Opera Coupe?
 

Hi all,

My father and I are looking into getting this project Model A. The seller is calling it an "Opera Coupe," which is new to me as far as A's go. The slant of the rear window doesn't look right to either of us. It looks like a sport coupe that someone modified.

Does an opera couple even exist for the Model A? If so, can anyone tell if this is a legitimate one?

Thanks,
Nick

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

It is a '29 Business Coupe.

Edited to add:
It is in the style of a '29 Business Coupe.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

many people called the "OPERA" as to the shape of the window but as above it was or is a business coupe!

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Well, what do you know. I would have bet anything that window was an add-on.

Are these particularly sought-after or hard to find? I'd never seen one before.

Nick

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

here's a couple pics...fwiw,jm

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Dont know about sought after, but they are not common around here. I think I saw 2 at last year's new england meet, with a few hundred cars. I have always liked the looks of the oval window. I would trade my roadster for one.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

There is a picture of a 1929 Business Coupe on the cover of the March/April 2011 Restorer magazine

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Assuming that that issue ever gets here!:D

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

I have one of those, also referred to as a "Doctors Coupe" they are much like a Sport Coupe but the rear Roof Bow is shorter and supported by an elliptical brace with a boot attached to the Bow

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Here's another one....
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...d/P1011182.jpg
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...d/P1011311.jpg
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...d/P1011310.jpg

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

In my most humble opinion...the 1929 Business Coupe with oval windows (54-A) is probably the best looking Model A Ford "Coupe" style Ford made...I am druling over these photos.

nellis003...go for it and I hope to God you do not plan to make a frickin hot rod out of it because if you do...let me know and I will personally come get it from you!

Pluck

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Here's a few more of the same car I posted above. You really can't go wrong with Andalusite Blue. Note how different it looks in all sorts of light.
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...P1011183-1.jpg
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...d/P1011441.jpg
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...d/P1011313.jpg

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Luke...your killing me!

Pluck

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Luke ,Keep sending pic's . I like to see Steve try to kill himself. Steve can I have your coupe if you do.:eek::D;):)

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

For some reason, those oval quarter windows have become known as "opera" windows, especially when they reappeared on cars in the 1970's...

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Before you get all excited by all the gorgeous photos of superior business coupes posted here and pay too much for the car, notice that the top on the car you are considering was done poorly. This indicates a lack of concern for good detail or poor maintenance. What other areas of this car were done as sloppily as the area of the top below the window?


https://fordbarn.com/forum/attachment...2&d=1299546802

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

I also noticed the poorly done top right off, as Pat mentioned. I wonder if this was a sport coupe with windows added, since it also has the added cowl lights. It would be nice if they didn't also change the trunk to a rumble seat.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

The 2 piece painted Belt Moulding that separates the top from Quarters and upper rear body panel is missing in that photo.always tough to find ,hopefully it's around there and goes with the car

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Luke -- Nice coupe. Were trunk liners standard equipment on the coupes? I haven't found any in the repop catalogs, but I intend to put them in my '31 coupe. Looks like it wouldn't be a major challenge to make my own. So your coupe is Andalusite blue -- very nice to see that Andalusite is actually blue. Mine is what I would call "Andalusite Black." Only looks a little blue in a glaring summer sun.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Luke,

Would be interested to know what date is stamped on the fire wall. I am curious as I have a Feb 29 Business Coupe which does not have the oval window and never did. It is essentially a Very Late 1928 style, or a sport coupe without the landau irons, or zippered rear window. I have seen several of the oval window style over the years, but never another of the blind quarter style. Thanks.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

I agree with Steve, the 29 business coupe is the best looking A made.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Look at the back ground. What are those guys doing?!!! :eek:

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/...d/P1011441.jpg

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

This oval I own won a Henry Ford Award (I had nothing to do with it buying it some years later). It is a stunning car (Bonnie gray and Chelsea blue) and I fully agree with Pluck as it's my favorite body style as well. If anyone is doing one of these and would like detailed photos of the top I would gladly supply them. Achieving a good fit with the top is imperative to the overall appearance of the car.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

You, more than likely, STILL have an original body style going into 1929 without the oval.

Yes, it would be interesting to me to just when the "oval window's" first appeared. If one knew the parts and part numbers of the assembly (A-54132: Quarter window glass "Channel"; A-54124: Quarter light "Glass"; A-37645-A: Quarter light glass "Insulation"; A-54120: Quarter light "Frame assembly--outside"; and A-54125: Quarter light "Frame inside"), one could kind of figure out, hopefully, when this assembly was "adopted" into service.

Of the above parts, A-54120, A-54124, A-54125, are all associated with Enginering Information (EI) #10700 Drawings for October 26, 1928. However it was not till March 27, 1929 that A-54132 (an essitional part of the assembly???) was represented in EI #12452. So without further research, it may be that the "oval window" appeared sometime after this date maybe? (even though you have a February 1929 dated gas tank)!

Is there anything in the Standards relating to this? Could not find.

There is an unrestored early 1928 Business Coupe here in Walla Walla which I have dated to about April/May 1928, about the time of it's introduction.

Pluck

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

My car was produced 5 - 6 - 29 , Rose Beige / Seal Brown

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Pluck, my coupe has a body date of 3/29/29. I had an unrestored one that I sold that was 3/19/29 that came from Chicago assembly. My guess is that they weren't out until Feb/March '29 with the oval windows. Hope you can get that early one.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Knowing the fellow who has it, I think it is only in my dreams plus a $20.00/bushel wheat crop!

Pluck

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Steve, of those 2 Coupes did they have:

Teacup, or drum taillight

2 tooth, or 7 tooth steering

Fluted or Twolite headlights

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

I wish I could say that was my car! The car was at an old car auction I attended so I took a few pics for my files and anyone else that might benefit from them.

I didn't see a date on the firewall, but there's a chance it was there and filled up with paint.:mad:

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

PLUS...

Frames with forged or stamped running board brackets OR both?

Pluck

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

I want to say the guy in the red shirt misplaced his hearing aid... :D

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Is it my imagination or is the belt line under the top at an angle lilke a roadster?

Mike

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

ie, Guys in the Background ,I think the Air Compressor is inside the Building and runnin while they are trying to talk.Very nice car ,I 'd love to drive it ,roof problem would'nt bother me .

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Great to hear the different opinions on the car. I think we're going to have to take a closer look at the project. I'll keep you all posted and let you know if we end up taking it on.

Thanks,
Nick

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Tom, Steve

Both have teacups.

Both have "Two-light" HL's

Both are two tooth

The restored one has stamped brackets. I can't recall on the unrestored car.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

There were just over 37,000 built in 1928 and the same in 1929.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Yrs ago, got a lead on a OLD car and when we went to see it, he tried to chase us with a 12 Gauge shot gun. We had $35.00 dollars and he changed his mind. It was an opera coupe with 19000 original miles and NO rust. Just setting in a garage waiting for us. I was 16, and now 72 and its along story. Buy it, very rare. Thats the only opera coupe I have ever seen in real life. Iceman

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Well HELLO Mr. Dale Clinton...Welcome to the "BARN"!

I like it!

Pluck

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Are these the same windows? I have had them along time, but not the car.

Re: Opera Coupe?
 

Tim,

Can you please explain the difference?

How would one pick out the 1929 Model A Business Coupe's Quarter Oval Windows over the rest?

What are the tell-tail signs one would look for?

Thanks.

Pluck