HOW TO BAG THE BEST DEAL

BODY AND 1

CHASSIS

Corrosion and wood rot are your key concerns. Most have pressed steel bodywork with wooden frames. The 100in chassis was built of vanadium steel and changed little.

ENGINE 2

Not a lot changed, despite the long production run. The 20bhp, 83lb ft engines are very strong, but can overheat, especially cars with an original brass radiator. Internal corrosion can also be an issue.

GEARBOX 3

It’s complex, with a separate clutch for each ratio. If you’ve never driven one, take along someone who has. Towing over long distances will ruin the mechanicals, so check that the seller knows this.

4 RUNNING GEAR

The vehicle is slowed by a band that brakes the transmission, while the brake shoes at the wheels are operated by a hand lever. Check the suspension (which uses leaf springs in line with the axle) and steering joints for excessive corrosion, and look for oil leaks. Signs of regular, careful greasing are always a plus. The T was built for rough roads, so expect bouncy handling.

INTERIOR

Trim and luxuries were kept to the bare minimum to maintain a low selling price, so there’s really not a lot to worry about. Leatherette replaced leather in open-top cars as early as 1915. Coachbuilders ensured plenty of varieties, but the basic T was only subtly developed.