MTFCA Forum

A wonderful photo in so many ways! Nearest front fender and headlight does not show enough to identify beyond T model Ford. Next is likely a '24 Fordor sedan, with 30X3.5 tires and wheels (hence, likely a '24, as a '25 would most likely have the 21 inch balloon tires and wheels?). The 1926 T coupe interestingly also has 30X3.5 tires and wheels. Rarely ever restored that way today, Ford actually sold quite a few Ts in '26 and '27 with the old style high pressure clincher wheels. Even non-demountable wheels were still offered into 1927, and even on cars other than the loss-leader open bodies. Beyond the Ford coupe, is an Essex, probably a '24 or '25. After the Essex are three sedans. The first and third appear to be the same make and model, whatever they are, as the roof lines appear identical. The one in the middle is different, and likely a different make. I cannot see enough details to identify any of those three. The closest car just past McReynolds and Sons, looks to be a Whippet sedan, probably '27 (based on all the other cars), although a '28 would look the same. The other two cars I do not see enough of to make an educated guess.

Another comment about the clincher wheels and tires on the '26/'27 Ts. Several notes, letters and other information has been found and shared claiming various endings to Ford offering those wheels. Still other things, photos, and even sales receipts have been seen and shared showing that cars were being sold with the earlier style wheels basically until the very end of T production. Whether the orders went out, but didn't actually get implemented? Or leftover stock and product simply continued to be used? I don't know. The coupe shown is early enough to not have a headlamp bar/fender brace. However, it also is not black, which many (if not most) coupes were for the first half of '26 until the painting process was fully geared up in the factory. So while very interesting, this one doesn't give a good clue to the ending date for that option. Coupes, and even some sedans, have been shown to have been sold into at least the early '27s with clincher wheels.

I read once that by 1929 most cars on the road were closed cars. With the newest car in the picture being a possible '28, the photo seems to prove this out.

Hey Rich! If I recall what I read some years ago (in an automotive history book), it was 1925 when sales of automobiles crossed over the fifty percent open and closed figure. A few years for new sales to overtake years of mostly open cars would make 1929 about right for the cars on the road figure.
Good to see you here Rich!