1911 Ford Model T Torpedo Runabout

Ford phased out a few body styles like the coupe for 1911, along with giving the popular Model T new styling, a new radiator, fenders and wheels. The body now used steel panels over a wood framework, replacing the earlier all-wood construction. Another significant change for 1911 was the body color, which had been offered in red, grey, or green, was now offered in dark blue as a standard color. The Torpedo Runabout and the Open Runabout were new body styles. These new body styles had curved fenders, a longer hood, lower seating, and a round 16-gallon fuel tank on the rear deck. The open runabout did not have doors while the Torpedo Runabout did.

For 1911, the Model T was given a new rear axle with cast-iron center housing, and the front axle received new spindles. Mid-way through the year, the engine received mechanical changes; the earlier exposed valves were replaced with new valve chambers cast into the block with steel doors, to enable adjustments when needed.

This Ford Model T has a Torpedo Runabout body style, built with doors. The car was restored by collector Clyde Ensor Sr. in the 1970s and was purchased as a rolling chassis. He acquired the necessary authentic parts to complete the restoration from respected Model T sources. After the work was completed in 1987 it received an AACA National First Prize.

The car is finished in standard deep blue with a light grey pinstripe. It has the correct gas headlights with a running-board-mounted generator. The side lamps and taillight are kerosene-fueled Neverout units, with the latter mounted on a correct Neverout bracket, which carries the license plate. Inside, it is finished in black buttoned leather upholstery, with black pyramid-pattern rubber mats on the floor. Instrumentation in the car consists solely of a brass Stewart speedometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014