Henry Ford, Frank Kulick, and early Fords like you may not have seen them before.

[Rob]

We came across a "colorizing" site that is amazing. It enhances photos (even faded newspaper), colorizes, and even animates (although I haven't used that feature). Frank Kulick was one of Fords first employees, and went on to be nationally known as Ford's primary race car driver between 1904 and 1912. These will be random and I'll keep adding as I convert them.

Henry and Clara Ford with a 1905 Model B:

C17865A6-0F89-4852-A7E5-7194A430D59A.jpeg (59.3 KiB) Viewed 6301 times

6E557898-E9D9-431A-A8FB-71A70293D120.jpeg (51.47 KiB) Viewed 6301 times

Frank Kulick seated on the 1100 cubic inch six cylinder racer. I suspect this photo was taken prior to Kulick attempting a world record on the Michigan State Fairground track in October, 1907, just before his near fatal accident:

[Bud Delong]

Henry was young, Clara was a looker, and Frank looked like the org double clutching weasel!!! Bud.

[TXGOAT2]

Is that a rear view mirror to the right of the firewall? I thought rear view mirrors were pioneered on Ray Harroun's Marmon Wasp in 1911 (?) at the Indy 500.

[Rob]

Pat, all i see is the sidelamp (unless I'm missing it). I've found colorizing brings the people "back to life," and sometimes reveals items I didn't pick up in the faded black and white original.

Here's one I'll call "speculative" because that's all it is.

This excerpt from Mr. and Mrs. Scott's Reminiscences reveal that Henry Ford's personal Model K was painted maroon, with blue wheels. I've had this copy of a Ford Times showing a Model K in the background. The license plate is number 1212. Another Remberance tells us that license plate was used on Ford Motor Co. testing and owned cars. The man beside the car looks like the chauffer.

Excerpt from Remberance, courtesy THF, all rights apply:

Enhanced but still black and white photo of Ford Times:

Colorized page:

I've found the colors may, or may not be correct. The program seems good at identifying people and skin tones, but I have no idea how correct other colors may be. Still, could it be? The program certainly decided this Model K should be maroon......

[DanTreace]

Is that a rear view mirror to the right of the firewall? I thought rear view mirrors were pioneered on Ray Harroun's Marmon Wasp in 1911 (?) at the Indy 500.

Here is a full view from Rob's earlier posting, that 'mirror thing' is some sort of foot operated pedal, it has a long spring return going to the frame rail.

As for rear view, or 'looking back' or diminishing mirrors, those were in use long before the 1911 Indy race. Perhaps Harroun's use was the first for a racer, but rear view mirrors were on autos years earlier.

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

Jencinci colorization is mind blowing. I would love to see some early Ford pictures done by him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3JtZCRJ-5I

https://www.jecinci.com/

[Rob]

More Model B.

What's rarer than a Model B? C.H. Wills driving a Model B Roadster:

[cessna53195]

Rob is that a six cylinder model N ? The hood looks long...just wondering...Robert

[Rob]

Bob, no, a Model B. They were about a 280 cu. in. four cylinder. Ford's first production four cylinder car, and utilized Ford's patented three point enclosed drive shaft/differential system that carried over to the four and six cylinder models to come, including the Model T.

As long as we're on it. A London consortium raised the money for, and submitted a contract for 200 Model B chassis in late 1905. However, Ford had already switched over to prepare to produce models K and N. Below, 12 London Model B taxis, as well as the story:

[Rob]

"Home of the Celebrated Ford Automobiles"

Five Model K and I think seven Model N leave Piquette for road testing. Frank Kulick, head K tester, is driving the second Model K. I believe this was taken during the winter of 1906-07:

[Rob]

Dan, thank you for re-posting the Kulick pic. It's not cropped, and I think the resolution is better. Below is a "before and after" pic of Frank Kulick's face, as well as the entire pic colorized:

In 1907 FMC bought the Highland Park area, including a one mile horse racing track. During the summer of 1907 Ford raced cars on Saturdays, and the races were open to the public. Ford had specific conditions how the races would be conducted, including holding three cars a week back to compete on Saturdays.

"Automobile" magazine had an article about Fords being tested during the week. You can just see a second Model K in the dust behind the lead K in the pic from the magazine:

[DanTreace]

Rob

Terrific pictures , thanks! And again to your work on the real history of the “Big Six Ford”!

The horse track weekly runs of the Model K, which I didn’t know, along with your previous research sure finally puts to rest that ‘Henry Ford disliked the K, and 6 cylinder motors’ as complete fiction!

[Rob]

Dan, thank you. It's all our late friend Tim Kelly's fault. He gave me a ride in his K, and I knew immediately somebody was making it up about the K not being a good car........

As long as we're on the subject of testers......

Henry Ford riding with a tester on a 1906 chassis:

A 1907-08 K being tested (wider radiator and longer wheelbase and under frame trussing added):

One of my favorites, the Model K that led the Ocean to Ocean racers at the start of the race in New York. I've often thought this was probably one of the most photographed Model K in existence, just because it led the procession. F. W. Teves, who worked for Ford in New York, is the driver. The K is owned by Ford Motor Company. I've often thought it surprising that Henry Ford would have allowed one of his Model K to lead the procession, if he disliked them so much:

[Hudson29]

It would be very interesting to know how the colorizing software decides on the colors. One of my other hobbies is aviation history. Folks there try to sort out colors from black & white film. There were two types that I know off, the "modern" panchromatic & the older orthochromatic. The film emulsions render colors differently. For example, the ortho film rendered yellow as a dark color rather than a light one. Looking at a photo of a 1930s P-12 the chrome yellow wings sometimes look as dark as the ARMY green fuselage. In absence of a written description of what the colors should be it is really something of a guessing game.

How does the software sort these differences?

[Rob]

Paul, that's a good question. In the past, I used the link below. It is quite hit or miss, but a good start. Then, I take the pic to an app on my iPad, "Color Effects." I'd return the photo to natural grays, then "paint" back the areas I thought correct. After that, I'd "paint" in using the programs colors to try to get it right. It was quite time consuming. Below is an example:


This car and a Stoddard and Ford Six tourabout made a run from Oklahoma City to Kansas City in 1908, attempting to break the time/distance record. The roads were muddy, and therefore the cars a mess. First, the original photo:

Old method using "Colorize It" to get some coloring automatically. (link, it's free: https://demos.algorithmia.com/colorize-photos).
Then I'd use "Color Effects" to color in what I thought were correct colors and shades.

Now, I'm using this link: https://www.myheritage.com/photo-enhanc ... 271-500283

It's free for two weeks, then $149 for the first year. This is what I get automatically. The program both enhances and colors:


https://www.myheritage.com/photo-enhanc ... 271-500283


While hit or miss on faces, it sometimes brings people and scenes "back to life" much better than I could do before. I can always go back in and "doctor" a photo if I think the colors are off, such as on the Model K at the bottom:

[TWrenn]

Clara was CUTE!! Too good for that crotchety, money driven old man!!

[Rob]

Time for some racing pics.........


I should have put this up before with the K starting the Ocean to Ocean race, the two Model T entrants:

Next, Henry Ford and Ed "Spider" Huff making the new world mile record on ice in early 1904 with reconstructed Ford creation "Arrow." Notice the Model A runabout behind the racer. It looks as if the colorizing program chose to color it red. I have no idea if that was luck or if there is a way the program could detect what color to "paint" an object:

Another reason I don't think A. Y. Malcomson "forced Henry Ford" to build the Model K. I doubt anyone "told" Henry Ford what to do. At this point in his life and career, I think he was pretty independent, and certainly fearless (my opinion).

[Rob]

More racing.........

Barney Oldfield and Tom Cooper astride Ford creations Arrow and 999. The first pic shows a "before and after" colorization shot:

When Henry Ford rebuilt Arrow and set a new world record in early 1904, he was already building his next "space eliminator," the six cylinder racer. During the summer and fall of 1904, a young Frank Kulick raced another Ford creation, a four cylinder racer consisting of two two cylinder Model A type motors combined with one flywheel. Accounts claim the two motors were indeed Model A motors, however listed specifications show the motors each had larger bore and stroke than either the 10 hp Model A (and C) or later Model F engines. Kulick raced throughout the east, setting light and middle weight records, and even setting up a match race in California with Barney Oldfield in late 1904. However, the racer wasn't performing well at that meet. Kulick and the Ford beat many much larger domestic and foreign races during this time.

[Hudson29]

I love black & white photos but am enjoying these too. Despite any consideration of the color accuracy, its fun to look at pictures that have been well colorized. There is a kind of life introduced. Thanks for posting the pictures and the historical context which makes them meaningful.

On the picture of the two Model Ts above I notice the brass Ford script on the radiator is mounted at a jaunty angle. I have read someplace that the script was supposed to be mounted with a straight baseline. Now we know that there were at least a few exceptions!

[John Warren]

Rob, Love your stories and your photos, the color ones add a whole new prospective. Thanks for taking the time! jw

[Rob]

Paul, thank you. I agree, the colorization adds something, while it shouldn't replace the originals. Kind of like coloring iconic B&W movies.

Henry Ford and his six cylinder racer. I can't buy into HF not liking this. Take a look..........

The first version of the six cylinder racer, January 1905:

Following a broken crankshaft at Ormond Beach in FL, Ford completely revamped the racer, lowering it and increasing horsepower:

This is during the summer of 1905. FMC is planning Models K and N. Henry Ford was a man with a need for speed...........

[Wayne Sheldon]

Rob, I suspect that Cessna53195's question (posted 3-11-12:01 pm) "Rob is that a six cylinder model N ? The hood looks long...just wondering...Robert" was referring to the colorized photo and 'Ford Times' article from June 15, 1908 (Vol 1, number 5) you posted 3-11-9:31 am above. I had also noticed that the hood on the model N Ford appeared unusually long. I was thinking about asking that question myself, then I saw Robert S's question.
I cannot help but think that the car in the article and your colorized version of it could be the fast runabout that Henry was terrorizing the countryside with about that time. I would also wonder if the inclusion of a photo of that custom car in an article about how quickly Ford was turning out completed automobiles might have been an inside joke?

I love all this neat stuff you keep finding! While I have studied so very many black and white photos, and watched so very many black and white movies and television shows, that I almost don't even notice that something is in B&W as opposed to color? I do have to agree that colorizing some of these pictures does add some dimension of "life" to them.
As a longtime film buff, I have always found myself in a quandary over colorization of old movies. Personally, I much prefer seeing them in their original glorious black and white! On the other hand, presenting them to newer audiences that have difficulty accepting old movies in B&W does open them up to those audiences. And, along with a bit of hope, maybe some of those audiences can develop an appreciation for the old movies? And maybe some of those people can even get to enjoy them as they were originally presented.
Thanks Rob H!

[Rob]

Wayne, I had not thought of that. Yes, it does seem a bit long (hood). I would love to find a photo of the six cylinder Ford built (and exists today). Thank you for the “catch.”

I love the B&W version of “Its a Wonderful Life.” But I must say, watching the colorized version is really satisfying too.

Thank you for your contributions!

[Herb Iffrig]

I think this is the photo in question:

Ford N.JPG (21.08 KiB) Viewed 5857 times

[Rob]

More........

Between late August and September 1905, Frank Kulick took over driving the six cylinder racer. I don't know if possibly the other "powers that be" stepped in a FMC, but Henry Ford was about to leave the stage as a driver. He was 42 years old, and the head of what would soon (1907) become the largest auto manufacturer in the world.

The racer has become lower and more powerful than before. It will go through one more iteration by 1907. Below, in January 1906 at Ormond Beach:

[Rob]

Some of the best colorized photos bring the people out and give them a real presence. Below are a few well known drivers and passenger.

Below, Henry Ford driving with advertising manager Roy Pelletier riding. Clara and Edsel Ford are in the backseat. This is one of the first few Model K, evidenced by the "camel back" radiator. Some reports indicate only the first few 1906 Model K used the unusual radiator:

Two photos of Henry Ford, presumably at his farm, or a tenant farmer's home with a 1906 Ford Six. The last photo courtesy of THF, all rights apply:

F12B768C-E579-49AA-A150-7ACD53B2104B.jpeg (56.93 KiB) Viewed 5768 times

Below, George Holley and Henry Ford were personal friends, and Holley Bros. produced the Model K's unique magneto (inventor Ed Huff, patent turned over to Henry Ford). The magneto was the first working capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) in the world, and first used on production automobiles until the 1950's. The CDI theory was patented by Tesla in the late 1890's, and Huff and Ford produced a working model. Holley sold the magneto on the market, and it was optional equipment on the Thomas 40 and Grout automobiles. George Holley is the front seat passenger, and owned at least one Model K. This is also a 1906 version:

[Bud Delong]

I really don't know that Henry disliked a six as the model K and 6 cyl racers built Ford. I do know after the K and 6 cyl racers it was a very long time until Ford made a six again??? My saying Frank looked like a Double clutching weasel was a trucking name for a driver and not a negative term!! Bud.

[TXGOAT2]

Re: Mirror? U right, it's definitely a pedal. What I took to be a mirror is the sole of the driver's shoe.

[Kaiser]

Great, great, great, this just made my week, what great pictures and great research again Rob, thanks !
btw, saw some of those animated pictures of faces, it blew me away !
You should try it on some photo's of HF or Kulick...

[Rob]

Thanks guys. I may try the animated tab later. To tell the truth, it seems a little strange........


A few more. I'll probably keep posting pics that I think interesting with my uneducated guesses and information.

C.H. Wills and I believe his wife driving a 1907-08 K roadster. This is the second style roadster and he is driving w/o the rumble seat:

In front of the New York Ford Branch, Henry Ford driving, I believe R.P. Rice beside him (spelling?), James Cousens back left and Gaston Plaintiff, NY Branch Manager beside him. The reflection in the mirror is a K roadster parked behind the K touring:

Henry Ford and A. O. Smith:

And, this program seems to work well on some old postcards and cartoons.

A tattered and faded postcard, before:

[Rob]

and after:

[Rob]

I'm going to try car shows. The first is from a period magazine of the Wanamaker booth, January 1905. Models B, C and F are shown:

October (?) 1907 London auto show (Olympia):

One of the early 1906 auto shows. Frank Kulick is demonstrating one of only a couple completed Model K. The first K wouldn't be delivered until mid April, 1906. Model N weren't ready for sale until mid July, 1906:

The following two aren't very good photos, but interesting. They came to me from different locations, but are of two Model K and an N, R or S behind the second K. My guess is they were demonstrating at one of the 1907 or 08 auto shows:

The second pic (below) is parked behind the car above:

The next two could be titled "Ford Tough."

[Rob]

Below, a photo of the "Model K Plant," formerly home of Ford Manufacturing Co. In 1907 the Model K workers and Ford Manufacturing workers swapped spaces, with Manufacturing moving to Piquette. Two teams with wagons and two Model K trucks can be seen delivering parts and supplies. It looks like a Model K chassis just inside the open door:

Another "K" truck, transporting Ford Motor Company's baseball team:

Ford won the Auto Manufacturers league in 1907, defeating Packard, Cadillac, Thomas, Wayne, Northern, Reliance, De Lux and one other company team:

That "other company" also had a team vehicle:

[Duey_C]

OT. Bud might be a Del Reeves fan with the reference to Frank Kulick being the ORIGINAL double clutchin' weasel.
Me too Bud if a fan. Not a negative term at all. Tough bugger.
Been working on those lyrics for years. Girl on the Billboard (1965).
Dee da lood do doo. OT done.
Rob, these images are eerie. It really does bring more life to them.
Henry looks damn cold in 1904 on the ice. The color/clarity only accentuates that cold. With every last bit of cold and a little warm air from the engine right to his face from the slanted board. Frank Kulick might have had a slightly warmer spot. Or not... Brrrr.
And yet, Frank Kulick carries his hands closely in a couple images from 1906/1907?
Warming the fingers or a quiet, unassuming daredevil?
With a tie later too.
Body language.
Any thoughts in your research about Frank Kulick's personality?
VERY interesting! Thank you.

[DHort]

AO Smith, here in Milwaukee made car and truck frames which they shipped to Detroit. IF he is in the above picture with Ford than they probably made some Model T frames. They shut down operations here about 8-10 years ago.

[Rob]

Dave,
Yes, they built frames for Ford. A web search found this:

And this. In the nature of the thread I colorized it. The frame on the right is for Ford Models NR and S:

[Dan Haynes]

by Wayne Sheldon » Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:22 pm

Rob, I suspect that Cessna53195's question (posted 3-11-12:01 pm) "Rob is that a six cylinder model N ? The hood looks long...just wondering...Robert" was referring to the colorized photo and 'Ford Times' article from June 15, 1908 (Vol 1, number 5) you posted 3-11-9:31 am above. I had also noticed that the hood on the model N Ford appeared unusually long. I was thinking about asking that question myself, then I saw Robert S's question.
I cannot help but think that the car in the article and your colorized version of it could be the fast runabout that Henry was terrorizing the countryside with about that time. I would also wonder if the inclusion of a photo of that custom car in an article about how quickly Ford was turning out completed automobiles might have been an inside joke?

Surviving six cylinder Model "N" - Model E Ford, 1908

Model N 6 327448.jpg (85.48 KiB) Viewed 5350 times

[Rob]

Dan,
Thanks for posting the photos of the "light six." The first mention of this car I've found came in February, 1907:

My guess is the motor was built in late 1906 or early 1907. It doesn't use the McCord oiler standard on Model R when it came out in the late winter/early spring of 1907. The motor also has pad and drive opening to accommodate a magneto, another indicator this was going to be more than an N with two more cylinders. Finally, something really interesting is that the motor has larger bore and stroke than NRS motors. You can see the larger dips at the top and bottom of the crankcase to accommodate the longer stroke. I believe the motor is over 300 cubic inches, but don't recall the exact bore and stoke.

In November 1907, Ford said they were bringing out a light six in addition to the upcoming Model T. As we know that didn't happen, but it appears to have been "on the table."

Finally, during the summer and fall of 1908, rumors appeared in the local press and national auto magazines about Henry Ford's "little runabout joke."

[Dan Haynes]

The funny part of that, Rob, is that I copied those photos from a post YOU made years ago! Nine years ago? Ten years? More? I can't remember.

[Dan Haynes]

Rob -

Below is the text of your post from 2012:
_______________________________________

Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: OT - Proof that Ford built a six cylinder Model N, July 1908
Top of page Previous message Next message Bottom of page Link to this message By Rob Heyen - Nebraska on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - 05:16 pm:
Over the last several years there have been a few threads on the forum about a six cylinder Ford Model NRS car. I stumbled on the article below, discussing Henry Ford's joke he was playing on larger car owners by passing their big fast cars with a "little Ford Runabout". The artlcle proceeds to explain that it looks like a typical runabout, but actually has a six cylinder engine. The article appears in the July 1908 "Automobile" magazine.

The only legitimate six cylinder runabout I'm aware of now resides in Australia. In all likelihood, this is the same car that Henry Ford is seen driving in 1908. This also provides some evidence that maybe Henry did not have such a severe disdain for six cylinder cars if he is still experimenting with this car in July 1908 (remember, he has already been seen driving the T prototype around Detroit by this time).

[Rob]

Dan, yes, I came upon an initial article (turns out there were a few) about Henry Ford racing around Detroit with his six cylinder small runabout car all those years ago. Over the years articles and information appear to indicate the motor was intended for general production in early to late 1907. I suspect HF decided his efforts and goals were best served with a healthy (for 1908-9) four cylinder motor, incorporating a monobloc, magneto and all the features that made the Model T the future of FMC for years to come.