Commute worked with Sierra and Model T initially (9)
I believe the answer is:
transform
'commute' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'worked with sierra and model t initially' is the wordplay.
'worked with' becomes 'ran' (eg a machine that works is running. I am not sure about the 'with' bit.).
'sierra' becomes 'S' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'model' becomes 'form' (both can mean to mould or shape).
'initially' says to put letters next to each other (some letters go before others).
's' put next to 'form' is 'sform'.
'ran'+'sform'='ransform'
'ransform' after 't' is 'TRANSFORM'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for transform that I've seen before include "adapt" , "Change completely" , "Subject to change" , "Make great change in appearance of" , "Remodel" .)