Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] sold 16.5 million examples of its Model T, which was built from 1908 to 1927. When you think of really old cars, you're most likely picturing a Model T. It's the car of cars, and it has a special place in the heart of enthusiasts. Much like it's the car, it was also the car to turn into a hot rod. That's just what owner Clayton Paddison did, and he's since taken it on trips across a number of states.

His latest stop is Jay Leno's Garage in California. Leno and Paddison chat about what makes the car special, but dive into exactly what makes Clayton's own car that much more unique. This build happened on a budget, and it's proof that you can create your dream machine if you have the time and know-how to do so.

The original price of this Model T? Just $800 according to Clayton. He says he's put no more than $6,000 into the car, and that's counting two rebuilds. Since then the car has traveled from its home base in Portland, Oregon and trekked all over. It's been to the Bonneville Salt Flats, and now it's even farther south.

Paddison said that he wanted to make it more of a driver's car. He did so by swapping in higher-compression heads, better breathing carburetors, and a 3-speed manual gearbox. The result is a Model T that's capable of handling highway speeds, and can take Clayton on some wonderful journeys.

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