1927 Ford Model T Tudor Sedan
Original cost: $495.00
Previous owner(s): Sign in vehicle: “Originally owned by Metz Brewing Company”; Bernie Taulborg, 1989 – ; Bernie and Janice Taulborg Collection
Number made: 78,105
Engine, etc.: Inline 4 cyl.; b176.7 cu. in.; 20 hp; 100 in. wheelbase; 1,972 lbs.
The final year for Model T production was 1927.
Options included a hand-operated windshield wiper ($0.50) (vacuum operated: $2.00) and front and rear bumpers ($15.00). Another option available in 1926 and 1927 was a nickel plated radiator shell.
The coupe and Tudor were initially offered in black and later available in dark green. The Fordor sedan came in dark maroon.
In 1927 steel wire wheels began as standard equipment on closed cars, replacing wood “artillery wheels”.
The 20 hp engine was capable of carrying the vehicle to a top speed of around 45 mph. The engine had three main bearings and side valves. It started with a hand crank on the front of the car. The crank was very difficult to operate and caused many broken arms. The gasoline tank was located beneath the front seat, mounted to the frame.
The first Model T was produced in Sept., 1908 in Detroit, Michigan. Model T’s produced before 1919 are known as “veteran cars” while later models are called “vintage cars”.
When production of Model T’s started, they cost about $850, around $1200 less than most cars. By the early 1920’s the price had come down to $300. Ford found many ways to cut costs and offer the least-expensive product. Henry Ford told his suppliers how to assemble wood crates they used to ship parts to him. The crates were then dismantled and the wood used within the bodies of the car. The scraps were made into charcoal and sold under the name “Kingsford”.
Although the Model T was produced for almost twenty years, many improvements, both visually and mechanically, were made over the years. At all times, it could be purchased in a wide variety of body styles.
In May, 1927 Ford Motor Company ended production of the Model T. and closed all of its facilities to retool for a new automobile, the Model A. Over 15 million Model T’s were built and sold worldwide in the 19 years they were produced.
Source: Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805 -1942. Beverly Rae Kimes, et al. 3rd ed. Krause Publications, 1996.
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1963/Ford-Model-T.aspx
See also: http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1927_Ford/1927_Ford_Logical_Car_Folder/dirindex.html (Original 1927 brochure; very brief information)
http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Ford/1927_Ford/1927%20Ford%20Greater%20Values%20Mailer/index1.html (Sales brochure for 1927 models)
