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Hi all,

A bit off topic but your advice would be welcome, Ireland has a bit of a shortage of people to seek advice from!

I am buying a Ford Model T, I have 2 in mind and I need to choose one.

The first one is a 1915 brass rad Tourer model, the paintwork is very poor and there is a large dent on the outside of the bulkhead and several other dents. The seats and top need replacing. It runs good and its has its original lights. There is no started fitted.

The second is a 1923 Tourer, totally restored, every nut and bolt. Brand new top and seats. New tires and electronic ignition fitted. New bands, alloy pistons and 'turbo' clutch plates fitted. Total spray job and the chassis powder coated. It needs nothing.

The problem is that I would love a brass one but I will spend far too much money and time restoring it.

Should I cut my losses and buy the 1923 one, just turn the key and go!

Both are the same money.

For my two cents, would go with the restored one if there is a chance you are going to want to use it with your service. Electronic ignition might be a bit of downer if you are a stickler for authenticity but running and reliable might be a deciding factor.

The brass might ultimately be worth a few dollars more but now it would be a labor of love -- and there is always that since you like them and if you enjoy working on the cars. Also might be a long time before it could be finished or be in condition to drive or enjoy--let alone pay for itself.

Jay Leno loves his Model T for driving to work no kidding.

youtube.com/watch?v=6g1fBt1e-tI

Only you can tell what you should do. A restored car is usually a better buy but in the case of a Model T all parts are available and they are a cinch to rebuild.

If you really want a brass T and can't find a better one it might not be as difficult or expensive to fix up as you fear. Way cheaper and easier than a Packard anyway.

From your description it sounds like the brass one would be a good car to buy provided the price reflects the condition.

You might have a lot of money tied up in it once you get it done, on the other hand with brand new paint interior and top you shouldn't have to spend much going forward.

Trying to accurately value cars from this distance is a mug's game, however if the 2 cars were in the US the 1915 would be worth around $5000 or a little less, the 1924 $10,000 to $15,000 depending how good the restoration work is.

Given equal condition the 1915 is worth about 30% more than the 1924 model. Evidently everyone prefers the brass era.

Prices taken from Old Cars Report Price Guide August 2010 edition.

I've done a little checking and I think the 1915 model T is rarer and more valuable than the price guide would indicate. One like you describe might be worth closer to $10,000 but again, it is hard to say.

You might want to have a local expert or T owner look them over. And price the repairs.

T's are for fun! Just came off a national tour in SD running mountains for a week. Go with the black T unless you have a well trained wife to polish brass. It has a elec starter which saves lots of elbow grease. If you want a T just to look at, go with the brass one.

Hi,

Thanks for your considered advice.

Yes, my head says 'brass' my pocket says 'black'!

My thinking was to leave the brass as it is, a bit ratty, but knowing my quest for perfection it would only be a matter of time before I start ordering parts to bring it back to its former glory. I have my Packard for the glory times so I am going with the 'black'.

Slan.

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Take a look at the Model T forum on the www.FordBarn.com website

fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2

Great place for vintage Ford info....

If you do get a T, strongly recommend joining the Model T Ford International, a great organization with folks all over the world and a great source for information.
Their web site ismodelt.org/

T's are a lot more forgiving than Packards! When you do get in the T business, would be glad to provide pointers on getting the car tour ready.