at least three Model T’s were obtained by the studio for use in the film.
Model T “#1” was functional and driven on screen by the first Disney Legend, Fred MacMurray. It is believed that this car remained in the possession of the Disney studio and was last displayed by the Walt Disney Archives in 2014 at a special VIP event hosted by Bob Iger on the grounds of The Walt Disney Studios.
Prior to that, the Model T was featured for over a year in the Archives’ 2012 exhibit, D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
A second car used in production had all mechanical parts removed and was “flown” via cables attached from above. Model T “#3” also appeared to fly by being lifted and hoisted in the air from below.
After the completion of both films, cars “#2” and “#3” were liquidated from the studio’s assets.
It’s true that one of the cars found its way into the possession of Bill Harrah.
When the Harrah collection was auctioned at the first auction in Sept 1984, a Reno native, William C. Thornton, had a winning bid of $5,000, and became the owner. With that kind of price tag, it’s understandable why he bought the Model T. As he told a reporter, “It was the only thing at the auction I could afford!”
In May 2018, Thornton’s family contacted the Walt Disney Archives having decided that perhaps it was time that the well-preserved car could be celebrated and appreciated under the ownership of The Walt Disney Company.
there are a couple other fun car things in the movie too...
the garage workbench had this tool board above it.. nice bit of scene decoration
like this 1960 Mercury Commuter Country Cruiser.... I've NEVER heard of it. And this one in the movie is not the normal kind, there's something going on with the roof, it's taller and squared off
above the movie car, below, a standard one
https://www.imcdb.org/v065311.html and https://www.mad4wheels.com/mercury/commuter-country-cruiser-1960
Do you suppose the Mercury was made to be an ambulance, hearse, or something similar?
ReplyDeleteNo, I have a very odd theory. In the movie, the Model T flies, and he takes out some vengeance on his competition for his girlfriends attention. This other guy is a better dancer, drives a better car, etc. Schmoozy snake of a guy.
DeleteSo, our hero with the flying model T (Fred McMurray) drops the model T on him several times.
Whats that got to do with this unusual top on the Mercury?
HA! THAT Mercury is the bad guys car!
It MIGHT have that extra thick top, might even be foam, to prevent severe damage, OR to spread out the force of the impact of the 4 narrow Model T tires so nothing goes wrong with filming the scene.
Just my guess.
Now, WHY didn't I think of that when I was making this post? No idea. But I think I'm satisfied that my theory solves my puzzle
Sounds good to me.
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