Models B and K are “near and dear” to my heart as an early Ford enthusiast. Personally (as many on this forum may recall), I’m not a believer in many “histories” regarding the two models, and Henry Ford’s relationship with them.
I appreciate Jim’s interest in the Model B (as well as Kim’s work with this early 1905 B car). Let’s examine a few “facts,” then I’ll dive into a few of my “opinions.” I reserve the right to be wrong..........
The Model B was designed throughout the 1904 calendar year. Initially, Ford announced they would produce a 15-16 hp air cooled four cylinder model in early 1904. This was about the same time Ford brought out the ‘improved” 10 hp Model A (there was not Model AC. Ford produced a 1903 8 hp Model A, then upgraded the model to a 10 hp motor and other improvements coinciding for the most part with Ford’s fiscal year, 1904 (Oct 1, 1903 - Sep 31, 1904). Ford Motor Company (FMC) was immediately successful, issuing dividends to shareholders as early as late 1903 (Board of Directors meeting minutes).
Ford initially planned, and even produced and showed a prototype, of a moderate to low priced four cylinder touring car the first half of calendar year 1904. It was to be a four cylinder, air cooled side entrance touring car, with a 15-16 hp rating:
The link below includes a February 1904 “Horseless Age” article about the Ford touring car. The new model contains several features that will be the future of Ford cars over the next 20 plus years, including a four cylinder front mounted motor, and enclosed drive shaft Ford patented rearend with three point construction.
Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k0mbiw7rrrb4y ... d.pdf?dl=0
Remember, this is early 1904. FMC has marketed automobiles for just over 6 months, and we see a glimpse of what it is to come.
Later during the summer of 1904, FMC announces their four cylinder touring will be placed on the market later in the year, with a 20-24 hp water cooled motor (the future Model B). Ford announced two models for the 1905 model year, B and C. Both cars begin marketing for FY 1905 (Oct 1, 1904) and continued through FY 1905. By the end of calendar year 1904, over 50 Model B and 20 Model C have reached the marketplace (my estimate. Methodology - Trent Boggess’ early Ford database shows 17 Model B, and 5 Model C produced by Jan 1, 1906. All things being equal [and they usually aren’t], we know this is about 1/3 of the Model B records (Model B had it’s own engine/unit numbering system, whereas the two cylinder models, A, C and soon F, have a continuous number system). 17 B and 5 C sales records remain for calendar year 1904, and we know the Model B number up to #51 or 52 as of Jan 1, 1905............... way too much information.........).
We also have an excellent record for early Ford activities and fiscal decisions from the Board of Directors minutes. In these, we learn that FMC directors initially agreed to purchase 250 differentials from American Ball Bearing for the 1905 FY, agreeing at their November 14, 1904 board meeting to wait to determine if another 250 Model B should be contracted for. This page tells us a few things. First, that the first 250 B differentials cost FMC $16, 025, or $64 per differential. It also lists the number of Model B and C contracted with FMC branch offices. The document also reports Mr. Aldrich will report back on the cost of producing the Model B at the next meeting:
On November 29th, at the next board meeting, “Mr. Dodge motioned, and Mr. Ford seconded, that parts be purchased for an additional 250 Model B cars. Carried.”
Unfortunately, unlike FMC audit information available for 1906, 07 and 08, we don’t have audit records for individual model sales, costs and profits for fiscal year 1905. However, we do have the overall month by month sales, and combined with Trent Boggess early Ford sales ledgers, we may estimate the approximate sales per model. Using the 1905 FY audit showing total car sales per mont, and prorating actual sales shown in Trent’s database, we may estimate that sales of Model B were good for the first three months of the new (1905) model year for the new Model B in comparison with C and A sales:
At the end of the day, FMC sold about 880 Model C, and about 500 Model B. At $2,000 per car, the Model B was a moderately priced car for 1905, and the least expensive four cylinder car on the market. With sales comparable to Pierce, Winton and other producers of higher end cars, it appears to have been very competitive in it’s market range in 1905. Another interesting point, with seven remaining Model B today, the survival of the Ford Model B is higher than several of these marquee, including Pierce.
I’ll close this post with another page from the Ford BOD minutes. This page, dated May 16th, 1905, reports “a large number letters from agents was submitted showing conditions and reasons for the small demand of the 2 cyl Models.” As a result of these letters, the BOD agreed to significantly lower the price of models C and F.
I have not seen another time in early Ford board minutes or actions when prices for any model were lowered across the board. The fact the Model B price was not lowered, nor mentioned, speaks volumes to me about the viability of the Model B for Ford Motor Company.
