1927 Montgomery Ward/Model T Tractor

Advertised for $98.95 and touted as doing “...the work of two horses!”, Ward’s

conversion kit was broadly similar to its competitors in concept and construction. In

essence a large rear subframe or “Utility Unit” incorporating tall steel drive wheels, a

single, sprung seat, and attachment points for various farm implements, these kits

bolted to a partially stripped Model T donor car retaining only its factory front wheels,

engine, cowl, and basic controls. Fitting of the Utility Unit required no new holes to be

drilled in the donor Ford’s chassis.

This particular example, aside from its cleanliness, is fully representative of the type

used by thousands of intrepid American farmers throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

Viewed head-on, the tractor closely resembles an early hot rod, with its clear Model T

DNA and removed hood, fenders, and headlights. Even the windshield is gone, and aft

of the dashboard there’s very little factory Ford equipment intact, excluding of course

the chassis rails, transmission, and rear axle.

Rubber blocks cover the large steel wheels’ integral metal treads, and these were used

in order to prevent damage to paved surfaces during on-road use. Though capable of

pulling a variety of farm implements, this tractor is currently fitted with a simple plow

that’s lowered or raised via the long, red lever situated ahead of the right rear wheel.

The operator sits on a sprung steel saddle similar to those fitted to virtually all antique

tractors, and faces a Ford dashboard retaining magneto controls, an ammeter, and very

little else.

As was typical for tractor conversions, even the original wooden floorboards are absent,

allowing the driver’s feet to dangle in the breeze. For heat, there’s a bare, conveniently

unshielded exhaust pipe resting inches away from the pedals.

Exposed to the breeze, the Ford 177ci, flathead, 20 hp four cylinder runs, however

missing rear primary drive gears (which mesh with sizable ring gears within each of the

large rear wheels) currently prevent the tractor from moving by its own motivation.

At the time of the photoshoot the drive gears were missing, but according to the seller, their mechanic has since installed drive gears and report to us that the tractor is ready to drive.

Overall, the vehicle’s mechanicals present as period correct, down to the leather fan

belt and lack of a commonly retrofitted alternator. Starting is via one of two methods:

either cranking a front-mounted handle, or by rare Ford factory optional eclectic start as

offered from 1919.

Nearly all Model T’s left the factory without a chassis or serial number, and are instead

referred to by their engine number. In this case, engine number 12395284 identifies the

donor car as having been built in September of 1925, or unusually close to the 1927

model year of its adapted Wards tractor kit. Typically, these kits were fitted to older,

often heavily worn donor cars that were commonly available secondhand for as little as

$10.

Relatively few of these unusual Model T/Tractor mash-ups survive, regardless of make,

model, or condition. This one’s unusual level of completeness, good condition, and

period accuracy further add to its appeal. Whether the new owner chooses to fabricate

replacement rear drive gears, or simply trailer the vehicle to vintage tractor and car

shows, it’s sure to draw enthusiastic crowds at either.