The automobile was created in 1886 when Carl Benz received a patent for his Benz Patent-Motorwagen, but it wasn’t until the late 1900s that it gained popularity and became reasonably priced. At that point, Ford unveiled the Model T.
The Model T, which was manufactured for nearly 20 years, is recognized for several firsts in the automobile sector. It was the world’s first cheap car and the first vehicle to be mass-produced on a moving assembly line. Along with being the first worldwide automobile, it was built in over ten nations over four continents.
And needless to say, it was highly successful. Ford built about 16.5 million units in 19 years, a record that stood until 1972. Come 2022 and the Model T is still among the 10 best-selling automobiles of all time.
This massive number prevents it from being a rare and highly desirable classic, but “Tin Lizzie” enjoys a cult following in the United States. But even though Ford built millions of Model Ts, only a small percentage of them are still road-worthy today. It’s estimated that around 60,000 are still alive and kicking in 2022, but enthusiasts keep restoring barn-found examples. The Model T you’re about to see below is one of those cars.
We don’t get a lot of background on this oldtimer, but we do know it’s a 1922 version. It’s been in the same family for many decades and based on the way it looks, it was restored at some point. Yes, it’s painted black like most Model Ts out there, but it showcases straight body panels and the finish still holds a shine.
This specific model is a coupe, one of the twelve body designs available in the past. The “Doctor’s Coupe” is another name for this model, however Ford never adopted that moniker. So where does it originate from? Doctors loved these coupes because the big trunk could hold additional medical equipment and the enclosed cabin offered shelter from the elements. Yes, these are standard convenience features in modern cars, but in the 1920s, most cars had a fixed roof.
From 1908 until 1927, Ford produced little over 1.7 million coupes, according to records. However, it’s reasonable to assume that just a small number of coupes remain operational, considering that less than 1% of all Model Ts are still fit for driving. Fortunately, this classic 1922 two-door is in good condition. And in 2022, it will be a really smooth running and driving machine considering that it is a 100-year-old car.
And you can see it do just that in the video below. Right after it’s being unloaded from a trailer. It’s quite wonderful, isn’t it?