MTFCA Forum

A "survivor" demonstrates the longevity of Ford cars for a go-getter salesman. The photo was captioned "1930s" but no cars in the background seem to be newer than 1930.
The object of the rolling billboard would seem to be a 1914 car, with interesting modifications. Rather beat-up, but not bad for a car some sixteen years old in that era.

Rich,
Interesting car, 1913 on radiator and box, body 1914, maybe the radiator is off a 1913 ? Side marker lights are much later.

I like the wording on the sign, straight forward, must work pretty good or I’m sure it would’ve be updated.

This is a good one to pick apart for clues ! Seem to be 1915 side lamps with a brass rim, and 1915 type (or later) windshield hinges. Something odd about the windshield. It has an accessory hand klaxon, and accessory steering wheel probably with a lock. The headlights were upgraded to electric (love that remaining lens !). Front fenders are typical 1913 - what else can we see ?

Hard to tell a year model. depends on which plant assembled the car and what month it was first sold. Sometimes in the fall the next years body would appear, but if the assembly plant had some old bodies they would use until they were all used up. Also some states used the date first sold as the model and others used the next year if it was sold late in the year. And depending when the picture was taken, some parts might have been replaced with later ones. I think it was the 13 that had a weak body and sometimes the back seat would fall off, so body might have been replaced.
Norm

It is a great photo to enjoy. I would guess a '14 model sold before the new year. The body sides have been painted a lighter color, maybe red, for the lettering to stand out and attract attention. The top shows delightful stress and shrinkage from its years. The upholstery survived better. Rear fender has an interesting kink at the bottom and the front has broken from some hard use. I suspect the '15 cowl lights required a special bracket to be installed.
Lot of fun to speculate on.
Thanks, Rich.
Rich

Maybe a used car location. I do not think Ford would be happy with that type of advertisement.