1927 Ford Model T Doctor’s Coupe
Betty (named after Betty White) joined our collection in 2022. She was a local to Mobile barn find.
The Ford Model T “Doctor’s Coupe”: An Icon of Ingenuity and Utility
When Ford’s Model T rolled onto the scene on October 1, 1908, it did more than just offer Americans a new way to get from point A to B—it reshaped the very idea of mobility. Affectionately dubbed the “Tin Lizzie,” this unassuming machine would go on to revolutionize not only transportation but industry itself.
Priced at $825 at launch (about $27,000 in today’s money), it was far more accessible than most other automobiles of the time. But affordability was just the beginning. Henry Ford and his team pioneered the moving assembly line, a marvel of efficiency that slashed production times and forever changed manufacturing. Thanks to this innovation, Ford was able to drop prices significantly over the years, eventually offering a brand-new Model T for just $260—around $4,700 today.
By the 1920s, the Model T had become a common sight on American roads, with more than half of the world’s automobiles bearing its badge. It was reliable, easy to repair, and tough enough to handle the rough terrain of early roads, making it a favorite among everyone from farmers to city folk.
One particularly beloved variant was the so-called “Doctor’s Coupe.” Though never officially labeled as such by Ford—he simply called it the Coupe—this model earned its nickname thanks to its practical design. Enclosed with a full steel body, roof, and doors, it offered much-needed protection from the elements, making it ideal for physicians making house calls in rain, snow, or shine. With room in the back for medical equipment and a reputation for dependability, the Coupe was the perfect partner for a doctor on the go.
Beyond its practical uses, the Model T also sowed the seeds of the classic car culture we know today. As the first car many people ever owned, and with its legacy as a mechanical milestone, the Model T remains a cornerstone in the world of automotive collecting.
