1919-1920 Model T Invoices

[Jeff Perkins]

I run this every couple of years hoping to find a matchup with someone. Please check your ‘19-‘20 T’s.
I have a friend who has approximately 20 invoices of T's sold through Auto Service Company of Copas, MN. He allowed me to make copies. Hopefully someone will have one of these cars. Most all list the name of the original purchaser of the cars. Some invoices have two or three cars listed on them. Here is a picture of one of the invoices.

Here are the serial numbers of the invoices I have:
4042906 Touring
4021430 Touring
4044107 Roadster
4061694 Coupelet (starter and clincher rims!)
4088349 Coupe
4149749 Coupelet
4136099 Touring
4167055 Runabout
3956061 Runabout
3956071 Touring
3731131 Sedan
3759731 Roadster
3761011 Touring
3755286 Touring
3385132 Touring
3434507 Runabout
3416583 Touring
3361714 Touring
3314863 Runabout
3244780 Touring
3231066 Touring
3376398 Touring
3534732 Coupelet
3832855 Touring
3806237 Touring
3833021 Coupelet
I guess I have 26 all together. All open cars were listed as being equipped with starters. Some state demountable rims. If anyone out there can match one of these numbers with their car I will gladly send a copy of the invoice to you.

[KWTownsend]

Jeff-
I'll have to check the serial number on my 1919. It is an April car if I remember correctly.

I'm curious. You said all the open cars had starter option? What is the earliest date you have with the starter option on an open car? I always believed the starter option was available on the closed cars only in 1919 and all models in 1920.

-Keith

[Wayne Sheldon]

I don't know the exact timeline, although one of our better researchers did post it some years ago (I lost my bookmarks in a computer meltdown awhile back). As often happened in those fast moving days, the starter option for 1919 was delayed slightly. I want to say that sedans and coupes got it as standard about the end of November or December 1918, which means late calendar year 1918 early model year '19s even the enclosed cars did not have starters or generators. There is still some debate whether it was a standard item right from the start (by December '18) on enclosed cars or optional for a month or so. I have read arguments both ways. I "think" the option was extended to open cars about March or April of 1919.
It would be interesting to document the purchase of the options on Fords in those years. A lot of original era photographs show open model Ts with non-demountable wheels, but no oil sidelamps, indicating that quite a few people wanted a starter more than they worried about changing tires on the road.

[Jeff Perkins]

A couple of notes, not all open cars are listed as having starters etc. I cannot edit that out in my original posting.

Keith, PM sent.

Wayne, several open cars are listed as “electric” or “starter” only while some list either of those plus “demountable”.
A friend has a May 1919 Runabout with both options but, as we know, things can change in a century!

[KWTownsend]

My 1919 is s/n 3,013,894 cast April 4, 1919.

It has NO provision for the generator. Of course closed cars had the option. About a week or so later, the earlier style block was discontinued and the cover plates were put where the generator would mount on the non-electric cars.

: ^ )

[DanTreace]

Jeff

Nice listing of invoices.

I have 1919 engine w/starter in chassis, the chassis frame has stencil in paint ‘coupe’ so it was a closed car of some kind.

Engine serial is 3354608. Only 124 motors away from invoice on your list of that couplet 3534732!

[Jeff Perkins]

Dan,
Here is the copy of the invoice you are referring to.

[DanTreace]

Jeff

Thanks, the details on that invoice are neat.

This branch invoice (Ford MN) is to the dealer 'Auto Service Co.' and the shipping is noted 'deld' meaning the dealer picked these 2 T's from stock at the branch.

And the dealer got 17 1/2 % discount off Ford std. price.

Looks like the dealer carried along a bank draft for an even $1250 to purchase the two, which was too much, and the $17 and some change was left over, handwritten note seems to imply the dealer could be given parts or part purchase credits for this amount too!

[John kuehn]

Interesting post with that many serial numbers!
It could be that over the years some of these engines wound up in other T’s.
Something to think about. Some of them could be in somebody’s T.

[Jeff Perkins]

Wish to keep this post alive for a while. Ask around if someone has a ‘19-‘20 T. It would be great to find a matchup.