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The Body Shop: 1924

Washington, D.C., or vicinity, 1924. Exhibit C in the Case of the Battered Buick -- our third photo with the caption "Max Wiehle" and our second look at this tattered Model T, which we can now see is at a "Repair Shop Garage." Where the mechanics seem to be following the baseball scores. View full size.

Washington, D.C., or vicinity, 1924. Exhibit C in the Case of the Battered Buick -- our third photo with the caption "Max Wiehle" and our second look at this tattered Model T, which we can now see is at a "Repair Shop Garage." Where the mechanics seem to be following the baseball scores. View full size.

 

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The driver of this car

Probably ended up at the other body shop -- the morgue.

T Totaler

Let's see. Even at $2, $5, or $10 for some of the parts, I see a lot of stuff that needs to be replaced to fix this car (i.e. windshields, top irons, fabric roof, steering wheel, hood, front axle, radiator, radiator surround, headlight, fender, etc.). The driver door area is a mess and that isn't even a door, but part of the body. A new Model T touring car in 1924 was around $290, so I would guess that this car would be totaled. Did they have collision insurance then? Or if they did, would a Model T owner pay for it? I guess maybe this car was in line to actually be repaired.

In Those Days

They had stronger breastbones.

The steering spokes are the only thing that separates this accident from "car hits tree" and "tree falls on car!"

Looks like the repairs are underway, judging from the bolts and castle nut or maybe a bearing on that running board.

Distracted driving

Can't blame this one on Texting.

Actually

It doesn't look that bad from this angle, Dave. Coupla days and it'll be good as new, maybe better.

Oh, they had crumple zones, all right

Just like cars of today except back then the crumple zone consisted of your jaw and all of your teeth. I'm amazed the wood spokes on both front wheels look OK but they most likely were not caught up in the collision.

Shows what 87 years will do for you.

A late model car in this shape today is totalled. A Model-T car in this shape today is going to be restored, and will somehow live on.

[On the other hand, a modern car in the same collision wouldn't be in this shape. - Dave]

Not the Good Ol' Days

As much as I love vintage cars (and these shots), automotive safety has come a long way since these days. I can't imaging smacking that steering column at any speed.

As Advertised

Handyman special.

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