replaced

• Rubber floor covering replaced

Ownership History

The seller states that this vehicle has been in his family since 1954. According to the seller, "This car has been in my family for 72 years. It was located in a barn in northern Iowa and purchased by my father in 1954. The front axle was missing but a replacement was found in a nearby salvage yard. The car was then driven for a few years before a full frame-off restoration was begun in 1962. My father died in 2000, and the restoration was completed by me in 2021."

Included Items

• Covercraft car cover

• Additional set of unfinished wooden spoke wheels

• Additional set of rims with tires

Additional Information

This Model T is titled in North Carolina using the serial number stamped on its engine block.

Note that this vehicle does not have an odometer.

The seller states, "I’m pretty sure that my dad rebuilt the engine but I’m not absolutely sure. It starts and runs great. It does not smoke. I’ve had the head off and the valves look new. It has good compression. I’ve had the oil pan off and there is no sludge – everything looks good. The only thing I’ve done to the engine is adjust the valves."