Ford Model T 7cwt Van

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The Ford Model T (colloquially known as the Tin Lizzie or the Flivver) was launched by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company in 1908 and is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, the car which "put America on wheels".

By 1914, the assembly process for the Model T had been so streamlined that it took just 93 minutes to assemble a car. That year Ford produced more cars than all other car makers in the World combined.

Costing just $850 at launch when competing cars often cost $2,000-$3,000, the Model T was a huge commercial success and by the time Henry made his 10 millionth car, 9 out of 10 cars in the whole world were Fords. In fact, it was so successful that Ford did not purchase any advertising between 1917 and 1923.

In total, more than 15 million Model Ts were manufactured before production ended in 1927, more than any other model of car for almost a century. Powered by a 20hp monobloc 4-cylinder engine, it was capable of 45mph and returned 25-30mpg in tourer form, the basic engine and chassis layout being used for a wide range of bodystyles including saloons and a variety of commercial vans and trucks as on offer today.

This Model T van was purchased by Ford dealers the Hendy Group in 1997 and spent the next 20 years on display in their showrooms, more recently becoming a promotional vehicle for a Midlands car dealer. It had previously been restored using a new, replica van body which had been fitted onto a running and driving Model T chassis.

Having spent the last two decades indoors, it remains in excellent cosmetic condition both above and below but would benefit from a thorough recommissioning before it can be returned to the road once more. Sold with a current V5C, it would sit well in any collection or continue to prove a talking point in any vehicle dealership.