1908 / 1909 Model T Taximeter Cab vs Landaulet

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: 1908 / 1909 Model T Taximeter Cab vs Landaulet
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Carter - South Jersey on Sunday, October 27, 2013 - 03:51 pm:

What is the difference between a "Taximeter Cab" and a "Landaulet"?

I found a Ford Catalog that is very similar to the "Watch the Fords Go By" catalog issued January 1st, 1909 (see http://www.mtfca.com/books/1909cat.htm) except that it appears to be issued earlier. There a few differences, such as having a Model T centerfold picture, no roadsters and some slightly different text. One difference is that the picture of what is labelled a "Landaulet" in the 1/1/09 catalog is labelled a "Taximeter Cab" in this earlier catalog. Later in the price listing, it lists "Landaulet or Taximeter Car." (Note that a Roadster was not yet offered).

So was there a difference between the two besides the name?
taximeter
prices


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Sunday, October 27, 2013 - 09:33 pm:

John,

I've thought the names were interchangeable. I think that's why they are bracketed together (just my guess),

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Thomas Mullin on Sunday, October 27, 2013 - 10:24 pm:

Rob,

Could the names be bracketed together because they are the same price, but not necessarily the same car? Perhaps there was a subtle difference between them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Sunday, October 27, 2013 - 10:29 pm:

Tom,
Could be. I really don't know. It seems I've seen the same car called either in early (pre 1908) Ford information. I'll have to do some checking.
Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 12:14 am:

The first Ford taxi? This Ford Model B was called a Landaulet in this article, and is clearly intended to be a taxi. According to Ford directors minutes, five Model B Ford chassis were delivered to England to be used as taxis in London.




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Herb Iffrig on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 12:50 am:

I wonder if those model B's went to this dealer?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George_Cherry Hill NJ on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 01:04 am:

John,

I'm not sure where exactly, but do believe that somewhere I read that the 'combination' as such of that body style...on a chassis...was conceived specifically for the taxi service industry and NOT as a sort of luxury car to be used at 2nd homes etc. With that as background...maybe the first orders were in fact taxi service, and they met with favorable acceptance...just guessing.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 07:03 am:

The Landaulet and Taximeter are the same car with two descriptions. An exceptionally rare body style, one cannot say that they were "met with acceptance" given the poor sales.

Eric Edwards has probably built more reproduction 1909 Landaulet Taximeters than were built originally.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 07:05 am:

Description and pictures from the June 1908 Ford Times:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Thomas Mullin on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 09:16 am:

Now to see if anyone has a copy of the catalog that is being prepared, as mentioned at the bottom of the image. It also seems they considered this vehicle not a Model T but similar to a Model T.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 11:30 am:

Things we know from Ford audit information (courtesy THF Accession #1938):

Ford reported one "Laundaulet" and one "Rumble Seat" sold on the monthly loss/gain report for October 1907 (below). We then see the same single "Laundaulet" sale carried over to the FY audit report for 1908 (FY Oct 1 1907-Sep 30 1908). We know these are the same car due to the same loss/gain numbers carrying over from the October monthly report to the 1908 FY report.





For 1909, the audit list of Model Ts sold includes the following (and what I and a few others think the abbreviations indicate):

T (touring) - 7,249, T. R. (roadster) - 2,280, T. Tour (tourabout) - 362, T.L. (landaulet) - 293, T.N. (towncar) - 224, T.C. (chassis?) - 44



We know the 1908 "pre T" was referred to as both a taxicab and landaulet (spelled laundaulet on the Oct 07 sales report) in various show and article descriptions. It appears the "taxicab" either was not sold as such, or fell into the landaulet category in the 1909 FY report.

Things I don't know (to many to list :-():

There were several "pre T s sold in early 1908 according the Ford ledgers (Trent Boggess research). They don't show up on the 1908 FY audit, so I wonder if they were "added" to the experimental column of the audit, possibly offsetting expenses?

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 11:36 am:

And, to add to the confusion, two Model Ts reported sold by Charles Miller and Bothers agency (Washington D.C.), August 1908. Possibly these are two of the ledger sales reported by Trent Boggess. I'll check Trent's ledgers at some point and see if Chas. Miller agency was one of the recipients of the "pre Ts reported in early 1908.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Carter - South Jersey on Monday, October 28, 2013 - 08:42 pm:

Thanks for the comments and particularly the pictures and ledgers posted. If anyone knows what 1908 Model T catalogs were printed, I would appreciate the information.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 07:39 am:

There was never a 1908 Model T catalog. The Model T was introduced in 1909 model year, which began when Model T production began in the autumn of 1908.

The first catalogue was published in January 1909 and can be seen here:
http://www.mtfca.com/books/1909cat.htm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 09:52 am:

This series of Ford Times volume 2 is available through "Google Books."

http://books.google.com/books?id=ZgAZAQAAIAAJ&q=Model+t#v=snippet&q=Model%20t&f=false

Then, you can download (in settings) to PDF, or click on my Dropbox for the PDF version.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5iiapbk6v8agrwo/Ford_Times.pdf

These "Ford Times" include the series from October 1908 through August 1909, with many good photos and information about early Model Ts including those produced in 1908.

This is a pic I just noticed. I wasn't aware there was a floorboard inspection door in the first T running boards. It also looks like a white or natural color floor mat.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Redelman on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 10:50 am:

Hi Guys, I have an original catalog for the Model T that is dated 3-10-08 and is called Ford Motor Cars Model T Advance Catalog. This catalog was distributed by The Lawfer Automobile Co. Allentown,Pa. Office: 27N. Eight St. which was stamped on the front and back of the catalog also the inside of the back cover states it is Form No. 10 3-10-08 Mack. This is definitely a 1908 catalog printed by the Ford Motor co. .


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 10:58 am:

Sure Steve, the Model T advance catalog printed in 1908 can be read here: http://www.mtfca.com/books/1909.htm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 11:16 am:

So, Ford did have a 1908 Model T catalog, for the TWENTY HORSEPOWER Model T. Never say never.....

Thanks for the posts,

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 11:29 am:

So, the lever controlled only high speed. Reverse was controlled by foot pedal (ala the three pedal one lever T). I always wondered how three pedal and two levers were used. This explains it. Fascinating......


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 11:30 am:

Steve and Roger,
I think you should start a new thread with this. It shouldn't be "buried" here, in my opinion. Thanks,
Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry VanOoteghem on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 05:01 pm:

Rob,

No, the lever is for reverse. The text of the advance catalog is wrong, as is explained in the link, first paragraph on the right.

"Careful reading and study of the text reveals that THE DESCRIBED CAR IS QUITE UNLIKE THE MODEL T WHICH APPEARED IN OCTOBER 1908 and, of course, not like the Model Ts after the first 2500 made."

It then cites the floor pedal reverse as an example.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Carter - South Jersey on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 07:51 pm:

I looked at the Ford Times link that Rob provided (thanks Rob) and tried to scan through it looking for information on the models (Taximeter vs Landualet) and the catalogs produced.

Two summary points: 1) There was at least one American Model T catalog published in 1908 (besides the advance catalog) and 2) The use of "Landaulet" instead of "Taximeter Cab" appears to coincide with the NY Auto Show which started 12/31/08.

Ford Times excerpts:

October 15, 1908
-----------------------
p1 - Shipments on the Coupe and Town Car commence during November (1908).

p19 - "If not interested in touring car, how about a coupe, town car or cab? The Model T Ford is made in all styles at correspondingly close prices. GET OUR CATALOG."

November 1, 1908
----------------------
p18 - "The New Model T 32 page catalog is ready for distribution and a sample copy has been mailed you. Get your order in, placing it with the dealer or branch under whom you hold contract, or direct with the factory, if your contract is with us."

p23 - Lists Touring Car, Coupe, Town Car and Taxameter Cab


November 15, 1908
------------------
p10 - A dealer letter dated 11/3/08 was sent out, enclosing a catalog.

p15 - mentions a French Model T catalog.

p15 - The American Motor Car Manufacturers' Association' Automobile Show to be held at the Grand Central Palace, New York, 12/31/08->01/06/09 is the only NY show at which Ford will exhibit.


December 1, 1908
------------------
p11 - "Ford Catalogs in Russian, in Spanish, in French, and in Dutch for the straits settlements, have already been received by the editor, while catalogs for several other nationalities are in course of preparation We have also received a copy of the English Edition, printed in London."


January 1, 1909
------------------
p2 - "The niftiest, nobbiest roadster ever shown in New York. That's the verdict of the Palace Show, where the Model T roadster is being shown for the first time..."

January 15, 1909
-----------------
p3 - A report on the NY show - "... they sold town cars, coupes, landaulets and touring cars..."

p5 - "To each of our dealers for 1909 we are mailing a set of color cards, showing the touring car, town car, coupe, and Landaulet in original colors. ... Roadster pictures will be ready in two weeks."

p16 - "The Model "T" is also made in Roadster style at $825.00; coupe at $950.00; Landaulet at $950.00; Town Car at $1000.00, and any type of body interchangeable at little expense with any other type."


February 1, 1909
-------------------
p18 - "A TOURING CAR AT EIGHT FIFTY, a Roadster, a Coupe, a Landaulet, and a Town Car, that's the complete line."


March 1, 1909
--------------------
p16 - "Souvenir Booklet. We are now prepared to supply all dealers with the souvenir booklet, which was published especially for show purposes. This booklet is cut out in the shape of an automobile, and is printed in original colors. For many purposes it serves better than a catalogue. ..."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Carter - South Jersey on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 08:11 pm:

Regarding the catalogs, I believe that the catalog I have is the one mentioned in the 11/1/08 Ford Times. The reasons for this are that it 1) has 32 pages (unlike the more well-known January 1, 1909 version which has 30 pages), 2) does not show the Roadster, 3) it uses "Taximeter Cab" instead of "Landaulet" and 4) it does not have the paragraph that the 1/1/09 version has stating "At the time this edition of the catalog was issued, January 1st, 1909..."

Interestingly, the catalog I have is stamped by the same dealer as Steve's Advance Catalog.

cover
cover2
centerfold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Carter - South Jersey on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 08:17 pm:

As part of my theory that use of "Taximeter Cab" was changing to "Landaulet" about the time of the NY show on 12/31/08, here is a portion of the "Souvenir Booklet" that now has Landaulet first, and Taximeter second which I assume was made for the NY show and then mentioned in the 3/1/09 Ford Times as being available to dealers.
taxi
souvenir


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 08:23 pm:

I don't believe any actual 1909 parts were harmed while making this car:





Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 10:36 pm:

John,
all good observations, thank you for the post and organization of dates. I believe the "pre T Laundaulet (Ford audit spelling, not mine) and taxicab were interchanged as early as the 1907 auto shows when a Laund/Taxi was shown in both Detroit and New York at the 1907 auto shows.

I'll find examples tomorrow,
Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - 09:17 am:

This might help explain Ford use of the terms Landaulet and Taximeter. According to this December 1907 article describing the new Fords that will be on display at the Detroit Auto Show, "Landaulet' is used to describe either the taxi or town car.

I suspect later "Laundalet" had a better connotation that "Taxicab" and was substituted for it while Town Car was retained (my guess).

Also this article describes the wheelbase as "about 97 inches, while the tire sizes now match the future production Model T.
The engine h.p. is also rated at 22 (most ads, even for the new Model T show 20 h.p.).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Carter - South Jersey on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - 05:27 pm:

Rob, I didn't intend to imply that Ford never switched the use of those names before the end of 1908, only that marketing for the Model T seemed to switch the use of the names then. I guess it is no wonder there is confusion on how the names should be used when Ford was changing it multiple times. Thanks for the info.


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