I have a new '26 Roadster but found an old Ford add with the same car which called it a Sport Runabout. What is correct? PK
What we now think of as a Roadster was commonly called a Runabout in the Model T era. Some of the '26/'27 Fords had optional features that Ford designated as a"sport" model. I can't remember the details, but I think the package included wire wheels, nickel radiator shell and bumpers.
Add the gypsy curtains, top boot and maybe bumpers
Here's are two older threads with pictures of the gypsy curtains:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/115627.html?1259854160
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/132544.html?1269639613
I think the sport package for open cars was offered for the 1927 models in a vain try to boost sales?
Start of production of the top boot and gypsy curtains were in the autumn of 1925, so anybody could style their own sport touring or sport runabout before Ford offered them as a package
Those gypsy curtains are pretty involved. I have a NOS one here, and there is even a spring attached to it. I'm sure if the sport model pictured in the 1926 Fordex was really a package, it would have also included the wiper, rear view mirror, and a dashlight, and maybe even snubbers!
I always call them Runabouts, never Roadsters. It gets odd though when you think of the Roadster Pickup. I can't picture calling it a Runabout Pickup.