MTFCA Forum

https://www.classicdriver.com/en/car/fo ... 917/959220

Pictures of other cars in the estate auction

https://www.classicdriver.com/en/auctio ... &id=959181

There was another 1917 town car in the Harrah collection for years. Who knows what happened to that one?

Wasn’t this car part of Mark Smith’s estate auction a few months back?

It's always nice to see a town car. Do you suppose it with stay the wonderful '17 it is or will someone put a brass radiator etc on it to make it a '15.
Thanks for the chance to see it.
Rich

That would be a shame.
We dont need any more 15's
As the story goes, "Theres more 15's today than were made in 15"

I love that "lazy-eye" look!

There was a 3 day auction in October I think, but this seems to be another auction. Does anyone know how Mark made his money?


Gooding & Company - Estate of Mark Smith Auction
Lynchburg , United States
7 April 2023 from 11:00

I have never been a big fan of the towncars. However, I do appreciate them, and consider them to be an important part of automotive history!
If the casting date on the engine is to be believed, it would make this a very early 1917 model! True 1917 models are somewhat rare, and the photos do not do a good job of showing just how correct (or not?) this car is. There are several things on it, including the headlamp lenses, that are not correct for 1917.
The towncar bodies changed a lot, in style, design, and construction, during the early years of the model T, with significant style changes almost every year! Whether this is or is not a true factory design or build for 1917? I do not know (Asking? Anybody know for sure?).
IF I recall correctly, 1917 was the last year that Ford factory provided a towncar! Although after-market coachbuilders continued to offer them throughout model T production. Regardless, I do hope it remains as a 1917. Few were built, few remain, and as such should be preserved and seen as such.
Whether I am crazy about them or not? I think it is a beautiful and interesting car!