MTFCA Forum

What date did Ford begin the new model year circa 1920/1921?

1920 year from Aug. 1919-Aug. 1920

1921 year from Aug. 1920-Aug. 1921...so sayeth the Encylopedia!

Mr. Wren is correct. 1919/1920 appears to be the first evidence of "model years" derived from Ford's financial, fiscal year. Today, "Model Years" begin about August and not January first for ALL cars and trucks.

Ford used old parts while phasing in upgraded newer features no matter what time of year it was. I understand Henry believed in making a better/safer vehicle today rather than holding upgraded or safer items as a marketing ploy for the next model year.

We purchased a Model T Center Door Sedan. It was a challenge to identify this one accurately. It had many 1920 parts but had the 1919 running board brackets and rods. It does NOT have the original engine or any paperwork with an actual date or serial number. Thus, we dated it as a 1920 "model" built late in 1919 or the "1920 model year." It very well could be classified as 1919 because we believe it was built in 1919. It's 100 years old. Who cares?

Was there a specific day in August the new model year began? Or was it Sept 1st began the new model year and all production prior to that belonged to the previous model year?
I’ve been wondering about this for quite some time, my touring is an August 30th build.

20touring wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:27 am

Was there a specific day in August the new model year began? Or was it Sept 1st began the new model year and all production was prior to that belonged to the previous model year?
I’ve been wondering about this for quite some time, my touring is an August 30th build.

If the Encyclopedia states 1920 year from Aug. 1919-Aug. 1920 and you have evidence that the build date was 30th of August, in the defined range, that would make it a 1920, But as many have stated in numerous discussions, the transition to a new Model involved the consumption of the existing part inventory. Also, part distribution didn't always arrive at assembly plants on a specific date. A previous discussion noted that engine dates could also be misleading. Think the experts would need to see some pictures to help you understand and what information you have to have determined a August 30 build date.

Yes, I have an old original title document from March 1946 that came with the car that has the motor number(VIN) on it. Using the information in Bruce McCalley’s “Model T Ford” book it is an August 30, 1920 build.

August 1, 1919, to July 30, 1920, is listed as the fiscal year of that time.