Resembling the Model T-based race cars from the early days of racing, this 1925 Ford Model T Speedster was built in 2019 for participation in The Race of Gentlemen, commonly known as TROG. It is described as having serious flathead V8 power and is fully functional, ready to race again.
The Race of Gentlemen is an annual vintage car race that celebrates Americana, hot rods and beach racing on the beach in Wildwood, N.J. This Model T meets all of the vehicle requirements to participate in the race. It is, of course, heavily modified in a period-correct way to keep up with competition. The Model T features a hand-built steel body described as bare steel with patina, and a chassis that rides 7-inches lower than stock height. According to the auction listing, the seat, hydraulic brakes, instruments, and tires are all new, along with newly rebuilt friction shock absorbers.
The Model T has been very heavily modified with a performance-built flathead Ford V8 paired with a Borg-Warner T-11 three-speed manual transmission featuring a new clutch and pressure plate. The seller states the engine is an 8BA from a 1949 Ford, built by Flathead Sales & Service of Churchville, New York. It reportedly has all new internals and is bored and stroked to reach 286 cubic inches. Other notable engine upgrades include a Scat stroker crankshaft, dual Stromberg carburetors, Offenhauser cylinder heads, and an Iskenderian camshaft.
According to the Hemmings Marketplace description, the Ford has a forward hood and cowling, with a fuel tank and roll hoop positioned behind the driver. Typical of vintage race cars, there is no glass, but the seller says that all lights are in proper working order. Based on the photos, the underside appears to be clean, with minimal surface corrosion.
Inside, the hand-made metal seat is covered with black leather cushioning and is equipped with a safety harness. The burled-wood dashboard shows no apparent damage. In vintage race car style, there is no audio system, heat, or air conditioning. The floors appear to be solid, and the shift lever rises from the floors.
The seller confirms that the purpose-built race car is street legal in New York City where he resides. “On the road the fastest I have been is around 60 miles-per-hour,” he comments. As far as the races, he recalls winning three out of the five races he participated in, impressive considering how fast the drivers can go is contingent on which lane they end up in.
