Building upon the succession of updates and improvements applied to Ford’s wildly successful Model T since its introduction, changes for 1916–1917 most visibly included a change to a black radiator-shell finish, new rounded fenders, and a revised hood design. Formerly brass-finished components now sported nickel plating. Catalogued since 1909, the formal seven-passenger, four-door Model T Town Car was discontinued after 1918 model-year production was completed.

While 2,328 Model T Town Cars were built for the 1917 model year, this example is exceedingly uncommon, with few survivors known to collectors and marque enthusiasts today. According to correspondence on file between Mark Smith and the Model T Town Car Club, this example is believed to have been owned new by a physician, before being acquired by the Moses family of Elwood City, Pennsylvania, followed by Mr. Marshall, also from Pennsylvania, noted prewar car collector Charlie Le Maitre, and finally Mark Smith.

In addition to the 1917 Pennsylvania license plate on the front of the Town Car, a Pennsylvania registration sticker dated December 1977 remains affixed to the windshield, affirming its long-term presence in the Keystone State. Once a decades-long restoration project under a prior owner, this 1917 Ford Model T Town Car is offered in “garage find” condition, ready for mechanical recommissioning or, given its rarity as one of precious few survivors today, a full concours-level restoration.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.