1904 Ford Model A/C Rear Entrance Tonneau

The 1904 Ford Model C was mechanically identical to the 1903 Model A and thus is commonly called the Model AC. The difference was its six-inch longer wheelbase that enhanced the ride qualities of the car. It had a new front-mounted hood that allowed the fuel tank to be enlarged and moved up front from its previous position of under the seat. These changes gave the Model C additional space in the front floor area.

There were two bodystyles available on the Model C, a runabout or a rear-entrance touring car with room for four. The final drive was through the planetary transmission by chain with engine lubrication supplied by a six-point drip oiler.

The rear-entrance touring car sold for around $1,000 and included a horn, sidelamps and a brass rail accenting the dashboard. The engine was a horizontally opposed two-cylinder unit that offered 10 horsepower. The car rode on full elliptic leaf-springs and had internal expanding brakes on the differential band.

Much of the early history of this car is unknown. After World War II, it was purchased from C.A. Trussell Motor Company in Athens, Georgia, by Tommy Protsman. It was shown in his museum, the Stone Mountain Auto Museum in Georgia, for over 5 decades. It was then purchased by the current owner.

This Rear-Entrance Tonneau is finished in the correct shade of red with black diamond-tufted leather upholstery, has the correct original Dietz bail-handle sidelamps and is complemented by the Gray & Davis self-generating acetylene headlamps.

In 2009, this Model C Rear-Entrance Tonneau was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona where it was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $150,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $93,500, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009