MTFCA Forum

It's time to move along with another restoration, and this 1916 Coupelet is my latest project. The car was purchased by Mike Walker, who had worked on the chassis, but did not get the body completed when I purchased the car from him. I had Ray Wells re-wood the body and had my good friend massage the body panels and paint the car in Limco "Ultra Black" single stage urethane. The upholstery and top were completed by Ernie Romero of El Cajon, CA. The engine was rebuilt by Jim Blair of Tucson, AZ and I completed the assembly and restoration of the engine assembly. The engine, with a casting date of 12-27-15 and SN: 1025XXX, determine that the car was completed on December 30, 1915. Interestingly, I have an original photo of a new 1916 Coupelet at the factory with black and brass trimmed side and head lamps, and I have a set of these lamps I may use. I have completed the front and rear end rebuilds and the frame is also ready to paint. Here are a few photos of the Coupelet:

Here is the original photo of the coupelet with brass trimmed lamps and the coupelet body, as found, being initially disassembled. As I make additional progress, I'll add photos. BTW, the 1916 coupelet is a huge improvement over the 1915 coupelet with the small side windows, larger rear window and the trunk lid on the top of the trunk. Also, the 1916 car had a dark green headliner rather than the blue liner on the 1915.

A T and model that you and those who have contributed to it's restoration should be very proud of.

It will be done right ,when Russ does it.thanks for preserving history,hope to see you in Chickasaw next March.

Two Couplets for one man is just not fair! Really enjoyed the article on the restoration of your '15. I'm sure the 16 will be equally as beautiful.
I look froward to future updates of this restoration. My ambition is to one day own a Couplet. I keep a file of all that are advertised,displayed or on tours for reference and inspiration. I notice that Ray Wells has a Couplet body under construction currently. Would this be an alternative to put on my 1916 restored Canadian chassis?

Warwick, I've never seen a coupelet body that Ray has reproduced, but I own a 1912 Torpedo he built and the quality is quite good. I would want to see the coupelet body in person, and if you have an original body to compare it to, that would also be important. I can say there are many subtle differences between the 1915 and the 1916 coupelet bodies. I hope this helps. Russ Furstnow

Oh so very wonderful! Happy to see you doing this one. These special cars need the best of the best to give them the restorations they deserve.
I know of one other couplet that restoration was beginning on last year, someone living not far from you. I wonder if that is the one Ray Wells is working on? He was talking about having Ray rebuild the body.

Good going, Russ.

Nice Russ. Does that mean we get to judge both next year?

Looks great Russ. Thank you for sharing, and please keep us posted as it comes together.

Russ, it's good to see you have the correct breather cap! Remember how for so long I had to fight with you to get you to see what is correct?

Charlie, I'm not sure I'll have the 1916 done, but sheltering in place for the past few months has provided me with time for my restorations!!
Larry, Your comments are always relevant! Thanks for the support on judging.

Of note, the 1916 coupelet had a trunk lid on top of the trunk, exactly like the later coupes. I believe if Ford had installed this trunk lid and the small side windows in the 1915 coupelet that was introduced in October 1914, the car would have been a sales success. Also, on the 1916 coupelet, there is a license plate bracket that was missing on the 1915. Also, the sidelamp brackets are unique to the coupelet.

Russ,
Your Couplet project looks fantastic.
Congratulations!

Gene

What a beautiful car. Thanks for sharing the photos and info.

Nice looking car Russ.