The 2006 Patron's Choice

  
 

Bright red and brassy, a Ford horseless carriage captures the hearts of patrons at the 2006 Concours d'Elegance at Stanford.

  
 
 
  It's curious, so curious. This year I've hundreds of photos from six photomeisters with excellent car sense, but there's not a single shot of the winner of the Patron's Choice Trophy. How can this be? Out on the Field, she's a curiosity nearly a century past her time, the Concours straw hat and feather duster giving the back seat such an inviting and comfortable look. But at twilight, parked at Stanford's Faculty Club with her running lamps softly lit, red finish shifting from brash and flashy to deep and profound, running gear from brass to gold, and carbide head-lamps lit in a snapping 4th of July preview - why then, this ancient Ford horseless carriage is quite irresistible.

 

Certainly, her victory wasn't for lack of competition which included a sleek Cord and an elegant Pierce Arrow. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CORD. 		 

Lets explore that magical combination of a brassy old Ford and the early evening sun.

 
 
 

Before hoods and fenders got greedy, there were real head lamps. Just look at those after-burner vents and that high rolling dome that bowls the light right out like it was a silent film projector in search of an image. Imagine this baby flying down the road - geese beware! - with black smoke pouring from the vents as white beams lance out into the gathering dark! Henry, the Red Baron dosen't stand a chance!

  
 
 
 

That item to the right that looks like a hitching post set in the reflection of the brick pavement is actually the carbide arc generator inside the head lamp. After all, it is model 666. But not to worry, they recently discovered that the number of the Beast is actually 616.

  
 
 
 

Oh yes! Thermometers were truly Mercurial in the days of horseless carriages. They could elevate the whole affair with their stubby, but strong little wings, and the bits that weren't shinny were red, white and blue, a color combo sadly lacking in today's automotive palette.

  
 
 
   

It's on to the paraffin-powered forward Flight Lights.

  
 
 
 

With paraffin lamps like these, very clear glass and very bright mirrors are the rule. Even the wick holder is bright chrome just to keep those photons dancing. There is a great hemi-cylindrical mirror to cast the light to the side and a ruby-eyed parabolic mirror to cast it forward. The glass is sharply beveled, so reflections are refracted and complex images abound.

Want a challenge? Try to find my reflection in these photographs. Ninja and vampires have a big advantage in this, but, for a rather bulky guy, I don't do too badly myself. How? Just resolve yourself in the flame and then, poof, up goes your reflection in a cloud of light.

 
                   
 
 
   

Ah! When blowing one's horn was especially fun!

  
 
 
   

Even the wing mirror has a brassy finish.

  
 
 
   

Multiple choice:
a) Seltzer charger. b) Hand pump to pressurize the fuel line. c) Break master cylinder.
d) Oil reservoir. e) Carbide reservoir for headlamps.

  
 
 
 

Naturally, this is a convertible carriage. And when it's an open carriage, you may need your horseless blanket for those brisk autumn rides.

  
 
 
 

Form, function and style. When you're looking at the headlamps, it's easy to get lost in these, but here the relationships are much clearer. How do you accommodate multiple screws to attach the door handle? Oops! Not integrated into the door detailing. Shame on you, Henry.

On the other hand, the cotter pin works; it integrates the stylistic and functional elements of the design.

 
 
 
 

One gage, one choke; what an instrument panel! No wonder you didn't have to get a license! Why, even a Toad could drive this thing.

And note the exterior glove compartment.

 
 
 
 

Narrow white tires with wooden spokes. Wee, tiny axles and steering rods where rocks might contribute their opinion. Who needs race cars for adventure?

 
 
 
   

Look at this hubs. It could easily be the center post for a roulette wheel.

 
 
 
 

And now, on to the aft running light.

 
 
 
 

Look, even the inside of this lamp contains brass. And the blue glass creates a kind of camera lucida affect such that reflections seem to be objects contained within the lamp. So, the thing that looks like a complex filament is actually the multiplied reflection of a dealers booth with many new, shiny cars within.

 
 
 
 

Yes, this horseless carriage is a Ford.

all photos © 2006 by Charles M. Nelson
all rights reservewd