T for Theatrics: The Ford that was made for the movies?

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Every so often, a photograph surfaces that raises more questions than it answers. Such is the case with this shot showing a curiously elongated Ford Model T. It’s not just stretched—it’s absurdly stretched, well beyond the bounds of practicality. Was it a parade car of some sort?

Our guess is that this mad Model T was made for a stage play or a motion picture. But the tantalising mystery remains: which play or which picture?

The T-Ford in question appears to be nearly three times the length of a standard touring sedan, and we doubt it would travel far. The construction looks more provisional than professional. Are there extra doors? We’re not even sure. What’s clear is that there’s room enough for a vaudeville troupe—eight people are seen here, all seemingly enjoying the ride.

Was it built for a comedy scene, perhaps? We haven’t found a single film still that confirms its appearance on the silver screen. So the question lingers, tantalising and unanswered: what was the purpose of this mile-long Model T?

Do you know more? We’d love to find the answer.

Words: Jeroen Booij
Pictures: Source unknown

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