I am not a car expert by any means. I hope I never have to identify a getaway car, for instance. I can give a description of details, but I can’t identify the make or year of a vehicle. My husband can. I am amazed sometimes at how he can tell me a year of a car when it sees it way down the street. But I am not asking him the questions I have because the answers lie in the early history of the American automobile–and I doubt he knows much about those first cars.
So I ask you: is this first one a Model T car? Or is it something else? And what year might it be? Sometime in the 20s, I believe.
The car is driven by my great-grandfather, Frank Klein. That’s my grandmother sitting shotgun. In the back is her sister Helen and her mother, my great-grandmother. Their house in Elmhurst, Illinois, is behind the car. That looks like a sawhorse on the left. I wonder what is underneath and why it’s there.
Here’s a photo of what I think is a different car. Notice the different roof, headlamps, etc. Do they both have the same double windshield? I can’t figure out the background/setting at all. I love these “motoring” outfits. What kind of car is this?
Do you have old photos with cars in them? How did you determine what kind of car?
The Family Kalamazoo 
I wish I could help you here, but I can’t tell current models without their name or trademark on them! Like you, I’ve just never paid attention. If the motor starts, it’s enough for me! But great photos!!
LOL, Amy. There seems to be some kind of gene that allows someone to truly “see” cars. I do not have that gene and I guess you don’t either!
I think the second car might be an R.E. Olds.
But maybe not.
The first car might be a Model T or a Model A Ford.
Why not shoot these pix over to the Gilmore Car Museum for ID? I bet they would love to do it. http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/
How did you stick a photo in your comment? I am always wanting to do that and didn’t know how to do it!!!! Please tell. That is a gorgeous red car above. Gee, I wonder if the car museum would be willing to do that. It would be nice than just guessing. Great idea, WJ!!!
I copied the web address of that photo. I found it on Flicker, so actually, it’s not mine….
So to put a photo I need to use a web address then. Good to know!
Love the pics–I want an old car!
I know–they look like such fun!
I’ll copy and borrow your photo and run it past a fellow who I think might be able to help. In the early days of autos, there were literally manufacturers who set up shop in their own garage. One rather famous one here in Indy, just set aside a bit of floor space in the production barn he used to churn out wagons…and yes, I believe he used the same chasis!
Oh, that is interesting info!!! The same body as for a wagon?! Yes, thanks! Let me know what he thinks!
I’ll see if I get anything out of him. I directed him to your page. Fingers crossed! I’ll bet Jay Leno would know
Jay Leno might not know any cards that are worth less than $300,000.
Oh I don’t know…a car guy is a car guy! These may be “Early Autos 101” but if they have the antique car geek bug…they’re gonna know them all 😉
You’re probably right! I’m sure they are Early Autos 101!
I’m hopeless with car identification, though I do know that the two shots show different makes/models. I think you’re getting some really good advice here. The only thing I’d do, if I wanted an answer quickly is google “1920s cars” or similar and check out the images that come up. That could lead to useful websites if nothing else. Good luck!
Thank you! I was sure they were different! Thanks so much, Su!
You’re welcome. Hope you have some success identifying what models they are. Cheers, Su.
I cannot help you but enjoyed this post and always love old photos, Luanne!
Robin, me too. I love scrolling through blog posts full of old photos!!
I can’t identfy any car – past or present other than a VW bug. But THE HATS those women are wearing in the second photo are WAY COOL – then or now!!
You and me both, my dear–I LOVE the hats. What I am hoping to figure out is if the photo with the women is earlier by several years than the other photo. That is my suspicion, but am not sure. But the one with the hats–one of my favorite of my old photos.
We watched a hatmaker in Paris in a tiny shop. Not monstrous hats like these, but daintier ones with beautiful feathers. She made beautiful art. Of course these 1920’s hats served functional purposes to protect from elements, but they are charming nonetheless.
So charming! That would be fun! So the Paris hatmaker made more like “jewelry” for the head, huh?
Exactly. I SO wanted to bring one home but my ‘seasoned traveler’ side reminded me how carried away I can get buying cultural fashions that I never wear once I’m back in Colorado-casual land!!
An expert better than I will have to be consulted. All I can say is, it should be from the 20’s since it still has a crank.
Ah see, I didn’t know that about a crank. (Note to self–look up cranks!) Thank you so much!
Good luck!