T speedster thoughts needed

Dave in Boise

Dave in Boise

Senior Member
Hi All,

I am a regular poster over on the 'A' side of the Barn, but I do have a chance to buy a 'T' speedster (26 or 27 I believe) which was built up in the in the mid 50's. The owner passed and the family looks to be getting ready to sell the car.

From what I little I know, it has intake on one side (Winfield carb), exhaust on the other side (headers into a collector and run down the drivers side), overhead valve head (do not recall the make of the head, but will find out when I go to look at it. Apparently it is supposed to be a pretty rare model from what I gather) on a T motor as well as a 2nd transmission at the rear end giving it 4 speeds forwards. The motor and both transmissions were gone though and rebuilt as needed by a very reputable machine shop (he does my A motors and such so I am confident as to his work))

Body and frame appear to be excellent, new tires on powdercoated wheels. Looks to be a pretty turn-key vehicle

My questions are?
What would an old speedster be worth? I know my A values, but this is a whole different thing that I have no experience in evaluating.
Mechanically, is there any thing I should take a close look at? Brakes, coils, etc?

Please let me know what you think, and I will post pics and more details to this thread as I get them

- Dave
 
The absolute best thing you can do is to; A) TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! B) Take some more pics; C) Take even more yet and post them here...

Overhead valves with a Ruckstell (underdrive!) wire wheels with good tires, fresh motor etc... do ya wanna steal it or help out the old widow lady? His kids thrive on Vegas and want it gone? Got a devil may care attitude or a conscience that wont let you sleep? Lots of variables.

Whats the machine shop guy say? Is it a complete 3K rebuild? Mag work or a distributor? Rocky Mountain (external) brakes, rear end gone through with bronze thrust washers?

Last fall I bought a chassis for $700 and probably have another 2K into it and its getting close to running. ws
 
Good thoughts.. :)

The speedstrer was built by owner 'a' in the 50's and had gone through other owners over the years. The 2nd to last owner is family friend and sold it to back to owner 'a' for what he had into it (9K or so) the rebuilds took place, and with reciepts for the engine work and trans rebuilds, puts the total around 11K, which is about what I was considering offering.

I like to do business fairly, but still do not know the worth of the vehicle.. If the owners put 11k into a vehicle worth 4k, I'd rather not throw the difference in if it is 'upside down' as far as it's value in case I ever need to sell it someday.

I still need to look at the reciepts and chat with the machinist..

Want to be fair, balanced somewhere between Snively Whiplash and Mother Theresa (lol)

Will update with more info when I get it.

- Dave
 
Well, for one...i sold my old speedster for 3k....stock engine needing some work...otherwise new! No body....

My friend has one he gave around 20 for with buffalo wires.fronty head,A crank Rowdy engine,ruxtell winfield carb outstanding car! Turn key!

So.....somewhere in between is prob fair...
 
here's a pic.. any thoughts?

I have not yet had a chance to look at it in person
 

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  • 25 Model T Speedster 001 (2).jpg
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Looks pretty cool! I like the drilled/lightened front axle. Look at the lowering job; many ways to do that. 26-27 nickle radiator and it looks like it has 500/550 X 21 tires. Ts had 450 X 21 tires. Those look a little "meatier". ws
 
Wow. I want it. But then Yachtsmanbill can tell you I say that about any speedster that looks as good as that one does. My opinion would be to offer 9K and see how they respond. In the end you'll end up paying 11K anyway. But at least this way they get what they want for it. It get's you the speedster for what you think is fair and from the looks of the car your getting it for a fair price. I want a speedster as my next car but the chances of doing it are pretty thin.
 
Appears To be a "RAJO" overhead as the exhaust exits on the driver's side. Without seeing running gear receipts - 11K might be a bit on the high side - IMO.
 
stevests said:
Appears To be a "RAJO" overhead as the exhaust exits on the driver's side. Without seeing running gear receipts - 11K might be a bit on the high side - IMO.
Click to expand...
Yeah I guess I have to agree. You wouldn't build that car for 11k but the market dictates the value. And considering it's a 60 year build that's been updated. Maybe $7500.00 to $8500.00 is a fair starting offer and see where it goes. After that initial offer it all depends on how much you want it.
 
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