Ron Pratte Classic Car Preview: The Outliers

January 8, 2015

1915 Ford Detroit Bodied Speedster

Based on an actual 1915 Ford Model T frame, this Detroit Bodied speedster was assembled in 1975 by Ford Model T Club of America and Model T Times magazine associate editor Bill Barth. Barth, a lifelong Model T historian and collector, searched vintage car salvage yards, the Hershey swap meet and NOS hoards, gathering only the rarest, most exclusive Model T accessories to construct this high performance speedster that’s capable of 70 mph — roughly twice the normal peak speed of a stock Model T. The body is an actual Detroit Body Company speedster item, and the engine has been fortified with a Roof OHV cylinder head, Rayfield carburetor, ball-bearing 4th main journal, right angle fan greaser, Bosch distributor, Oshkosh water pump and a Boyce Motor Meter. The chassis and running gear have likewise been treated to the best period-correct aftermarket upgrades, including a Pioneer engine support, Ruckstell 2-speed rear axle with full floating axle shafts, Apco rear axle truss rod and brake rod anti-rattlers, Pasco lightweight wire wheels and lined brake shoes. Inside, an etched glass monocle wind screen, Willis spotlight, Walker-Finney rim wind clock, passenger foot rest and Imperial brass fuel primer, Rubes single-twist bulb horn and Hayes toolbox adorn the cockpit area. Perhaps most intriguing of all, the front headlamps turn with the front tires thanks to Mazda pivoting headlamp forks. Topped off with a beautiful brass Livingston radiator inspired by Gabriel Voisin’s French Supercars of the day, this Model T speedster is a rolling tribute to the massive aftermarket parts industry that sprang up to serve the millions of Model T owners looking for even better performance and durability. This car is featured on the cover of the May-June 1977 issue of the Model T Times, which is included with the sale.

Photo:barrett-Jackson

Photo:Barrett-Jackson

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