Surviving examples 400A vs 68C

[Kevin in NJ]

They might look nice with the top up, but for some tall people the headroom with the top down is important

[DougVieyra]

Forever4, Post #18 -
Ahh, semantics.
You say Tomato, I say Tomatoe.

What you call a Window Frame, I call a Glass Frame.
If we are comparing the A-400 fixed structural framing for the side windows, to the Cabriolet, one will quickly notice that the Cabriolet does not have such an awkward structural framing for the side windows - hence a much better visual appearance.

[Joop]

400-A Top down and top up (file photo)

Click image for larger version.

...

[DougVieyra]

Thank you Joop.

Your photo does two things -

#1 - Lets us all see just what an A400 (some like to designate it the more proper 400-A) looks like.

#2 - Clearly illustrates the awkwardness (subjective evaluation, I know) of the A400 structural side window framing, as compared to the unobstructed lines of the 68C Slant Window Cabriolet.

[taffrail]

Would like to have the 400-A door size on my CCPU !

[Jeff P. / MN]

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As an owner/driver of each of these models I can offer a little insight. The 400-a window frames were no distraction for me when the top was down and I was driving. The top was somewhat cumbersome to lower. I have only driven my Cabriolet once with the top up when I was caught is a rainstorm, I always have driven it top down. I have had the side windows up with the top down and really did not feel the window frames were any kind of an obstruction. As a side note I would like to drive a '30-'31 Deluxe Phaeton. I suspect it may possess some of the same issues which led me to sell my 400-a and obtain my 68-a.

[Jason in TX]

I'm biased. I love my 68C. Great all around car for any occasion.


Charlottesville, VA


Ouray, Colorado




Santa Fe, NM


Durango, CO

[DougVieyra]

Jason in Texas, Post # 25 -

Okay, Jason - I will give you TWO of my fully restored, prize-winning A-400 / 400-A Convertible Sedans, for your 68-C Slant Window Cabriolet !

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

Jason in Texas, Post # 25 -

Okay, Jason - I will give you TWO of my fully restored, prize-winning A-400 / 400-A Convertible Sedans, for your 68-C Slant Window Cabriolet !

You're too late. Jason said he's tired of it and will sell it to me.

[blgitn]

Jason,

I love your 68-C too.

R/ Roger

[petcar]

Thanks for the link to production numbers 160B. The problem I have though is finding the total for the 1931 160-C Murray. I know the car is scarce, it took me years to find mine ( and damn near a divorce when the wife say what I paid for it ). Since then I have been scouring every place I can find to figure out the production numbers. I contacted several MAFCA members that I was told would know these things. and Between the skeptics & people who proceeded to lecture me on the likelihood that I had a 31 160-C Murray Dlx Not one could help. ( It's on the MAFCA web page as the A of the Day if you want a peek at it. )

I am "REALLY hoping that one of you fine gents could help with this. I would really like to know just how many were made.

my apologies for straying from the 68c topic!

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by petcar

Thanks for the link to production numbers 160B. The problem I have though is finding the total for the 1931 160-C Murray. I know the car is scarce, it took me years to find mine ( and damn near a divorce when the wife say what I paid for it ). Since then I have been scouring every place I can find to figure out the production numbers. I contacted several MAFCA members that I was told would know these things. and Between the skeptics & people who proceeded to lecture me on the likelihood that I had a 31 160-C Murray Dlx Not one could help. ( It's on the MAFCA web page as the A of the Day if you want a peek at it. )

I am "REALLY hoping that one of you fine gents could help with this. I would really like to know just how many were made.

my apologies for straying from the 68c topic!

Ford has the production records for 1931 called the Assembly Record Types (ART)...this tells us the production number of each model assembled by the Ford Motor Company.

In the 1931 ART, the 160-C (Deluxe Fordor Sedan Slant Window/Briggs and Murrary) numbers were intermingled with the 170-B (Deluxe Fordor Sedan/Briggs) figures.

There was no known breakdown between the Briggs and Murrary body styles.

USA had 3231; Foreign had 1358; Canada had 378. The 1932 ART tells us that only the foreign market produced these at 202 (160-C).

The 160-CDL replaced the 170-BDL in July 1931.

HOWEVER...Stated in the book "The Ford Model A as Henry Built it" it states that there were 2491 160-C's (DL) and 740 170-B's (DL) built in 1931.

Pluck

[petcar]

Thank you Steve! I've been on this quest to find numbers for 12 years, it's starting to resemble the old Monty Pythons show Search for the holy grail. I think from now on when someone asks how many were made I'll answer "At least 1, beyond that your guess is as good as mine." Thanks again sir!

[forever4]

Originally Posted by petcar

Thank you Steve! I've been on this quest to find numbers for 12 years, it's starting to resemble the old Monty Pythons show Search for the holy grail. I think from now on when someone asks how many were made I'll answer "At least 1, beyond that your guess is as good as mine." Thanks again sir!

Petcar,
Murray made at least 234 flat firewall 160-C sedans like yours from the data I have.

[larrys40]

Hope to get to mine awaiting restoration soon down the road. Acquired in 2012 last licensed looks like in 1955 and I bought from the owner who had it since 1970 who did nothing to it except store it in a cinder block basement. Unfortunately the wood needs total replacement and everything needs total restoration. Thanks to a number of you I have secured most everything I need to complete it. My once in a lifetime find for sure.

Haven't decided upon a nice driver yet or point car but I'm looking forward to cracking at it when time allows. All the bolt on sheet metal is trashed but suitable originals are fortunately secured including correct radiator shell. Not sure on color yet so that's my biggest decision. Special thanks and recognition goes to Tim Wiggins up in Chicago for alerting me on this ebay "buy it now" find. I was litterally boarding a plane at his call and did it immediately. The retreival is another story in itself I will one day write for the Model A News. I also have to thank Gary Johnson ( as I've probably drewled on his more than once) for his insight of my introductory advice and knowledge which helped prepare me.

Yes, I do think they are a beautiful body style and are the best of both worlds of the open car body styles. Also include a photo as it was our Missouri Valley Region MARC annual start up party car that year.
Here's a link to one of our start up videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWe8Ex_aWTI

Larry Shepard

[Maclab58]

I love my 68-C but I really want a A-400. It covers all the bases for me, open car, roll up windows and a back seat! I have 3 A's and I think I could be happy with owning an A-400 if I could only have one.

[stewwolfe]

I wouldn't give up my 68C for almost anything. It's a comfortable, fun car to drive. I also realize that I would never find another one.