Famous 'Aussie' Model T for Shannons Melbourne May Auction
A well-known 1910 ‘Brass Era’ Ford Model T Tourer with a great Aussie History is one of the feature cars of Shannons Melbourne Autumn Classic Auction on May 4.
After being ordered by W.R. Edgar’s Ford dealership in Colac, Victoria, the Model T was partially built in the USA, before being completed by Ford in Canada, where it received its original right hand drive fit-out for the Australian market.
It met its first of four owners from new shortly after it arrived in Australia when it was sold to well-known Colac, Victoria doctor Richard Gibbs, who helped found the city’s Ulverstone Private Hospital.
Dr Gibbs then sold the car to Herbert Henry Pitcher of neighbouring Pomborneit in 1915, but after he relocated to Bacchus Marsh, west of Melbourne, his son Alf Pitcher took over the Model T.
Some years later following an accident the Model T was acquired by an Adelaide enthusiast, Lindsay O’Connor, who intended to restore it and began gathering the necessary parts.
Finally the car’s current owner, William Landy, purchased the collection of components in 1989, took it back to Newborough in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley and after restoring it drove the Ford to the Model T National Rally in Gippsland in 1992.
Eighteen years later in 2010, it was driven from Newborough to Colac to celebrate its 100th birthday, meeting descendants of its first owner, Dr Gibbs, in the town where it was purchased new.
What makes this Model T particularly fascinating for collectors of Brass Era Veteran cars is that the 1910 ‘T’ is a unique ‘stand-alone’ model, sharing few of its components with its surrounding 1909 and 1911 variants.
With its well-known local history and documented restoration using parts correct for its year, Shannons expect this well-known Model T to sell in the $50,000-$60,000 range at the upcoming May 4 Auction.
Other notable Vintage and Pre-War vehicles already entered for the sale including two right hand drive 1934 American ‘Airflow’ sedans – a barn-find’ Chrysler and a running DeSoto – plus a restored, right hand drive 1924 Hudson Super Six 7-passenger sedan with a glass division.
Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
