MARC Meet in Asheville

Can someone tell us the details of the Bob Martino 1927 Model A roadster? Date built, oddities, what 's only on this proto-type, (like those rear bumper brackets). Thanks LRF
 
lrf said:
Can someone tell us the details of the Bob Martino 1927 Model A roadster? Date built, oddities, what 's only on this proto-type, (like those rear bumper brackets). Thanks LRF
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Mostly it’s that many body and chassis elements are a slightly different shape, both from production cars and in some cases from each other - the car isn’t quite symmetrical. In terms of parts like brackets, Bob says many of the prototype designs were made in runs of 100 or 200 and ended up being installed on the first cars off the line in ‘27.

One thing I remember is that the tailpipe support was positioned in the middle of the baffle rather than at the bend in the pipe.
 
Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I heard that the rear motor mounts on the prototype were more like the Float-A-Motor versions. And that Ford changed to the normal ones to save money.
 
nkaminar said:
Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I heard that the rear motor mounts on the prototype were more like the Float-A-Motor versions. And that Ford changed to the normal ones to save money.
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First part is true, second part is unconfirmed. I specifically asked Bob about it. He said the proto-FAMs were used in some other early models, and they ride very well. He did t know why the switch was made. He said it is true that Ford significantly reduced the part count after the early cars. Another reason might be to provide additional rigidity to the frame by essentially making the flywheel housing a crossmember. The Model A frame is notably… flexible.
 
Bob told me that the body is 1 1/2 inches narrower than the final body. The grab bars for the rumble seat are different. There are a number of differences on the chassis, which I saw in Morgantown (I think). The only one I remember is the placement of the timing pin.

The open-ended bumpers, of course, but they were on early cars, too. The rear Ford medallions on the bumpers are a difference.
 
I know many of you are not on Facebook but if you are there are numerous photos and videos in the MARC group of the bare chassis and then the finished car from this year.

The shocks and motor mounts are unique, timing pin is on the flywheel housing, muffler has a clamp riveted to it, and a lot more. Check it out if you can.
 
Folks who are interested in this topic will get a lot of detailed info from the "Early 1928s" supplement to the JS. According to the supplement, the first 200 cars produced were never intended for sale (based on engineering notes I think it was originally 100 and then changed to 200). They were sort of demo cars meant to be sent around to important stakeholders, shown to the media, etc., and then returned to Ford.

Many of the features noted on the prototype, such as the muffler clamp and odd shock arrangement, are also present on these first 200 cars. The JS describes many of these features. The flywheel-mounted timing pin is also found on some early Canadian export cars, along with the FAM motor mounts.

Other than the distinct body dimensions and other changes in the sheet metal, I'm not sure how many of the differences folks are seeing on the prototype are specific to it, rather than just to the first 200 cars.
 
So, because this is a prototype, does this mean no stamped engine #, number stamped on the firewall, many "T" parts being used? I find this "A" and e-28 "A"s fascinating and want to learn more if possibly. Is there an article in one of the national club mags that goes into detail about this car. Where's Doc Kalinka when we need him?! Thanks, LRF
 
I went to YOUTUBE and typed in "Bob Martino's prototype ford model A" and found quite a video about it. Too bad the interview had a very bad voice recording. But it's still worth the time and visit. LRF
 
lrf said:
I went to YOUTUBE and typed in "Bob Martino's prototype ford model A" and found quite a video about it. Too bad the interview had a very bad voice recording. But it's still worth the time and visit. LRF
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You should post the link. I went looking for it and couldn't find it.
 
Looking at all the variances for the 1927 Model A gives me hope that I can reasonably enter my Australian Model A in fine point judging (hopefully in 2028, in time for her 100th birthday).
 
There was Touring Class judging. A few of the cars are included in my photos of the show floor, but, as far as I know, they were not separated out on the show floor. Two members of our club got touring class awards.

I had planned to enter mine in TC judging, but some things came up before the meet that prevented me from prepping my car for judging. Maybe someone can post the number of TC entrants. I will research to find out.
 
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