1915 Ford Model T Roadster Pickup

This Car Runs!In 1915 Henry Ford had not yet begun to offer the Model T in a truck configuration. If a buyer wanted a pickup, they bought a bare chassis from Ford, then purchased a cab and body from an aftermarket supplier. Although smaller than many of the commercial trucks made at the time, the Model T was adapted for many industries due to its affordable price, durability, and wide availability.

For those familiar with the purported quote from Henry Ford, “You can have any color you want, as long as it’s black,” the bright yellow color of this car seems incongruous. Between 1909 and 1914 Model Ts were offered in four colors: red, green, gray, and blue. As the popularity of the Model T grew, Ford had trouble keeping up with demand. He needed to choose a fast-drying paint in order to ship cars more quickly. Black fit the bill, and all other colors were eliminated. The yellow paint on this car was chosen by a later owner.

Generously donated by Guile and Judy Wood of Osterville, Massachusetts

  • MANUFACTURER: T Ford Motor Company, Detroit Michigan (1903-present)
  • PRICE NEW: $410 (bare chassis)
  • AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME 1915: $633
  • PRICE TO BUY 2023: $12,098

  • ENGINE: Four cylinder flathead configuration, 176 cu.in./3.75 l.
  • HORSEPOWER: 20

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