List of Very Early Rouge Built Passenger Vehicles (Three Digit)

[Steve Ciccalone]

The following are confirmed known cars/engines all built at the Rouge in November 1927 and December 1 and 2, 1927. They are listed in the order of engine release to final assembly per the Engine Shop Foreman's Log. All engines were stamped consecutively but not released in order. An interesting example is engine A1. It was not released until November 1, the 46th engine sent to the line. This log was found by George DeAngelis some years ago.

A241, A354, A435, A633, A566, A495, A616, A189, A680, A423, A714, A729, A745, A751, A852, A860, A973, A797 and A873. One truck, AA36 is also known.

There are currently two other unconfirmed three digit cars that have been reported. Additionally, chassis A217 was found without an engine.

If anybody is aware of any other engines/cars would you please post it.
A photo of the engine number is required to eventually confirm it.

[dlshady]

Steve,

Thanks for posting that list. I have an old list showing A739 but don't see it included in your list above. Is that a misprint on my list or has that one been determined unauthentic?


Deron

[Steve Ciccalone]

Deron, oversight on my part, A739 is included. I jumped over it inadvertently.

[peters180a/170b]

AA36 is also known Would that be a { 2 Digit] Model "A" Not a [3 digit] ..Hello Steve ,,how is your [wet bird doing]

[Bick in New Zealand]

Interesting information Steve. Thank you for posting. I received my copy of the July / August MARC news today. I was fascinated to see that Ford produced 99 commercial chassis for independent builders in 1927. I know that one of these has survived, but would have thought that given the rush to supply the demand for cars just to display, independents would have been the last to be supplied.

[Steve Ciccalone]

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Bick, the notations on the Foreman's Engine Log are very interesting. On November 16, A481, A473 and A496 were designated for industrial use. On November 8, at the start of the day there is a notation stating "motors run 1/2 hr on own power." A notation on November 10 states A147 "not run on its own power." On December 7, A1563, A1564 and A1565 are marked "AF" three inch bore. The next five engines are notated for right hand drive. One of these may have been in the photo of the car you posted as arriving in Scotland. On the days December 14, 15, and 16, there are multiple engines designated for right hand drive and AF 3" bore for both left and right hand drive installations. The small bore displacement and the RHD were obviously intended for export. So a number of early engines were not used for domestic vehicle production. As far as the 99 chassis, perhaps Ford had contractual commitments already in place or these were good customers Ford didn't want to alienate right out of the box.

Hopefully, our friend with the commercial chassis will be showing his unique vehicle at the San Diego MARC national next year. Any chance on a flight from Oz?

[Rowdy]

Very interesting list. I had one engine that was stamped A1286, but is an obvious restamp. I did end up with the rearend out of that car, but nothing else original. The earliest unrestamped engine I have is A43XXX, which I aquired this weekend. Rod

[Bick in New Zealand]

That is really interesting information. I remember reading in a Restorer quite a few years back about a picture of the first Model A being delivered in South Africa, it would of course been RHD, but what was interesting for me was the writer stated it had open ended bumpers, what was sad though was they never posted a picture!

[Clem Clement]

I thought AA36 lived in Pennsylvania? Nice vehicle.
clem

[Steve Ciccalone]

Clem, you are correct.

Bick, undoubedly the obsoleted parts early on were sent out west, to Canada or designated export vehicles.

[Bick in New Zealand]

I think you are right on that one. Canadian & New Zealand parts books designate the the early single brake system up till the end of August 1928!

[john charlton]

The AF engines would have been destined for the UK and France,both countries had punitive import duties on vehicles over 15 HP or thereabouts.The 14.9 just got into lower import duty . Most vehicles in these two countries had the small bore,even the 114" wheelbase commercial vehicles had the 14.9 H.P. The 114" wheelbase was peculiar to Europe and I dont think available in USA.The big AA trucks were never fitted with the small bore,28 BHP @ 2600 RPM would never pull a big truck. The "horsepower tax" did not apply to trucks of that gross weight.I have read the small bore was also available in Japan which coincidentaly is a RHD country. I dont quite get why a 24 HP engine could be designated "RHD",the only difference is the starter setup,the AF 11470 Starter pedal rod and the AF11485 Starter pedal shaft and bracket assembly which is not part of the engine.

John in cool damp early morning England.

[dean from bozeman]

Thanks for the list update Steve. Do you have the names and contact information for each of these 3 digit car owners? I do have some of the information. I also have the names of some folks who would be interested in being part of a 3 digit special interest group.

There are two separate requests here...owners and a SIG. I would be willing to help with both.

Dean

[msmaron]

fascinating reading...this is great info. thanks

[Brad in Germany]

Below is an original press photo of one of the first right hand drive cars as displayed in Holland Park, London, UK during the initial introduction viewing of the Model A in the UK. The press release text on the back of the photo states: "The new Ford sports coupe priced at ₤205. on show at Holland Park Hall yesterday. The engine is 14.9 h.p."
No other information is provided.



Note the open end front bumpers and the initial version, bullet shaped fender lamps (the front lense bracket on these fender lamps detached, while remained wired to the base, to serve as a engine inspection light). Original UK Dunlop tyres (tires) as well.

Fordially,
Brad in Germany

[Fred]

The Tire valve stem covers look to be of a different shape, ?? or is it just the picture ??..

[Rich in Tucson]

Who has tried using a head for the narrow bore export engine on a regular bore US engine and what was the result? Anyone know the resulting compression ration?

[Bick in New Zealand]

Awesome picture Brad, given that this had some obvious British content, I wonder if the center bumper clamp had Made in England, as per U.S. and Canadian production.

Justin 'Bick' Bicknell

[Steve Ciccalone]

Brad, can you blow the photo to focus on the rivet at the bottom of the coupe pillar? This rivet was recessed on the earliest bodies. In the photo it looks like its on the flat surface like the second generation bodies. Anybody ID that car in the background?

[peters180a/170b]

I don't know about that early sport coupe..Looks to me they used "frame black " on the body...l.o.l.