1911 Ford Model T Runabout

In April 1911 the Model T was completely restyled - new radiator, new fenders, new bodies, new front and rear axles and, eventually, a new engine.

Two new bodies were offered from 1911: the torpedo runabout and the open runabout (as seen here). The open runabouts had a longer hood, longer steering columns, longer fenders and a lower seating arrangement - all of these contributing to a more racy appearance.

The runabouts were similar; the open runabout did not have doors. Both had a gasoline tank mounted on the rear deck. The price of the open runabout was $680.

In 1911, Ford replaced the all-wooden construction with steel-paneled bodies. Powering the Model T was a four-cylinder, 4-cycle engine with a 3.75-inch bore and a 4-inch stroke that was rated at 20 horsepower. The front seat is as flat and upright as a church pew, while the driving position is high above the road and conspicuously exposed. Open the hand throttle - the short lever under the right side of the steering wheel - while gently squeezing the clutch pedal down to engage first gear. From an idle that's surprisingly quiet, the T moves off with a happy chugga-chugga and the smoothness of a more expensive car.

There are two sets of brakes. A service band brake operates on the transmission and is controlled by a foot pedal. There is also an emergency brake is controlled by hand lever at side of car acting on the drums of rear wheels. There are three foot pedals. By pressing the first pedal 'C' the slow speed is applied; by releasing, it is in the high speed. The center pedal 'R' is for reversing the car. The third pedal 'B' is the brake.

The Model T can be entirely manipulated either by the use of the pedals or by the controlling lever at the side of the car. The carburetor lever and throttle just under the steering wheel will regulate the speed of the car from a walk to 40 miles an hour, without shifting a lever or applying the foot pedals.

The Touring Car, Torpedo Runabout, Open Runabout and Roadster include at the fully equipped price: a top, automatic brass windshield, speedometer, two gas lamps and generator, three oil lamps, tubular horn and a kit of tools. The Town Car and Coupe equipment includes three oil lamps, a tubular horn and tools only.