Identification, info, history needed

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Peter,

I’m definitely the one learning here. Pretty crazy concept of being able to afford to swap out bodies. You would think the cost for that amount of labor twice a year it would make more sense just to have 2 cars. I’ll stick to swapping out wheels & tires for the winter!

I’ve submitted for title searches on the car, so I’m hoping that might turn up something on ownership history.

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Mark,

To put a few numbers to the body swap scenario:

The 1917 Saleman’s book lists the price for the Landau at $6800. Other closed cars are in the same ballpark.

It lists the price of the 7-passenger Touring at $5500.

It lists the price of an “extra” 7-Passenger Touring body at $1400

So:

Buying a Landau and an extra 7PT body to be swapped out would cost $8200.

Buying a Landau and a complete 7PT car would cost $12,300

That leaves $4100 to spend on labor to swap the bodies twice a year. One could buy A LOT of labor for $4100 in 1917!

Paul

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Just for clarity, the numbers I posted above are referring to Series 4, 48HP cars (48-B-4)

Paul

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When I was a kid (76 years ago) we lived in Pasadena next to a vacant lot. Many vacant lots in those days. A family would bring their Ford sedan and lift the body off. Took a half an hour. Leave it there and put a ‘waiting’ rumble-seat coupe body on it and drive away. This was a summer/winter routine.

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In the realm of high priced cars,the seasonal switching of bodies was rather common.The dealers would have facilities to store the bodies for their clients.

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