Is this a Model C?

[Rob]

Running boards, but it looks like a rear entrance tonneau. I think the shift lever is evident next to the driver?

Enhanced:

From this FB post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AEf3H ... tid=wwXIfr

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

I believe it's a C. I guess the running boards are the confusing issue?

https://fordimages.com/products/0400-8687-jpg

And another...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gwoodward ... 073121031/

[Rob]

Thanks Jerry. Great B&W photo. I think the red one may be John Biggs C.

Canadian C had running boards and side entrance tonneaus from the start, but Ford U.S. didn’t switch to side entrance until well into the model year (May 1905 is the earliest side entrance example I’ve found in period ads and articles). What I don’t know is, did Ford U.S. switch to running boards while still equipping C with rear entrance tonneaus? Or, if this is a C, did someone convert it to running boards?

Below, advertisement with an early C, FMC President John Gray seated in back:

The two photos below were taken at the NY auto show, mid January 1905. The Model B had running boards by this time, but the C had step plates and rear entrance. The Model F, not yet in production, was also displayed (with side entrance and running boards).

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Interesting B, with a surrey top!

[KiwiFordGuy]

My understanding is that it is generally accepted that early Canadian C Fords were side entrance, but with step plates, not running boards. Refer attached. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Perry Goble]

I had a 1905 Model C . The car had been restored be for I bought it . It had the running boards .The back set section was missing but I was able to find a original . The running board brackets were attached to the frame with rivets . It looked factory to me .

[RMcT]

Canadian C’s did have step plates front and back to start with but at some time later in production running board were introduced.

[Rob]

Thanks Ross. I wonder how long? By mid January 1905 Ford US had co vetted the B to running boards. The first Model F was also displayed at the same NY auto show and it had running boards, but the C displayed had step plates. This photo shows the Ford-Wanamaker booth, NY Auto Show, mid January 1905. Left to right, models F, C & B (I tried to clean up one of the above):