Details
1922 FORD MODEL T MOTOR BUS
Registration No. FF 889
Chassis No. 3899885
Engine No. 3899885
Red and cream with wooden bench seats to the rear.
Engine: four cylinder, cast iron side valve, 2,890cc, 20hp; Gearbox: planetary transmission, two speeds forward one reverse; Brakes: rear wheel drum; Suspension: semi-elliptic front, full-elliptic rear. Right hand drive.
The success of the Model T Ford, the "grandfather" of all current mass produced cars, was based on its unbeatably low price and advanced and robust specification. The one-model policy quite literally paid off for Ford and the resultant production economies were passed on to customers. With a large-capacity unstressed engine and foolproof transmission the machines had resilient suspension and were well built, ensuring that they survived almost any abuse. Production in England was based at Trafford Park, Manchester and UK sales in 1913 reached 6,000 alone! The rugged qualities and excellent ground clearance made the Model T a strong performer during active service in World War I and many survived the hostilities. The first catalogued commercial vehicle chassis had appeared in 1912 as a Model T van. After the end of the war it was not uncommon for ex-War Department vehicles to be re-bodied for commercial use; indeed, by mid-1919 Ford's long wheelbase Model TT one ton truck was available on the commercial market. Other production variants included pick-ups, drop side trucks and vans of various descriptions. The BAICO "one-tonner" chassis conversion amounted to an extended chassis with an additional rear axle and, again, this proved the flexibility of the basic Model T. Early Ford public service vehicles of significance often featured specialist bodies built by outside contractors and this was popular during the 1920s when the commercial bus business was booming.
We believe this example dates from 1922. It is uncertain when the vehicle was bodied and who was responsible for its build although it is likely that it was built by a local coach builder and not factory produced. The bus has been in its present ownership since the mid-1970s and has been dry-stored for over two years; it has recently been re-commissioned by a Model T specialist and is in good running order. It is painted in bright red livery with cream top half and features advertising signage for "Brooke Bond Tea Bags - Its In The Bag!" on the offside, "Brooke Bond Dividend Good Strong Tea With A Dividend" on the nearside and "Brooke Bond PG Tips, Tea You Can Really Taste!" on the back, having been used in, we believe, a television commercial a few years ago. The passenger area has full length slatted wooden seats accommodating ten or so passengers and there is a hinged glass window to the driver's compartment.
This forerunner to the modern-day Minibus may well have been pressed into service as a hotel station wagon or for hackney carriage work in its day; today it is a lovely reminder of a bygone age and would make an ideal static exhibit or entrant for period commercial runs.
Registration No. FF 889
Chassis No. 3899885
Engine No. 3899885
Red and cream with wooden bench seats to the rear.
Engine: four cylinder, cast iron side valve, 2,890cc, 20hp; Gearbox: planetary transmission, two speeds forward one reverse; Brakes: rear wheel drum; Suspension: semi-elliptic front, full-elliptic rear. Right hand drive.
The success of the Model T Ford, the "grandfather" of all current mass produced cars, was based on its unbeatably low price and advanced and robust specification. The one-model policy quite literally paid off for Ford and the resultant production economies were passed on to customers. With a large-capacity unstressed engine and foolproof transmission the machines had resilient suspension and were well built, ensuring that they survived almost any abuse. Production in England was based at Trafford Park, Manchester and UK sales in 1913 reached 6,000 alone! The rugged qualities and excellent ground clearance made the Model T a strong performer during active service in World War I and many survived the hostilities. The first catalogued commercial vehicle chassis had appeared in 1912 as a Model T van. After the end of the war it was not uncommon for ex-War Department vehicles to be re-bodied for commercial use; indeed, by mid-1919 Ford's long wheelbase Model TT one ton truck was available on the commercial market. Other production variants included pick-ups, drop side trucks and vans of various descriptions. The BAICO "one-tonner" chassis conversion amounted to an extended chassis with an additional rear axle and, again, this proved the flexibility of the basic Model T. Early Ford public service vehicles of significance often featured specialist bodies built by outside contractors and this was popular during the 1920s when the commercial bus business was booming.
We believe this example dates from 1922. It is uncertain when the vehicle was bodied and who was responsible for its build although it is likely that it was built by a local coach builder and not factory produced. The bus has been in its present ownership since the mid-1970s and has been dry-stored for over two years; it has recently been re-commissioned by a Model T specialist and is in good running order. It is painted in bright red livery with cream top half and features advertising signage for "Brooke Bond Tea Bags - Its In The Bag!" on the offside, "Brooke Bond Dividend Good Strong Tea With A Dividend" on the nearside and "Brooke Bond PG Tips, Tea You Can Really Taste!" on the back, having been used in, we believe, a television commercial a few years ago. The passenger area has full length slatted wooden seats accommodating ten or so passengers and there is a hinged glass window to the driver's compartment.
This forerunner to the modern-day Minibus may well have been pressed into service as a hotel station wagon or for hackney carriage work in its day; today it is a lovely reminder of a bygone age and would make an ideal static exhibit or entrant for period commercial runs.