MTFCA Forum

As Henry Ford and Ford Motor Co. dealt with the fallout from A. Y. Malcomson’s creation of a competing concern, Ford was demonstrating his multi-tasking abilities. Revolutionary models K and N were still experiencing design changes. Ford Manufacturing Co., created to build the forecast 10,000 Model N motors, was not yet incorporated (Henry Ford would own 58% of Ford Manufacturing). The Selden patent suit was ramping up, with Ford and his engineers constructing an example of a Lenoir motor driven car, demonstrating that Selden’s patent was not the first gasoline driven auto patent. Ford was also experimenting with ethanol on his motors in anticipation of Congress passing the free-alcohol bill. He was also beginning work on his first farm tractor.

Last, and not least, he was putting the finishing touches on his six cylinder racer, planning to make the early 1906 Ormond-Daytona races. This was his third version of the racer, first revealed at Ormond in 1905. The motor had been increased from 1,017 cubic inches to 1,103 c.i., out-sizing his world record setting 999 and Arrow.
Below, the 3 versions of the six cylinder racer. 1st, the original early 1905 racer, with Henry Ford at the wheel, at Ormond beach in early 1905:
2nd, how the racer appeared at the Jersey shore beach races, late August and early September 1905, with two of his primary competitors at those races:
The 3rd of 4 versions of Fords racer. Frank Kulick is at the wheel in this early 1906 photo. The racer, now with more horsepower, is lower with other improvements:

Wow! That is a lot of American builders hoping for greatness in an upcoming race! Big names with a lot on the line. (Hopefully.)