Details
1921 FORD MODEL T RACER
Chassis No: 8450
Black with black trim
Engine: four-cylinder in-line, cast-iron block, crankcase and cylinder head; Gearbox: Three-speed manual; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: transverse leaf spring front and rear; Chassis: Ford T lowered and modified. Single seater.
No other motor car has had quite such a significant impact as the Ford Model T. Introduced in October 1908, the revolutionary little cars were simple, reliable and designed to exploit Henry Ford's concept of motoring for the masses. Manufactured on the then novel production-line system, they sold for about $525 in 1913. Although the Model T had no sporting pretentions, its cheapness, strength and availability (about fifteen million were eventually made) meant that it was immensely attractive to the "special" builders of the day. In the 1920's, specialists marketed all sorts of bits to "improve" the Model T, including overhead camshaft engine conversions whilst suspension lowering kits and different gear ratios were available for the chassis.
This racy example, now imported into Switzerland, appears to have been professionally built and is fitted with sporting single seater bodywork, a side exhaust and rear petrol tank and no doubt is an exciting car to drive. No early history of the motor car is currently available but it is believed that it was at one time known as the KEEN LUBRICATION SPECIAL (and it is thought likely that it was rebuilt or overhauled in the late 1980's.) There is a plate on the dashboard certifying that the car was clocked at 84.5mph in July 1990 whilst in the ownership of a Mr. D.B. Willis in the USA.
Chassis No: 8450
Black with black trim
Engine: four-cylinder in-line, cast-iron block, crankcase and cylinder head; Gearbox: Three-speed manual; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension: transverse leaf spring front and rear; Chassis: Ford T lowered and modified. Single seater.
No other motor car has had quite such a significant impact as the Ford Model T. Introduced in October 1908, the revolutionary little cars were simple, reliable and designed to exploit Henry Ford's concept of motoring for the masses. Manufactured on the then novel production-line system, they sold for about $525 in 1913. Although the Model T had no sporting pretentions, its cheapness, strength and availability (about fifteen million were eventually made) meant that it was immensely attractive to the "special" builders of the day. In the 1920's, specialists marketed all sorts of bits to "improve" the Model T, including overhead camshaft engine conversions whilst suspension lowering kits and different gear ratios were available for the chassis.
This racy example, now imported into Switzerland, appears to have been professionally built and is fitted with sporting single seater bodywork, a side exhaust and rear petrol tank and no doubt is an exciting car to drive. No early history of the motor car is currently available but it is believed that it was at one time known as the KEEN LUBRICATION SPECIAL (and it is thought likely that it was rebuilt or overhauled in the late 1980's.) There is a plate on the dashboard certifying that the car was clocked at 84.5mph in July 1990 whilst in the ownership of a Mr. D.B. Willis in the USA.