Unrestored 1911 Ford Model T | A True Family Affair on Display at The Amelia

At the 2024 Amelia Concours d’Elegance, a timeless standout rolled into the spotlight: a 1911 Ford Model T, preserved rather than restored, and lovingly driven by an entire family. This vehicle, owned by Chris and Jennifer Collins, is not a showpiece locked behind a velvet rope. It remains an active part of their lives, routinely driven by their sons, Nash and Boy. What makes this particular vehicle so compelling is the way it carries its age. The vehicle looks and runs like a time traveler from the brass era of American motoring, yet it never feels distant or unreachable. 

Instead, it has become a part of the Collins family’s everyday moments. It is an heirloom that still hums on backroads and moves through town parades. Chris Collins explains that their goal is not to return the car to some idealized factory condition. Their focus is on preservation. Every choice they have made, from keeping the original floor mats to ensuring mechanical reliability, reflects that philosophy. 

Original Delivery and Ownership 

This 1911 Ford Model T was originally delivered to a Vermont resident in August of that same year. The first owner kept the car for 45 years, a span that witnessed dramatic changes in both global history and automotive design. The only cosmetic update made during that time was a repaint in 1945, likely done for practical maintenance rather than aesthetic reasons. 

The car was later sold to Alie Hayes, who stored it in a climate-controlled showroom within a Vermont automotive shop. During his ownership, it was driven sparingly, often appearing in parades or small community events. It remained in that well-preserved condition for decades. 

In 2002, the Ford Model T made its way to Savannah, Georgia, where Ronald Finger became the new owner. He had the engine rebuilt and continued maintaining the vehicle’s mechanical systems without compromising its historical appearance. 

Preserving Function Without Altering Soul 

Although the Ford T Model remains true to its 1911 form, the Collins family has made thoughtful mechanical updates to keep it safe and drivable. These changes were designed to support the car’s continued use without erasing its history. 

Chris notes that when previous owner Ronald Finger rebuilt the engine, it provided a strong foundation for the vehicle’s continued use on the road. That work made it possible for the car to remain active on the road rather than become a static display. 

One essential addition was a water pump. Early Ford Model Ts used thermosiphon cooling systems, which circulate coolant without moving parts. While clever for their time, these systems struggle in the southern summer heat. To prevent overheating on slower drives and parade appearances, Chris added a pump. This modification allowed for consistent performance without compromising the car’s original look. 

The magneto, which powers the ignition system, was also repaired. Restoring it brought back a core part of the car’s early design and made starting and running the vehicle more dependable. Each of these updates were completed with restraint, honoring the car’s past but preparing it for the road ahead. 

Everyday Driving and Family Involvement 

Not only is this 1911 Ford Model T preserved, but it is also driven. Chris and Jennifer’s sons both operate the car with confidence, including their nine-year-old, Nash, who has already learned the intricacies of the T’s unique pedal system. Boy, their older son, frequently takes the wheel and joins his parents in sharing the car with others. They drive it regularly, adding several hundred miles a year. Every mile is collected on streets and backroads by a family deeply connected to what the car represents.

That choice to use the car rather than store it gives the Model T a kind of second life. Its purpose has shifted from early 20th-century utility to a 21st-century tradition rooted in connection and experience. Though the context has changed, the car remains fully alive. 

Historical Context for the 1911 Ford Model T

The 1911 edition of the Ford Model T reflects a period of significant innovation. Ford was refining the production process and laying the groundwork for what would later become the moving assembly line. The 1911 model included updates to the chassis, subtle changes in design, and retained the iconic planetary transmission. 

According to the Model T Ford Club of America, these vehicles featured a right-hand door that was often nonfunctional, wooden wheels, and a distinctive brass radiator. They were also among the last versions before Ford began implementing more standardized parts across builds. The Collins family’s car fits squarely into this important transitional moment in automotive history.

Its serial number, 65475, places it early in the overall production history of the Model T, which would go on to exceed 15 million units. That rarity adds historical value, but the family’s approach keeps the focus on relationship, not collection. 

A Standout at Amelia Concours 

At the Amelia Concours d’Elegance, where pristine restorations and rare finds are celebrated, the Collins family’s unrestored car turned heads. It was part of the “Cars of the Barn Find Hunter” showcase, a class that honors authenticity and discovery. Rather than polishing history away, the car holds space for memory. 

Viewers were able to witness over a century of continuity, shaped by the hands of those who have driven, repaired, and cared for it. Chris’s explanation added to the car’s charm. His passion and technical knowledge helped visitors understand why this car still runs the way it does, and why that matters. 

More Than a Car, It’s a Commitment 

Vehicles like the Collins family’s 1911 Ford Model T represent more than just automotive history—they embody a living connection to our past that continues to create meaningful experiences in the present. This beautifully preserved Model T demonstrates that with proper care and thoughtful maintenance, these treasures from motoring’s earliest days can remain active participants in family traditions rather than static museum pieces. If you’re the proud steward of an unrestored brass-era automobile like this Model T or another piece of automotive heritage, protecting your investment requires specialized coverage that truly understands its historical significance and irreplaceable value. 

At Classic Auto, we offer customizable policies based on agreed-upon value that recognize both the cultural importance and unique nature of your preserved vehicle. Whether you maintain your car in its authentic patinated condition or have made careful mechanical updates to keep it roadworthy while respecting its original character, Classic Auto provides dependable, premier insurance tailored specifically for collectors who appreciate the importance of preservation. Learn more by calling 888-901-1338, or get a quote here.