MTFCA Forum

So great to see these as they matured. I enjoyed open cars for 40 year before finding the comfort of a closed T. We have the winters to appreciate them. Cozy as a put tent.
The cars and people are priceless in these photos.
Thanks
Rich

Long, windy thought:
The 1939 "California World's Fair" car with its mis-matched headlights, visored rim on the driver's side, wears the lovable expression of a faithful old dog or horse. Writers of children's books in the 40s and 50s were generous with anthropomorphic representations of such benign machines which often figured into those charming kiddie tales. I realized early in life that the bulky, streamlined cars of the 30s and on would never own such personality. Wittingly or not, those authors managed to predispose me to yearn for a Model T of my own, that would be my best friend; that I could bond with ! Kids haven't had that sort of imagery to relate to for a couple of generations. I can't even imagine a 2005 Toyota having presence enough to evoke an emotional response from a child. Especially since the advent of the envelope body, cars have about as much unique character as the average pop-up toaster. Just MHO.

I still enjoy the ride and accompanying great view of an open car. Always said,, keep the top DOWN, enjoy the sky, trees, birds and sun! Wanna obscure all that then yes, drive a closed car. I also love my Fordor but primarily when it's chilly weather, then it expands my "driving season". And I do admit also, when the wind pipes up over 25mph the enclosed car has its advantages. But even then I still miss that fantastic overhead view that cannot be replaced with the enclosed car or even with the "ragtop" up. Just my weird opinion.

The last pic of the center door T in a show room is pretty unique I’ll bet. It’s set up to show T’s in the woods and camping and by the looks of it using real soil for the effect. Neat!
Isn’t that a water bag hanging over the radiator of the T in the background? Haven’t seen one of those in a long time.

The upside down 26 coupe has a rumble seat 2 piece deck lid.

I love closed model T’s! My favorites! I’ve always thought they looked like a top hat on wheels

What do you suppose is going on in photo #19? The guy with his arms up looks like quite the contender! Looks like he’s wearing a Medfield college letter sweater

It might have been a political rally. I remember back in the 1940s, about 1948 there was a train which traveled around the country called the, "Freedom Train" It contained a copy of the Declaration of Independence and other documents. I don't know if it was the original document, but the Governor of California was with the train. He was Earl Warren, who later became the chief justice of the Supreme Court. My father, that year was president of the local Optimist Club and he actually met him and helped him either take off or put on his topcoat. I boarded the train and saw the documents. There were many people in the audience similar to those in the picture, except the cars were more modern. Mostly cars from the 30s and 40's.
Norm

Well, I can't make out the state in that pic, but two of the plates (at least) are 1924 plates, if that helps any!

Another thing about #19 nobody has a hat on, most old pictures the gents have a boater or a derby or maybe a homburg but I see none of that here. Maybe a religious service of some sort. Jim