MTFCA Forum

Would anyone be able to list the major changes that took place in the Black Cars. I am familiar with the Brass era but beyond that I only know that the improved car (26 and 27) used more steel and look a bit more like a Model A.

Very basic differences.
17- 18 smoother cowl than 15-16. 19-22 without a starter.
19-22 Electric start & 2man top. Low cowl
23 1 man top, low cowl, slanted wind shield
24-5 same, but with high cowl/radiator.
26-7 Improved car.

The starter and one man top seem apparent but what would be your choice? I have a 15 Touring so I am focused on a closed car with the most driver leg room.

What years were the center door sedan? I think they had lots of space???

The MTFCA Encyclopedia is a great reference. Check it out.

I see you are leaning toward a sedan now, but let me add to the 1 man top advantage. The top is securely attached/clamped to the windshield post tops, This makes for a tougher top in more wind. 2 man tops are attached with 2 cloth or leather straps. A weaker method.
My preference for a non enclosed T would be an early 23. FWIW.

Center doors are wood body skinned & heavy. If the wood is bad, its a big job to restore one.
They are roomy & luxurious.

Centerdoors may be roomy but if you're the driver or front passenger seat occupant you have to be a contortionist to get there. I love mine but the older I get the harder it is to get behind the wheel!

I have to agree too that the MTFCA encyclopedia is a great resource for information! In fact most of the T changes and history comes from the encyclopedia. Thanks to Bruce and a few others that put it together.

Ron, to answer your last question, Ford produced centerdoors from 1915-1922. I greatly enjoy mine and I’m 6’2” with a ‘full figured’ wife. It takes only a minute to remove the passenger seat and then a driver can easily take his seat and a passenger can easily be seated in the back seat. Without the passenger seat you’ll have the best transmission inspection cover access of any Model T enclosed car Hey, we’re larger people today than these cars were built for

Another great source of information on year to year changes is the MTFCI judging guidelines, available from the MTFCI online store. It's not cheap but it is a great resource, especially when inspecting a car for yourself or a friend.