Is this the only one left of its kind?

[Elcastor]

I purchased the vehicle pictured below last November. It appears to be a 1928 Model A Ford chassis (October 1928) with a Martin-Parry Station Wagon Body. I have searched the internet extensively and I have yet to find ANY 1928 Model A Station Wagons with Martin-Parry bodies. Starting in December of 1928, Ford started making their own Station Wagon bodies, so that ended other manufacturers putting their Station Wagon bodies on Ford chassis.



I have my doubts that the rear fenders are correct, but most everything else appears to be original, or close to it. I have completed about 1/2 of the restoration and hope to have it completed by next spring.

Apparently Martin-Parry made a number of Station Wagon bodies. They called them "Country Club" bodies. I have found them on Model T's, but have yet to find any remaining on Model A's.

I have tried to research the history of this vehicle, and have only run into dead ends. It apparently came from the Pennsylvania area and the restoration was started there and then stopped, and sold at auction.

Any help would be appreciated in suggesting where I might find others of like kind, or any knowledge of where this one came from.

For more pictures of the current restoration, go to: https://picasaweb.google.com/PurkeyB...oodieProgress#

[Rowdy]

Perhaps you need to consult with Swampy about this one. He has catalgued many of the 28's. Rod

[Rowdy]

Just curious, is this the one out of Colorado? Rod

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

Just curious, is this the one out of Colorado? Rod

I bought it in California, near LA. I was told it came from Pennsylvania.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

National Woodie Club can probably help.
http://www.nationalwoodieclub.com/home.htm

Martin Parry bodies were common on chevys, but since they purchased chassis from any manufacturer, they were found on other makes. Since Henry started his own woodie business in 28, this is probably rare. Another source to ask is Tim Johnstone of the Woodie Wagons chapters of MAFCA and MARC in McAllen Texas,

[Elcastor]

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Originally Posted by Rowdy

Perhaps you need to consult with Swampy about this one. He has catalgued many of the 28's. Rod

Swampy does not seem to be active anymore. :-( Do you know how to get a hold of him?

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by pat in Santa Cruz

National Woodie Club can probably help.
http://www.nationalwoodieclub.com/home.htm

Martin Parry bodies were common on chevys, but since they purchased chassis from any manufacturer, they were found on other makes. Since Henry started his own woodie business in 28, this is probably rare. Another source to ask is Tim Johnstone of the Woodie Wagons chapters of MAFCA and MARC in McAllen Texas,

I have corresponded to with Tim a few times. He has no idea either. I will also post a note at the MARC national meet in June/July in California.

[2manycars]

Swampy is on ahooga. He had difficulty getting on this forum. I have his email address if Elcastor wants it. Just send a PM to me.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by John Duden

I have the same EXACT rear fenders , i think they were included in a t chassis wagon kit
John

That is interesting. I wonder if they were left over from a T chassis? I think an A fender would look better, but still deciding what to do. Just one of the reason I would like to find another Martin-Parry.

[eswanson]

wow, I was excited about the huckster I am building, you are taking the cake my friend

[pat in Santa Cruz]

Your pics show a first class restoration. Can't wait to see the finished product. Are you saving the original wood? I would. Its probably quite valuable if its at all useable.

National Woodie Club probably can connect you to some history on Martin Parry. I seem to remember someone was doing that.

some quick research reveals that Martin Parry became a principle supplier of station wagon and truck bodies to Chevrolet in 1928, probably in anticipation of losing the business they had from Ford. In fact, GM bought MP in 1931 and formed the Chevrolet Body Company for truck bodies. This would indicate MP only made bodies for Ford A's in 28. Whether yours is the last one or not, well who knows. There could be one other out there, but it will take some diligence on your part to find out.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by pat in Santa Cruz

............ Are you saving the original wood? I would. Its probably quite valuable if its at all useable. ...........

Yes, I have saved all that came with the car. Enough of it remains to use as patterns for the new wood. Considering its age, the original wood is in quite good condition.

[Vanspeed]

Did you buy that from Neil Mylar?

[700rpm]

I admire anyone who restores a woodie. With all the woodwork, it's got to be one of the most difficult of all the models. Good on you.

[asapguy]

Nice looking wagon Ben. A friend of mine that lives in Lake Chelan (Eastern Wa.) had a very orig. small Model TT truck with a Martin Parry body. The wood body was very solid & had a unique feature. The doors slid back to open, they weren't hinged. Good luck with your restoration. Maybe I'll get a chance to see it at a Northwest Regional MAFCA meet one of these years.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

I searched the Nat Woodie Club roster for 28 station wagons. Other than modified bodies (which were probably not woodies to start with) there are listed only 3 restored A station wagons. None indicate if they are Ford bodies (which would be one of the 5 " original 28's" known to exist) or if they are after market mfgr bodies. I could not find any Pennsylvania member listed with a 28 Ford. If you would like, PM me , I'll give you the contact info for those 3, and you can contact them to see what they have.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

Did you buy that from Neil Mylar?

Yes.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

I had one like it which I sold into the Charlotte area around 1979 -'80. Same doors without window frames, had "AR" wheels and drums, quite dark wood and metal painted beige color. Had either left brake lever or metal plate on sill. Can't remember which.

[Hotrodster]

Wouldn't a body which had been produced for a 27 T chassis bolt right on an early A? Could be it was a leftover 27 body and they just used up the ones they had left.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Hotrodster

Wouldn't a body which had been produced for a 27 T chassis bolt right on an early A? Could be it was a leftover 27 body and they just used up the ones they had left.

Good question. I do not think that a "T" body would bolt onto an "A", especially around the windshield area, but what do I know? I do know that they advertised these bodies for the Model A and had pictures of them in their advertisements.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Bruce,Upstate NY

I had one like it which I sold into the Charlotte area around 1979 -'80. Same doors without window frames, had "AR" wheels and drums, quite dark wood and metal painted beige color. Had either left brake lever or metal plate on sill. Can't remember which.

Since mine is a rather late 1928, (October) not much of the "AR" items apply. The emergency brake is in front of the gearshift.

[Steve Plucker]

Ben,

Not to question you but how was it determined it was a Martin-Parry body?

Also, you might want to check out if Martin-Parry had a patent on the body itself.

Pluck

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Ben,

Not to question you but how was it determined it was a Martin-Parry body?

Also, you might want to check out if Martin-Parry had a patent on the body itself.

Pluck

It is definitely NOT Ford, and I can find NO other manufacturer's name on the body. It matches exactly all the pictures on Martin-Parry sales literature, and other pictures on the internet that I have found. The first two are from a Martin-Parry sales publication and the last one is a picture of a 1928 Chevrolet with a Martin-Parry body.








I am open to any suggestions of who else made my body. This is just the best that I have been able to come up with.

Ben

[Steve Plucker]

Ben,

Great research!

I wonder what the difference is between the "No. 218 Park Body" and the "Country Club Body" that is listed in the sales brochure?

Have you tried the US Patent Office website?

Pluck

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Ben,

Great research!

I wonder what the difference is between the "No. 218 Park Body" and the "Country Club Body" that is listed in the sales brochure?

Have you tried the US Patent Office website?

Pluck

Yes, but I have not found any thing of relevance.

Ben

[Steve Plucker]

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Ben,

Just where in the USA did the Martin-Parry Corporation originate?

Who did they sell their corporation to or did it die on the vine?

It would be interesting to know if any records still exist but I supose you have gone down that road already???

If they do exist somewhere, more than likely they may be in some university's library holdings. Trust me...you would be surprised as to what some of these places have.

Like the time I found reference to my Great Grandfathers years at Fort Simcoe (9th US Army Infantry) in 1857-1859!

Pluck

[glenn in camino]

That looks like a fun restoration project. Does it have a gas tank date on it.
I have one of the first 5 production Ford station wagons, 12/10/28. I restored it in the mid 70s using most if it's original wood. It will be at the MARC national in San Diego and also at the Dana Point Concours D' Elegance this summer. I don't drive it much, so the old restoration is still in concours condition.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Ben,

I wonder what the difference is between the "No. 218 Park Body" and the "Country Club Body" that is listed in the sales brochure?


Pluck

Somewhere I read that the difference is that one of them only had a front seat, while the other had 3 rows of seats. The middle row was two narrow seats with a walk through between them.

Ben

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Ben,

Just where in the USA did the Martin-Parry Corporation originate?

Who did they sell their corporation to or did it die on the vine?

It would be interesting to know if any records still exist but I supose you have gone down that road already???

If they do exist somewhere, more than likely they may be in some university's library holdings. Trust me...you would be surprised as to what some of these places have.

Like the time I found reference to my Great Grandfathers years at Fort Simcoe (9th US Army Infantry) in 1857-1859!

Pluck

The best link for a history of the company is: http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/m/mart...rtin_parry.htm

It ended up bought by Chevrolet and eventually became Body by Fisher.

I would love to find more information, like production numbers, etc.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

That looks like a fun restoration project. Does it have a gas tank date on it.
I have one of the first 5 production Ford station wagons, 12/10/28. I restored it in the mid 70s using most if it's original wood. It will be at the MARC national in San Diego and also at the Dana Point Concours D' Elegance this summer. I don't drive it much, so the old restoration is still in concours condition.

Yes, the gas tank date is: 10-10-28. The frame number is: A510648. The motor number has apparently re-stamped: RF2056, whatever that may mean.

I will be at the MARC national meet for the first couple days, and will definitely look you up! It will be good to see your car. It sounds very nice!

Ben

[Elcastor]

Here is a picture of a friend's 1926 Model T Martin-Parry Station Wagon. There are many similarities to my 1928 in the wood work details, and the hardware used. These similarities are another reason that I believe that the one I have is a Martin=Parry.



Similarities that I see from this picture are: Panel configuration and panel stiffeners, door hinges and door handles, the rear corner bracket, the type of bolts used at the vertical posts that bolt to the interior support brackets, the way the fender is attached to the side of the vehicle, and that the fender is same width from front to rear, and the tail gate support straps.

Ben

[Special Coupe Frank]

Just an observation: the two wagons in the M-P "Tale-Gate" brochure have rear fenders that look very-much like late Model-T fenders.

The rear fenders on the '28 Chevy Wagon look very similar to the ones on Ben's car...

[Brian T]

Hello Ben,
I came across this 26 T at a truck show in Perris Ca this past weekend, it would not have have caught my eye had I not seen your posting regarding your resto with your 28 A with this type of body so I thought maybe these pictures may help, I have more pics should you need them,
Regards Brian.

[ratamahata]

I found this link http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=513569 is the same car

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by ratamahata

I found this link http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=513569 is the same car

One and the same. I bought it from Neil. It was advertised on a number of sites prior to me buying it.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Brian T

Hello Ben,
I came across this 26 T at a truck show in Perris Ca this past weekend, it would not have have caught my eye had I not seen your posting regarding your resto with your 28 A with this type of body so I thought maybe these pictures may help, I have more pics should you need them,
Regards Brian.

That one is interesting because of the extra high wood sides. I wish I had his name plate!!! Thanks for thinking of me and attaching the pictures.

You don't have a good picture of how the rear fenders were attached, do you? I will get it all redone next fall/winter after returning from my summer travels and parts purchases. :-)

[ratamahata]

What a beauty!! congrats and good restoration...

[Dave Mellor NJ]

That car was in a collection called "Antique Cars of Hatfield, Pa. It sold along with many other cars and parts at an auction about five years ago.Hatfield is a suburb of Philadelphia, about 25 miles to the north The auctioneer was named "Alderfer Auctions". You might be able to contact them to find the previous ownership. I saw this for sale last year and asked if it was the same one but got no reply.I was surprised it changed coasts.

[ratamahata]

I found a link http://www.alderferauction.com/conte...px?EventId=967

[ratamahata]

Originally Posted by Elcastor

Here is a picture of a friend's 1926 Model T Martin-Parry Station Wagon. There are many similarities to my 1928 in the wood work details, and the hardware used. These similarities are another reason that I believe that the one I have is a Martin=Parry.



Similarities that I see from this picture are: Panel configuration and panel stiffeners, door hinges and door handles, the rear corner bracket, the type of bolts used at the vertical posts that bolt to the interior support brackets, the way the fender is attached to the side of the vehicle, and that the fender is same width from front to rear, and the tail gate support straps.

Ben

much coincidence!! look the model T woodie

[Brad in Germany]

Could it be a Mifflinburg body instead maybe?



Fordially,
Brad in Germany

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Dave Mellor NJ

That car was in a collection called "Antique Cars of Hatfield, Pa. It sold along with many other cars and parts at an auction about five years ago.Hatfield is a suburb of Philadelphia, about 25 miles to the north The auctioneer was named "Alderfer Auctions". You might be able to contact them to find the previous ownership. I saw this for sale last year and asked if it was the same one but got no reply.I was surprised it changed coasts.

Thank you for your comment!! This lead confirms one that I got a few months ago. I sent Alderfer Auctions a brief email at that time asking about it and got no reply. I guess that I may have to follow up with a phone call.

Thanks again.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by ratamahata

I found a link http://www.alderferauction.com/conte...px?EventId=967

You guys here at the Ford Barn are GREAT!! See my next comment!!!!!!

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by ratamahata

much coincidence!! look the model T woodie

I do not know about the Model T Woodie, but look at the bottom row, left picture!!!! That is the car that I now own! I am 100% sure because I have that broken windshield as one of the pieces that came with the vehicle. It was replaced with a new one and frame, but they kept the original and sent it with the vehicle that I bought!!!!

Now I need to sort out when it was auctioned. It seems that it was sold January 2008, instead of about 5 years ago, or was resold again in January 2008.

Yes! Ford Barners are in the know!!

OK, one last question. Who stole the horn and rear view mirror????

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Brad in Germany

Could it be a Mifflinburg body instead maybe?



Fordially,
Brad in Germany

Thanks for the thought, but no. It does not have a vertical strips on the side panels, only horizontal. This is one quick way of knowing that is is not Ford either.

[Elcastor]

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Now that I know where it was sold, does anyone else know anything about the history of this vehicle before it went to auction, or after it was sold at auction?

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by Elcastor

Now that I know where it was sold, does anyone else know anything about the history of this vehicle before it went to auction, or after it was sold at auction?

You got it from Neil...

Who did Neil get it from?

What does your time line look like now?

Pluck

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

You got it from Neil...

Who did Neil get it from?

What does your time line look like now?

Pluck

That was the very first thing I tried. Neil said that the person he bought it from was not very helpful, but that may have been where I got the name Alderfer Auctions from. When I asked asked them about the vehicle, I had told them 4 - 5 years ago and described it as a 1928 Martin-Parry Model A Ford. I see that they sold it as a 1929 Ford Woody, which would explain why I got no where with Alderfer Auction.

[Elcastor]

I have a couple updates to this original post................

Someone told me that a 1928 Martin-Parry Station Wagon was the feature car in the February issue, 1965 Hemmings Motor News. I found the issue on eBay and bought it. Here is the picture on the front page.




And here is the information that was inside the magazine.

Hemmings Motor News

February 1965

Feature Car of the Month

Rev. John O. Mellin of New York owns our feature car this month. Rev. Mellin states this is a very rare 1928 Ford wagon and from his information believes only 5 were built. It was on a commercial chassis, black metal work and the body patterned after the late Model T wagons made before the carriage shops re-tooled for Henry’s “A” styling. Rev. Mellin restored this car during two years of work. Syverson has advised Rev. Mellin the body is a Martin Perry Body but he would like more information on it. This car is now in Orleans, Mass., and Rev. Mellin has located 2 others of the original five wagons built, one in Mass., and the other in New Hampshire. Rev. Mellin’s address is First Presbyterian Church, 12 West 12th St., New York, N. Y.

I sent the above information to a contact on the East Coast and he replied back as follows:

I read the Hemmings article with much interest, given that one of the 5 possible cars was located in Orleans, MA. on Cape Cod and I have a vacation home in Chatham, the next town. This morning I called Rich Bell a gentleman I've known for years, he lives in Wellfleet, also next to Orleans. Rich has sold Model-A's and parts out of his barn since just after WW11. When I mentioned the car he knew right away who owned the car,Rev. Mellin he said. In fact, Rich was the broker that sold the car for Rev. Mellin to a Mr. McEvoy. He even gave me Mr McEvoy's address--56 Pleasant St., Hyannis, MA. He said Mr. McEvoy was getting on in years, but as far as he knew the car was still in Hyannis and owned by Mr. McEvoy. It might be a long shot given Mr. McEvoy's age, but he might be a source of info.

Based on the above information I looked up Mr. McEvoy on the internet and then called him. He sounded sharp as a tack for his age. He still owns that same Martin-Parry Station Wagon and had it in this last 4th of July Parade. My friend is going to visit Mr. McEvoy and take lots of pictures for me of his car.

Hurray!! Progress on my research and you never know where it might come from!

[Jason in TX]

Wow. That is a good lead!

[Deluxe Delivery Don]

Originally Posted by Elcastor

I have a couple updates to this original post................

Someone told me that a 1928 Martin-Parry Station Wagon was the feature car in the February issue, 1965 Hemmings Motor News. I found the issue on eBay and bought it. Here is the picture on the front page.




And here is the information that was inside the magazine.

Hemmings Motor News

February 1965

Feature Car of the Month

Rev. John O. Mellin of New York owns our feature car this month. Rev. Mellin states this is a very rare 1928 Ford wagon and from his information believes only 5 were built. It was on a commercial chassis, black metal work and the body patterned after the late Model T wagons made before the carriage shops re-tooled for Henry’s “A” styling. Rev. Mellin restored this car during two years of work. Syverson has advised Rev. Mellin the body is a Martin Perry Body but he would like more information on it. This car is now in Orleans, Mass., and Rev. Mellin has located 2 others of the original five wagons built, one in Mass., and the other in New Hampshire. Rev. Mellin’s address is First Presbyterian Church, 12 West 12th St., New York, N. Y.

I sent the above information to a contact on the East Coast and he replied back as follows:

I read the Hemmings article with much interest, given that one of the 5 possible cars was located in Orleans, MA. on Cape Cod and I have a vacation home in Chatham, the next town. This morning I called Rich Bell a gentleman I've known for years, he lives in Wellfleet, also next to Orleans. Rich has sold Model-A's and parts out of his barn since just after WW11. When I mentioned the car he knew right away who owned the car,Rev. Mellin he said. In fact, Rich was the broker that sold the car for Rev. Mellin to a Mr. McEvoy. He even gave me Mr McEvoy's address--56 Pleasant St., Hyannis, MA. He said Mr. McEvoy was getting on in years, but as far as he knew the car was still in Hyannis and owned by Mr. McEvoy. It might be a long shot given Mr. McEvoy's age, but he might be a source of info.

Based on the above information I looked up Mr. McEvoy on the internet and then called him. He sounded sharp as a tack for his age. He still owns that same Martin-Parry Station Wagon and had it in this last 4th of July Parade. My friend is going to visit Mr. McEvoy and take lots of pictures for me of his car.

Hurray!! Progress on my research and you never know where it might come from!

That is so cool about the research. Keep searching and can't wait for the pic's

[pat in Santa Cruz]

WOW, Ben, you are diligent!!
This is turning out to be a great story. Old cars are wonderful, and with a good story, they are great cars.

[sawzall]

son of a GUN!


I was at that auction.. and because it wasn't far from home I actually also attended the preview..

of all the photos I took those two days, only a few are of the Martin perry wagon..


here are the pictures I took on the preview day and the auction day.. ( i had attended the preview of the auction because at the time I was working on the reconstruction of my 40 Woodie..)

http://public.fotki.com/sawzallshop/...en/page12.html


Sadly I didnt pay much attention to the model a because I was so focused on the later ford..

heres a link I posted on the hamb AFTER the auction.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...light=alderfer


according to another poster the MP prohably sold for about 5K..
to whom, I dont know..