1922 Ford Model T Truck Chassis

The engine in the Model T was a 20 horsepower four-cylinder side valve unit giving the car a top speed of 45 mph and fuel consumption was 25 to 30 miles per gallon. The engine was started by means of a crank handle, although an electric starter was available as an extra. In the last year of production the electric starter motor was fitted as standard. The transmission, final drive assembly, and gearbox were a basic rear wheel drive with a two-speed gearbox. There was no clutch and the gear was changed via foot pedals as the gearbox was technically a semi-automatic box. There was a ten-gallon fuel tank which could be found under the driver's seat.

By 1921, Ford had sixty percent of the new car market with their Model T. For nearly a decade, they had literally given away their truck body business to independent builders around the country. By 1923, they decided to stop being so generous.

This 1922 roadster pickup was probably delivered as a bare chassis, only to receive a special custom-ordered body selected by the first owner. Today, it is a special one-of-a-kind Texaco tanker truck that has been fully restored, and well kept. It has its original four-cylinder engine. At some point in its history, the car received the full tank-truck accessories and Texaco livery.

In 2009, this Ford Model T Texaco Tanker Roadster Pickup was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction in Seabrook, Texas presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. The lot was estimated to sell for $25,000-$35,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $33,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009