Lot number	155
Hammer value	N/S (est. £10,000 - £12,000)
Description	Ford Model T
Registration	SC 8220
Year	1921
Colour	Black
Engine size	2,900 cc
Chassis No.	5043924
Engine No.	5043924

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 it took only 93 minutes to assemble a car. That year Ford produced more cars than all other car makers 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 of all cars in the entire 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 2.9-litre monobloc 4-cylinder engine, it was capable of 45mph and returned 25-30mpg.

Built in Canada in 1921, this particular Model T Tourer was bought by its previous owner at a Hershey auction in 1999. On arrival in England early the following year, the car was given a thorough going-over by Austin Bromley of the Model T club in readiness for a tour of Northern France which the car successfully completed.

Over the next five years the car took part in many other events, including tours of Ireland and Scotland, during which it always proved totally reliable with a good turn of speed.

Its current owner purchased the car through ourselves in 2009 and has used it regularly following a comprehensive engine rebuild which included new bearings and a crankshaft regrind. The transmission was also given an overhaul, along with a new wiring loom, the vendor describing the car as running and driving well. It is taxed until March 2015. The bodywork is in exceptional condition for its age, with a very well-preserved interior and a good canvas hood.

This nicely patinated, original example has had all of the expensive mechanical restoration taken care of and is due to be driven some 40 miles to the sale.