OT - Special bodied and six cylinder Fords, during the T years?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: OT - Special bodied and six cylinder Fords, during the T years?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 07:15 am:

From the "Reminiscences" of E. G. Liebold (THF, all rights apply)

Mr. Liebold was employed (as Henry Ford's personal secretary) with FMC between 1910 and 1944. Below he says

"I know long before we built the closed cars, Mr. Ford had a six cylinder car that was sort of what you call a four-door sedan body. That was used around here for quite a long time."







I've wondered how Henry Ford travelled and conducted business during the Model T years. When meeting dignitaries, associates and outside business leaders, did he arrive in production Model Ts, or have "special" cars and even other makes?

The excerpts above appear to indicate he had a six cylinder sedan bodied car at one point, and that other "special" bodied cars were produced for him, Edsel and Mr. Liebold, along with a few other "special" Fords.

I have not read anything similar to this before. Has anyone else seen any references or photos of such cars?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 07:36 am:

We've discussed it several times over the past 15 years Rob. The run of experimental six cylinder cars was built while the Fords (Henry, Clara, and Edsel) were in Europe during 1912. Likely this was the beginning of the end for Harold Wills. I expect there is a lot more available in the oral history files at the Henry Ford.

Here's a link to our discussion of it in the 2010 MTFCA Forum to refresh your memory:

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/127821.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 08:05 am:

No, the car built while HF and family were in Europe WAS NOT A SIX CYLINDER CAR. there is no reference to it being 6 cyl., only that it was designed by Wills, and that contracts were let to put the car into production. When HF returned and saw the prototype, he single handedly tore it apart, and all contracts were cancelled.

This is documented I the then purchasing agent's reminiscences, and you read it a short time ago.

Obviously, these references by E. Liebold are quite different, and have no relationship to the Wills car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 08:09 am:

Royce,
Are you able to reproduce the story of Henry Ford only driving closed cars, and wearing "whiskers" to hide his identity? You referenced E. Liebold's reminiscences, but did not include a copy or page where this story is located.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary Schreiber- Santa Isabel Ecuador on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 08:22 am:

Well, this didn't take long :-(


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 08:53 am:

I have known about the would be replacement for the T car since about 1960 when i read Tin Lizzie by Stern.I also learned about the oral history and the fact there were tape recording of J Glamb that survive to this day.One thing about this is some of us keep learning more by reading all post. Often we learn about those who post!! Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 09:28 am:

Gary, I apologize for the thread "devolving." I'll try to do my part to keep on the theme of the thread.

Another excerpt from Mr. Liebold's recollections.

page 1434:



According to this, it seems Henry Ford at a point owned a Rolls Royce. It's fascinating to me to imagine HF owning or using non Fords. I wonder if his comparison of Ford and RR power refers to Lincoln or the Model T?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William L Vanderburg on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 09:39 am:

I read somewhere it was a Silver Ghost, chassis # 1972, with a Torpedo Tourer body by Lookers Ltd of Manchester, UK. The car was delivered to the Ford Motor Company Ltd in England in 1912.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 11:13 am:

The Ford Motor Company Ltd.regrets that owing to a rush of prior orders,it was unable to supply Henry Ford with a machine.Under the circumstances,there was nothing for Mr.Ford to do but purchase what he considered the next best car,a Rolls-Royce. Page 158 of Tin Lizzie by Stern! If you do not have a copy,you might miss out! Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 11:52 am:

Bud,

Now that's "spin".

:-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 12:02 pm:

Rob,I should not have posted that as a few will blame Henry!!!!! Grin!! Bud.


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