1926 Ford Model T Sport Touring Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong. 

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

* * * 

The 1926 Ford Model T Sport Touring marked a significant evolution in the iconic Model T line, known as the “Improved Ford.” Introduced in August 1925 for the ’26 model year, the Sport Touring featured several upgrades aimed at modernizing its appearance and performance. Ford added driver-side doors for the first time on open models, larger fenders and running boards, and a redesigned chassis with longer cross members for improved stability. 

Buyers could choose between a basic model priced at $290, which lacked electric components and featured kerosene cowl lamps and non-demountable wheels, or a “fully equipped” version at $375, which included an electric starter, generator, battery, and demountable wooden-spoke wheels. The Sport Touring also offered optional wire wheels, bumpers, and windshield wings, enhancing both style and functionality. 

All-steel construction improved durability, and the fuel tank was relocated to the cowl for better weight distribution. Upholstery in open cars was imitation leather with vertical pleats, and all cars were initially painted black, though closed models later offered green and maroon options. Over 364,000 Touring models were produced in 1926. 

According to the show placard included in the sale, this Model T Sport Touring was “completely remanufactured” with original components in 1957, and at the time it was considered one of the most complete Model T Fords in existence. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Generous Collection 

• “Completely remanufactured” in 1957 with original components 

• Five-passenger open Touring body style  

• Electric starter and battery 

• Powered by a 177 cu-in four-cylinder engine  

• Two-speed planetary manual transmission 

• Currently wears Goodyear 4.50-21 wide whitewall tires 

Features 

• Features and period accessories found on this Model T (according to show placard): 

  • Original Bill of Sale 

  • Ruckstell axle (four-speed rear end) 

  • Engine, original 

  • Original dust pans 

  • Hassler shocks 

  • Original tools 

  • Motor meter and wings 

  • Floorboards, original 

  • Genuine ford bumpers 

  • Rear floor mat, original 

  • Front tag bracket 

  • Taillight bulb, original 

  • Plated radiator shell and skirt 

  • All body panels, original 

  • High speed pinion gear 

  • All new curtains (have the originals) 

  • Fourth main bearing (replaces tail shaft bushing) 

  • All original top rods 

  • Top Boot, Saddles and Straps 

  • W.P. Peng locking steering wheel  

  • Gypsy sport curtains 

  • Exhaust heater 

  • Spare tire rack and cover 

  • Sight oil gauge 

  • Two spare tires and lock 

  • Original oil checking rod 

  • Wind wings 

  • Stewart tape-measure speedometer 

  • Rearview mirror 

  • Firestone tires and six rims 

  • Atwater Kent ignition 

  • Wire wheels and hubs 

  • Holly vaporizer carburetor 

  • Outside oil line 

  • Water pump 

  • Original horn and klaxon 

  • Door opener extensions 

  • Original windshield glass (replaced by safety glass) 

  • Connecting rods with dippers 

Known Imperfections 

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. 

• Does not run (unable to source points and condenser) 

• Paint chips, scuffs, and flaking 

Included 

• Rear-mounted spare tire 

• Keys 

• Fender badges: AACA, AACA National First Prize 1983, and AACA Golden Jubilee 1935-1985 

Ownership History 

This 1926 Ford Model T Sport Touring Project is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles. 

Additional Notes

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: Matt Lowney   Phone: 623.308.2640   email: mlowney@hagerty.com  

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.