Wow, your right! I never noticed the difference before. Mine are more of a diamond tread and the older ones are a block.
i love this "T", its for sale if i won the lotto i'd buy it...... http://classiccarsplus.net/1927BLACKWIDOW.htm
Anyone pick up on who the photographer was in the Car Craft ""T" for TWO" article? Some guy named George Barris...
I like the idea of cycle fenders (i.e. safety and practicality). They aren't always executed as well as these are, however, and look like an afterthought. Also, they are usually black to minimize their visual impact. These are executed very well and I think incorporate well into the car's design.
Looks like the same thing happend to the Jackie Howerton roadster. Hot rod gets changed into a show rod.