Business coupe

Dave Mellor NJ

Well-known member
There were 3 soft top coupes in 29, The Sport Coupe with the Landau Bars, the Business coupe and the Oval Window coupe
 

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My understanding is that the oval window came out in 1929 in order to dress up the otherwise plan-jane Business Coupe. If these "teacup" windows appeared in 1928, that would surprise me. I seem to recall that they were introduced in about May, 1929 with only 1/2 year of production remaining before the 1930 models came out. That limited production time would explain why there are so few examples extant.
Another reason I don't think the oval windows were installed in 1928 soft top coupes is a December, 1928 Business Coupe I studied here in town. It had 16,000 original miles on it and was in no way modified. The features, stampings and engine number dated it to late December, 1928 and the top was devoid of oval windows. I wrote an article for "The Restorer" about this rare survivor. Of course, different assembly plants probably had different introduction times for new features such as these windows, but for what it's worth, I'm pretty sure the oval windows were only installed in 1929.
Marshall
 
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The Business Coupes with the oval quarter windows were rather short lived since this change was only from mid to late 1929. The rear top bow supports were special parts to accommodate those window frames. If a Business Coupe owner is restoring one of those versions then it's hopefull that those parts and the rear belt molding are all present and accounted for. It's getting harder to find that stuff these days.

Ford made the Standard Coupes and Special Coupes in 1928 but the standard type was discontinued for a time. Later in 1929, Ford stopped producing the Special Coupes and went back to the standard type. The popularity of some models started to wane as the depression started to kick in. The soft top coupes were vulnerable to damage so harder top types started to come back in popularity.
 
It's generally accepted that the "Special" Coupe was made between June, 1928 and June, 1929, almost a year exactly. Of course as always, variations occurred from assembly plant to assembly plant, depending upon the backlog of "Special" Coupe bodies on hand to be used up. Production of the Standard Coupe (with metal back) bookended the "Special" Coupe's time on the assembly line.
Marshall
 
My understanding is the oval window coupe was only available in 1929. I was offered one for free in 1963 by my father’s friend, and I forever have my regrets. I only wanted a roadster, which I never got, and ended up with a rusty Tudor.
 
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