Henry Ford’s Model T, marketed as “The Universal Car,” sold the world over and was assembled in many countries. Few found their way to Soviet Russia, however, as Ford didn’t officially establish a presence in the USSR until 1929. That gives this car a unique provenance, as it made an official visit to that country in 1976.

In the nation’s bicentennial year, the United States Information Agency (USIA) was charged with mounting an exhibition in Moscow to showcase U.S. technological innovations. The USIA, founded during the Eisenhower administration, was the government department devoted to “public diplomacy,” to broaden the dialogue between the U.S. and similar agencies abroad. Other examples of technology included airplanes, a cash register, and a camera, but when it came to cars, the agency wanted a Model T Ford, easily the most significant factor in putting America on wheels.

The USIA contacted the Model T Ford Club of America, whose president immediately recommended Clyde Ensor Sr., renowned Kentucky collector and restorer of Model Ts and whose cars were consistent award winners. Mr. Ensor was enthusiastic, and after consulting his wife, Ann, he offered this 1911 Touring model that had been restored for her. The car traveled by ship to Helsinki and on to Moscow by rail. This Model T, the only antique car in the show, was on display for a month and seen by nearly 300,000 visitors. Ensor’s brother, Don, an accomplished artist, painted a picture of the car in front of the Kremlin, and a signed print of the picture accompanies the car in the sale.

Ford had restyled the Model T for 1911, giving it a new radiator, fenders, and wheels. Its body now used steel panels over a wood framework, as opposed to earlier all-wood construction. Whereas cars were previously offered in red, grey, or green, for 1911 dark blue was selected as a standard color (“any color as long as it’s black” still lay in the future). As the car dates back to February 1911, it is one of the last with the open-valve engine.

Clyde Ensor had acquired the car in 1970, from H.D. Green, of Rising Sun, Indiana. He immediately commenced a full restoration, which was completed in 1973, and the car was rewarded with an AACA National First Prize at its show debut. The car has remained in the Ensor family ever since, where it has been lovingly cared for. More than 40 years later, the restoration appears fresh and the car runs well. The paint is bright and unblemished, the black buttoned upholstery is supple and unworn, and the engine and chassis are nicely detailed. For its service to the history of our country, it fully deserves the description of “national treasure.”