It was simply the amount the seller needed to purchase a snowmobile.

What was most incredible about this purchase was that the vehicle was almost completely unrestored. Other than some minor paint touch-ups, the Model T had most of the same parts on it as the day in 1917 it was produced. Rasmussen gave it a thorough cleaning, rebuilt the carburetor, and flushed the fuel tank--and the old Ford came to life, ready to travel the roads once again.

Its proud new owner decided to leave the car mostly as he purchased it. His only update was the installation of an auxiliary transmission originally designed for Model T trucks. The unit provides faster acceleration and a higher top speed thanks to its overdrive. Still, Rasmussen generally keeps his special classic under 35 m.p.h. for safety reasons.

Touring the Highland Park plant site from behind the wheel of his 1917 Model T evoked images of the thou-sands of such cars produced at this historic site each day--both for John Rasmussen and for the scores of people who stopped to photograph the memorable occasion of his vehicle's return.

Caption

Clockwise from top left: Front axle fabricated from vanadium steel, a Ford exclusive; leather seats used horsehair padding; the crank featured a disconnect position to prevent broken arms; each coil provided a spark for a single cylinder.

Yes indeed, there are times you can go home again.