Petty's Garage Frame Off Resto/177ci I4/Stunning Colors/2-Speed Planetary Trans

1923 Ford Model T Runabout

For consignment, a 1923 Ford Model T runabout, miles unknown, but what is known is that the frame off restoration was done at Petty's Garage.  As in Richard Petty.  As in, NASCAR legend, Richard Petty.  And, as it turns out, Richard personally worked on this car and also autographed it. 

Exterior
Basic black covers this 1923 which the sales brochure boasts as “new low body lines” with a “bit of a European touch” and full crown fenders.  Even the belt that holds the hand crank is black, as is the radiator shell and the rounded, center hinged engine covers, louvered vertically on the sides and equipped with black handles.  The canvas top is in excellent condition and sports two square windows in back, just above the trunk space adorned with a single taillight.  The rim of the cabin reveals its influence from horse carriage by its rising back end and diminutive doors that enclose occupants after ages of being exposed to the elements.  These doors bear the name of a Vodka business.  Aluminum textured step plates dot the running board and provide grip for entering and exiting in damp weather while spectacular 30-inch wood spoke wheels show richly on the car.   No exterior imperfections to note here and it presents wonderfully.  

Interior
The column tufted black bench wraps occupants in a wide U-shaped loveseat and the driver has the pleasure of controlling the direction with a wood and metal 4 spoke steering wheel.  The ignition key port and one gauge is on the painted black dash, and that's about it!  Below, beautifully stained wood is the finest flooring with cut outs and plates to house the pedals and hand brake.  The trunk is a simple painted square affair, and its lid bears the signatures of Richard Petty and Dale Inman, NASCAR crew chief. 

Drivetrain
Behind the engine cover is a clean, show worthy 177ci L-head inline 4 cylinder with a 1-barrel carburetor, yellow wires, and a 2-speed planetary transmission.  3.63 gears are found out back and transfers the 22 horsepower to the rear wheels, where mechanical drum brakes reside. 

Undercarriage
Clean and black and rust free, the underside is simple and unencumbered.  There's a drop of oil here and there but for a car that's 101 years old, we give it a pass as the presence of oil is minimal.  The single exhaust is stainless steel, so probably good for another 100 years, and exits just beyond the rear axle under the car.  

Drive-Ability
Choke, throttle, and spark adjusted, and this roadster fired up without complaint and rolled onto the test loop with 22 horses eagerly galloping along.  We're not looking to do burnouts here, driving just enough to test the functionality and they all get passing grades.  While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. 

An impressive restoration from the garage of Richard Petty, this 1923 is a shining example of what commonly roamed the street 100 years ago.  Triple black enhanced by black grained wood, this showpiece would be an amazing addition to a Ford dealership showroom, a museum collection of early American cars, or even better, your garage! 

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

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