Sold 1926 Ford Model T 2146370835 Tweet

While Fords ubiquitous Model T was best known as the machine that put the automobile within reach of the average citizen and kicked off Americas reliance on the motorcar it quickly evolved beyond basic transportation. Model Ts were modified for countless purposes from farm tractors to stationary engines to rail cars. The Model Ts inherently basic design made it the perfect machine for all sorts of duties as it was inexpensive to buy robust and easy to repair in the field. The Model Ts brilliant simplicity combined with the creativity of independent engineers and backyard tinkerers to transform the Tin Lizzie from just an automobile to a universal vehicle.One of the more intriguing Model T variants to emerge was the Snowmobile a name coined and trademarked by its designer Virgil D. White of Ossipee New Hampshire. Mr. White was a Ford dealer and he began tinkering with Model Ts to make them more versatile and usable in the harsh New England winters. In 1913 he devised a system to modify the front axle replacing the front wheels with steerable skis and adding high-traction tracks to the back to propel the T through deep snow. By 1917 White had secured a U.S. Patent for his design and copyright for theSnowmobilename which has now been genericized into a common household word. By 1922 he had perfected the design enough to put it on the market.Key features of the Snowmobile Company Inc Model T were of course the metal and wood skis on the front axle and the tandem rear axle with removable metal tracks. But the modifications were quite extensive and well-considered. White ditched the stock rear axle radius rods and driveshaft in favor of a heavy-duty Ford TT truck worm-gear rear axle cantilevered springs and heavy-duty wheels. The frame was stretched to accommodate a second non-driven axle and a wood utility bed or storage box was fitted to the back depending on the chosen body style. Other modifications included the deletion of running boards and front fenders. The company offered it in two versions the standard 56-inch width or the optional 44-inch width for those traversing narrow sleigh tracks. They even promoted a Sandmobile version with chained front wheels for traversing deep sand and mud. The Snowmobile found favor with rural post offices public utilities fire departments tradesmen and any hearty northerner who HAD to get to their destination regardless of the weather.White produced approximately 70 Snowmobiles through 1923. In 1925 he sold the rights to build the machine to Farm Specialty Manufacturing Company of New Holstein Wisconsin. They began marketing the vehicles late in 1926 soon purchased the patents and took over Whites West Ossipee factory producing approximately 3300 units per year according to the Model T Snowmobile Club.This 1926 Snowmobile is a marvelous example of this fascinating vehicle highlighting the Model Ts extraordinary versatility. Configured with a C-Cab body and wood utility bed it is appropriately finished in all black and ready to tackle the backwoods of the Great White North. This T was in the long-term care of an enthusiastic Snowmobile collector and benefits from extensive recent freshening including a restored wooden bed and refurbished skis and tracks. It presents in excellent order with high-quality paintwork and detailing throughout. The skis have been authentically refinished in bright red and bear period-correct brass tags from The Snowmobile Company of New Hampshire. There is also a period-correctWinterfrontautomatic radiator shutter by Pines Mfg which is included in the sale. Other touches include correct cobra-grain roof topping and a sparse yet authentically finished cabin. It is in good mechanical order and was enjoyed by the previous owner in club events and gatherings including the 2019 national club meet in Forestport New York.This Snowmobile Company Model T is sure to strike a chord for Model T fans automobilia collectors antique machinery enthusiasts or anyone who simply loves the weird and wonderful of motoring history. Bundle up grab your favorite thermos of hot coffee and head out for an unforgettable winter adventure.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7413-1926-ford-model-t-snowmobile/