What's your guess on when this article was written?
What model are they writing about?
Sounds like "classic" Henry Ford. Lock the project in a secret room with a few confidants until it's ready to "roll out"
was told by Mrs. Ford that she was with child, the new model Edsel?
Steve,
That's a good one. It changes the whole "complexion" of the article. Unfortunately, incorrect.
I sent this around by email earlier, and another guess was "Edsel", however I think he meant the car......
Rob
I figured I'd be wrong but couldn't resist! You do a fantastic job of researching these old Fords, I for one enjoy all of your information which you post here and on the Early Ford site. By the way I have my 09 running and driving but just in the yard.
Steve,
Thank you.
Two responses I've received by email said "Model K". Model K is not the correct answer.
Please play responsibly
Rob
This could have been the Model N.
...introduced a prototype car that did not require a storage battery for ignition.
Jan 21, 1908?
???
-Keith
So far, the vote tally (including email):
Model K* - 2 votes
Model N 1906 - 2
Edsel (no year) - 2
Model T Prototype w/mag, 1908 - 1
* This is not a Model K article
999
Probably not a speed machine, so I go with the original Model A. Although I don't think they sold one until June or July, 1903.
Current - including email and PM:
...Type...............................Year.........Votes
Model K*.............................................. 2
Model N..............................1906............4
Edsel.....................................................2
Model T Prototype w/mag.....1908.............1
999.......................................................1
Model A..................................................1
Model T...............................1908............2
* - not a Model K article
Another vote, 08 T:
...Type...............................Year.........Votes
Model K*.............................................. 2
Model N..............................1906............4
Edsel.....................................................2
Model T Prototype w/mag.....1908.............1
999.......................................................1
Model A..................................................1
Model T...............................1908............3
* - not a Model K article
Another 1908 "T". This one makes a good point:
"Since Henry was already the "builder, designer, and driver of speed machines..." at that point, I'm thinking he was working on the T. I'll say Jan. of '08. "
Now at:
...Type...............................Year.........Votes
Model K*.............................................. 2
Model N..............................1906............4
Edsel.....................................................2
Model T Prototype w/mag.....1908.............1
999.......................................................1
Model A..................................................1
Model T...............................1908............4
* - not a Model K article
I agree with the others, Henry is feverishly working on the Model T, and this is about January, of '08.
If I remember correctly, it was about that time that Ford let the word out about a new car, and he promised it to be available in the Spring of '08. That would, in January, have him feverishly working on the final details.
Keith
Keith, I think your jumping on the bandwagon...
Now at:
...Type...............................Year.........Votes
Model K*.............................................. 2
Model N..............................1906............4
Edsel.....................................................2
Model T Prototype w/mag.....1908.............1
999.......................................................1
Model A..................................................1
Model T...............................1908............5
* - not a Model K article
And one for "Model B", 1904. I'll try to show the entire article tonight for anyone following with "bated breath" (not sure I ever understood that cliche),
Rob
And another vote for Model N .
Now at:
...Type...............................Year.........Votes
Model K*.............................................. 2
Model N..............................1906............5
Edsel.....................................................2
Model T Prototype w/mag.....1908.............1
999.......................................................1
Model A..................................................1
Model T...............................1908............5
Model B...............................1904............1
* - not a Model K article
The main clue is referring to Henry as a designer, builder and driver of speed machines, and not the manufacturer of motor cars. Note "driver". The last speedster that Henry drove himself is the one he drove was against Winton. I tend to go with the 999 or Arrow.
For more on Bated Breath look here.
Darrel,
Good points. However, contrary to what much of written Ford history tells us, the last occurrence I've found of Henry Ford driving one of his racers in competition is September 1905 when he drives his six cylinder racer in the Cape May races. He drives the racer to a tie of the American one kilometer record. Unfortunately (because this would have placed he and the six cylinder racer in the race history books) the record is broken the same day at the same race by Walter Christie.
Henry Ford also drove his racer Arrow to the world one mile speed record the year before (January 1904) on a frozen lake in Michigan.
The last mention (that i've found) of Henry Ford driving a racer for time was in late September 1907. Again it was the Ford six cylinder racer. He (Ford) was reported to make a mile in 53 seconds with the racer (the world one mile circular record was 51 seconds at that time) at the Michigan State Fair track.
I'll put you down as a vote for 999/Arrow, thanks,
Rob
Now at:
...Type...............................Year.........Votes
Model K*.............................................. 2
Model N..............................1906............5
Edsel.....................................................2
Model T Prototype w/mag.....1908.............1
999/Arrow..........................1902.............2
Model A..................................................1
Model T...............................1908............5
Model B...............................1904............1
* - not a Model K article
I don't see the answer yet. My guess, model N.
Wayne,
Just turning in, I'll get the article up tomorrow. You've put the Model N s ahead of T s. have a good weekend,
Rob
Now at:
...Type...............................Year.........Votes
Model K*.............................................. 2
Model N..............................1906............6
Edsel.....................................................2
Model T Prototype w/mag.....1908.............1
999/Arrow..........................1902.............2
Model A..................................................1
Model T...............................1908............5
Model B...............................1904............1
* - not a Model K article
Goodnight, Rob. Decent time for a change.