I asked this question a couple times in the classifieds in response to an ad there referencing it but didn't see an answer.
Someone described their 27 coupe as a "Deluxe" coupe.
What made a coupe a "Deluxe" model? And did they use such designations back in the day?
I don't recall Ford ever calling a T coupe a 'Deluxe' model.
Maybe this got started the same way as a Dr's coupe.
Not sure on this one. Maybe somebody else knows for sure.
Maybe someone was hoping to get deluxe money for their coupe.
It's the sign of someone who has no understanding of what they're selling.
I have also seen, "Touring Edition", "Convertible Sedan" and a few others.
By the way, when you see something like that, it instantly discredits anything the seller has to say about the car. From there on, it's "buyer beware".
Ahhh..ok. Thanks for the clarification guys. I had never seen the term used before and wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something here.
The "Deluxe Coupe" is the one with a starter, a generator, and wire wheels.
Throw in a water pump and the package is complete!
(ducks and covers)
There was a Photo in Vintage Ford and I believe it was called a Deluxe Coupe or Opera Coupe
-Don
(Still looking but can't find it)
Heed what Jerry said above. In most cases he's right. However, I think occasionally folks just get a little confused. Later there were Ford's that were "Deluxe" cars, and had the chrome emblem to prove it. I think (not totally sure) that the term Deluxe was first applied during Model A production.
Henry,
Ford started shipping the Model S Runabout De Luxe in Aug 1907, but I do not recall seeing the term "Deluxe" applied to USA Model T Production. (Ref 1908 Ford Sales brochure below
And Australia offered several deluxe versions of the Model T -- with nicer bodies, nickel plating, different colors etc. ref:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/453868.html?1403216767
The USA 1928-1931 Model A Ford did use the term Deluxe as early as 1928 for the Deluxe Delivery, and the 1930 Deluxe Coupe; roadster with other Deluxe models added for 1931. Ref Model A Ford Club of America Passenger Car/Light Truck Body Style Codes at: http://www.mafca.com/data_bodycodes_a.html
Respectfully submitted,
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I have an aftermarket body coupe that the manufacture called a "Deluxe Coupe". The running gear is model T, the body is not Model T. The wheels are also not model T.
I do not think this is what you are talking about.
I will add a photo.
Starting with the '30 models Ford had a std. and Deluxe on some models.
Deluxe models had cowl lights, the Deluxe roadster had a lower windshield and the coupes and roadsters had rumble seats , whereas the Std. cars had the parking lights in the headlights and no rumble seat. The spare was on the rear.
The Rumble seat models (Deluxe) had side-mount spare tires.
The Deluxe Phaeton was a two door, the standard phaeton had four doors.
In '32 there was a Deluxe Coupe, it had three windows, it had front opening doors, the Std. had rear opening doors & five windows.
I don't think there was a Deluxe T Coupe, maybe a Sport Coupe like the sport roadster & sport touring with bumpers and wire wheels.
Ford offered a number of accessories starting in 1925 to boost sales, and make the cars appear more attractive to buyers.
Willie, I thought your body was referred to as a "Coupe Deluxe" in the sales literature. I may have dreamed it though. Dave
Fascinating information, gentlemen. Perhaps the seller was indeed referring to an aftermarket body called a Deluxe. That's a neat piece of literature Hap.
In 26 and/or 27, Ford offered the roadster and the touring in a "sport" version with bumpers, wire wheels, nickel radiator shell, and different colored top and tonneau material. Until Model A's became available in Deluxe models, that was about as deluxe as you could get from the factory.
David, you are correct on the name "Coupe Deluxe"
I'm pretty sure ours is a "Super Deluxe Sport" Coupe because it came with wire wheels, wide white side wall tires, overdrive, clock, speedo and carpet on the floor boards.
FOUND IT!
Somebody check out and Post Photos from Vintage Ford Vol 22 #6 Nov-Dec 1987 Page 50 and you will see photos of a 1923 Model T "Opera" Coupe.
The article says the car was owned by Ken Green in Harrisonville,MO but it was actually Owned by someone in Kansas City (Ken was hoping to get the Restoration job but the Price Scared Off the Owner)It is now owned by Don Ross (2002) in Lancaster,CA.
For Hap---Some of the wood pieces were stamped "576" the Engine # is 6813336 There is also an ad for a Similar car in the Jan 1923 "Ford Owner and Dealer' Page 113
Also an Article in the Antelope Valley Press May 20,2001 Page D1
Ford produced 42,874 Chassis in 1923 and sold them for $295 FOB Detroit -Ford's Model Year was Sept '22 to Sept'23 according to our figures
I have additional photos if someone wants to post them for us--Neat Car!
-Don
Don,
Yes, please send the additional photos and I will do my best to get them posted. You can click on my name and my e-mail address is the third line down. Please limit any single e-mail to 10mb or less. If you go over that the mail will say "too large" or something similar.
Thank you for tracking down and sharing the additional information!
Respectfully submitted,
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Don,
Again thank you for sharing with us the location! Below are photos of the “Opera Coupe” Don Watson pointed out to us. It is from page 50 of the Nov-Dec 1987 “Vintage Ford” (used by permission).
The text said:
Dear Bruce:
Here are two pictures of my 1922 T “Opera”
Coupe. In my thirty years of restoring and
collecting vintage cars, I’ve never seen one like it.
However, it is just like a friend’s 1922 Studebaker
Opera Coupe.
Please note the large rear (quarter) window and
the sweep of the body; it’s much longer that the
regular coupe body. I hope you have some
information on this rare body style.
And Bruce replied:
We have nothing on such a body. Perhaps some
reader can offer some help.
Note I did a quick search of the 1922 Studebakers and it was a coupe but the body was quiet a bit different. Sample size of 2.
Respectfully submitted,
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Steve, my Coupe has a starter and a generator, but wooden wheels. What should it be called?
Stephen
A Semi Deluxe Coupe!
I noticed that the roof overhang on the Opera Coupe over the windshield is much longer then on my standard '22 Coupe. The turtle deck looks the same. Are those bumpers correct? I think they may have been added at a much later date. I don't believe '22 Coupes had bumpers. The rear tire is leaning in instead of out. Nice car
The Model A roadsters were all built as deluxe if you are to look at what is available for sale today.
Finding a model A standard roadster is a rare event today. I saw one in Missouri when I lived there and should have grabbed it up =;-)
Its similar to the ubiquitous 1915 model T.
Not very many 1916's around but lots of 1915's.
Don,
Thank you so much for the follow up information on the after market Coupe bodied Ford shown on page 50 of the Nov-Dec 1987 “Vintage Ford.” Clearly not a production model from Ford, but a very interesting vehicle. I wonder where it is today? Does anyone know? I'm resizing photos/information and will post as I go.
There is a newspaper article from the Antelope Valley Press -- Sunday May 20, 2001. But I don't know if I can post that one without first asking permission. I'll check and get back on that one.
Respectfully submitted,
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