The Ford Model T is possibly the most important car in the history of the automobile. It not only literally introduced the idea of the assembly line for car production but also was the first time a car was built with the idea it should be affordable for the masses. In addition, it was the catalyst for the adoption of the automobile as a primary form of transportation in America, and Ford sold millions of them. Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is one of these cars, a 1926 Ford Model T Roadster. It is being sold by a private party in Scottsdale, Arizona, with the auction ending Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. (MST).
There are some interesting and little-known facts about the Model T. One is that it was conceived and designed in a secret third-floor room at the Ford Piquette Plant in Detroit by a small team that included both Edsel Ford and Henry Ford. Also, contrary to popular belief, when it was launched the T was available in red, green and blue, though by 1914, Ford transitioned to producing Model Ts exclusively in black, which started the legend that all Model T cars were only offered in one color. An additional tidbit is that Ford employees were required to sign a contract stating they had to buy a Model T as soon as they were able to afford one.
According to the seller, this Model T is powered by a correct 177ci inline-four mated to a two-speed planetary-gear transmission. Finished in burgundy and black with a black canvas retractable top over a gray cloth interior, this vintage roadster is now offered by a private party at no reserve with a build binder and clear title.
The seller states that this T has undergone a restoration, which has been documented. Work looks to have included the body, chassis and the interior. It looks like a car that has held up well since the restoration, which used all period-correct components, and the body has a nice worn-in look to it with no serious flaws.
The interior looks excellent, with the gray cloth upholstery with a burgundy pinstripe appearing to be quite well-installed and in excellent condition. Of course, there is not a floor shifter, as it states in the listing—unless you consider the gear pedals to be shifters (which I guess they are somewhat). The lever you can see on the steering wheel is actually the throttle.
Under the hood is the correct 177ci I4 Model T monoblock engine. It has a compression ratio of only 3.98 and is fed by a single-barrel carburetor, which gives it a mighty 20 horsepower. If you take into account the very small contact patch provided by 12-inch 4.40 front and 4.50 rear tires, combined with the high center of gravity of the Model T, 20 horsepower—in my experience, having driven a few—is more than adequate, and these cars are thrilling at their top speed of about 40 mph.
One of the most interesting things about the Model T is that, more than 100 years after they were built, they still have a very strong following and a large car club community. Even more interesting is that the Model T club is primarily focused on driving events. If you want a prewar car at an affordable price that you can have a lot of fun driving—and find out what cars were like in the early days—this Model T is the perfect entry to this community.
If this 1926 Ford Model T Roadster is of interest, you still have time to add it to your Christmas list and bid on it before the big day, as the auction for this 1926 Ford Model T ends Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. (MST).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
