Engine # was made in November of 26. So, would the roadster be a 26 or 27 model?
My opinion, a 27 as I think the fiscal year for Ford stated before that date.
Oops, should have said "started" before that date.
The Encyclopedia says the 1926 model year was August 1925 to August 1926. November 1926 would be a 1927 model.
Yes, they were considered 27's from august '26. Typical 1927 features are vaporizer carb, no hole in the valve cover for the throttle rod, greenish engine paint, nickeled head bolts, headlamps mounted on a headlamp bar between the fenders etc. (Don't know if all of those were introduced by november, but would guess so)
Most of those items appeared on different dates.
The light bar, along with the stop and tail light came only on the 1927 cars.
The light bar was only on 1927 vehicles and made its debute in April 1926. The 1926 cars could not do the headlight focus as shown in the books,as one of those head lights had the adjusting screw in the wrong position to display a horizontal beam.
From Bruce McCalley's black book:
MAR 3, 1926 Letter to dealers from Fargo branch
"We have added a new accessory to our line which is the Combination Stop and Tail Lamp Assembly, and believe us, "IT’S A DANDY." A sample lamp is being forwarded for your inspection.
"Careful consideration has been given to the appearance and durability of this Lamp and the Bracket included in this assembly is constructed of a heavier material than the standard bracket in order to carry the increased weight.
"We want to draw your attention particularly to the type of switch used in conjunction with this Ford stop lamp. It is very simple in construction and very easily attached by clamping to the bendix cover and tightening one screw. A rod inserted in the switch is actuated by the lateral cam action of the brake pedal, this obviating the necessity of using clamps, pull wires, etc., which are a constant source of annoyance and trouble when used.
"The price of the assembly is $2.50, subject to the usual 40% discount."
APR 19, 1926 Letter from the Chicago branch
"The Police Department has called to our attention the fact that our license brackets obscure the license place on all cars equipped with bumpers.
"In order that we may comply with the law, our headlamps are being changed so that when assembled to the car, they are fastened together with a tie rod which will make the lamps and fenders more rigid and will change the position of the license plate so that it will not be covered by the bumpers.
"This change will go into effect in the very near future. We are giving you this information in advance in order that you may take care of your stock order accordingly."