1916 Ford Model T Fronty Speedster

The Ford Model T, introduced in October of 1908, was a very popular automobile. By 1920, over six million examples had been built. The Model T also provided a great foundation for the establishment of the high-performance aftermarket industry.

Arthur, Louis and Gaston Chevrolet operated Frontenac, one of the most successful early speed merchants. The company gained fame for its popular overhead-valve conversion kits for the reliable but underpowered Model T. Many of the 'Fronty' Fords went racing on dirt tracks. In 1923 L.L. Corum took his to the Indianapolis 500 where it finished fifth.

This Model T Speedster is powered by an original Frontenac overhead-valve cylinder head and a steel speedster body from the Milwaukee-based Bub Body Corporation. This Wisconsin ice racer features a full underbelly and quick-release steel fenders. There is a Frontenac OHV conversion and mated to a Model T planetary transmission. It features a Model A crank and pistons, adjustable valve lifters, a full-flow oiling system, an Atwater Kent distributor, a full-flow water pump and SU Birmingham carburetion. Other features include 1927 Chevrolet steel-disc wheels on converted Ford hubs, a custom-built honeycomb radiator and new wiring, paint and upholstery. There is an eight-volt battery, an electric starter, an electric fuel pump, a split-wishbone adjustable suspension, full racing gears, a manual choke, a vintage brass fire extinguisher, a fold-down Brooklands-style windscreen, an under-seat toolbox, a burled walnut dash and a mix of Ford and Stewart-Warner gauges.

The 176.7 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine offers an estimated 64 horsepower.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Hershey Auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for the sum of $41,250 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011