MTFCA Forum

I was floored by the photo just posted by Dan Treace. It is from the Grand Central Auto Show, NYC, Jan. 6, 1909 and the line-up of new Fords. It clearly shows three of my favorite body styles: Town Car ($1,000), Runabout ($825) and Laundaulet ($950). My favorite is the Laundaulet.

I have reposted Dan's photo as I almost never see a photo of a real Ford Laundaulet, they are sometimes reproductions presented as originals. These cars are rare... how rare?... in 1909 model year there were 298 Laundaulets and in 1910 there were 2. Total production 300!

If you had the extra $175 you could upgrade from runabout to Town Car. Following the theme of a car the masses could afford, those who couldn't afford the $175 could get the Laundaulet for just $125 over the Runabout. With $50 separating the Town Car and the Laundaulet I guess it is a no brainer why they dropped the Laundaulet. I think I would be more than willing to spend the $125 today!

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TH

It’s interesting to put it all in perspective. If an on-line inflation calculator is to be believed, the runabout cost $21,366.00. In today’s dollars, and you’d have to spend an additional $4,300.00 to upgrade to the Laundaulet. The runabout price of $825.00 was over two years’ wages for a working stiff. When the Model T hit the bricks in ‘09, it was still very much a rich man’s toy. No wonder Henry was so relentless in reducing the price of the car. Also, it’s well to keep in mind that the advertised prices were always F. O. B. Detroit. Freight and dealer preparation would add more to the price depending on where you lived.

Really amazing to think that by 1925, the price of the runabout had been pared down to $ 3,880.00 in today’s dollars.

Wonderful pictures ! Thank you !!

At this show, the 1909 Coupe is sitting in the corner next to the column.
The horn on the coupe is located on the passenger side.
It has E&J three tier side lights and headlights like the others.
Rare one.

THEY knew how to REALLY put on an auto show, didn't they?

Yes they did!
What eye candy.
What is the make and model of the big car (bottom left) in the photo marked C16170?
I like it!

Gene

New car prices are still FOB the plant of manufacture for North American vehicles. Shipping an automobile is expensive; thge manufacturer isn't going to absorb that cost.

Gene, I think it's a Stoddard & Dayton.

Another picture, notice the ropes wrap on the tires. Buell brothers Taxi, Norwich N.Y. Gary

John E. Guitar wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:56 pm

Grand Central Auto Show 5.jpg


Grand Central Auto Show 3.jpg


Grand Central Auto Show 2.jpg


Grand Central Auto Show 1.jpg


Grand Central Auto Show entrance.jpg

John E.,

If you'll pardon me for being off-topic, Is your profile photo a picture of Joe Maphis?

Jerry, the photo is Sterling Hayden in the Nick Ray film Johnny Guitar.