Lot 132

Hershey 2011

1916 Ford Model T "Fronty" Speedster

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$41,250 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Addendum: Please note this vehicle will be sold on a Bill of Sale only.

(Est.) 64 hp, 176.7 cu. in. inline four-cylinder engine with Frontenac OHV cylinder head, two-speed planetary Model T transmission, and transverse leaf springs front and rear. Wheelbase: 100"

- A completely restored former Wisconsin ice racer

- Sleek Bub Speedster body, vintage Frontenac OHV cylinder head

After WWI, Ford’s ubiquitous Model T provided the perfect 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, which gained fame for its popular overhead-valve conversion kits for the reliable but underpowered Model T. While most "Fronty" Fords were seen on dirt tracks, in 1923 L.L. Corum finished fifth at that year’s Indianapolis 500, bested only by a quartet of powerful eight-cylinder Millers.

This Model T Speedster is equipped with an original Frontenac OHV cylinder head and a steel speedster body from the Milwaukee-based Bub Body Corporation. Restored by W. James McBurney of Niagara Falls, Ontario, this one-time Wisconsin ice racer features a full underbelly and quick-release steel fenders. In addition to the aforementioned Frontenac OHV conversion, the rebuilt Model T engine is mated to a Model T planetary transmission and 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 great features include 1927 Chevrolet steel-disc wheels on converted Ford hubs, a custom-built honeycomb radiator and new wiring, paint and upholstery.

Additional equipment includes 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. With its vintage speed equipment, sleek speedster bodywork and complete restoration, this "Fronty" Model T is an exceptional example of Detroit-built early American motorsports history.