Time to come out of the closet, we have a new old pre-T Ford

[Rob]

Some of you are aware, but for those who are not, it's time to share our newest old Ford. With many thanks to Kim D. for his work on this Model B, as well as Wayland H. for agreeing to my vision, I hope to see this Ford at some favorite events this coming year, including New London to New Brighton and Old Car Festival. I just dropped it at Peter Fawcett's in Canada for a little refreshing, and hopefully this summer it will be driving on some dusty Nebraska roads:

Meanwhile, I've been researching Model B in earnest, with some interesting findings. Some of you may recall, years ago good friend and Model K owner Tim Kelly and I discovered that the 1906 Model K actually produced 85% of Ford Motor Co.'s (1906 FMC independent audit), and was hugely profitable each of it's years of production, 1906-1908.

The Model B was a one year model (as was Model C). With 500 produced, it appears about 430 were sold in Fiscal Year (FY) 1905, Oct 1, 1904 - Sep 30, 1905. Most of the remaining 70 were sold in FY 1906, still generating a healthy profit per car. While the same audit information isn't available that was for the K,N,R,S years, there is still ample evidence that appears to indicate the B was the sales leader (net profit) for 1905, possibly yielding more net income than both models C and F combined.

Of course, more to follow............
Cheers,
Rob

[Stephen1915]

Beautiful car, looking forward to seeing it at old car festival

[Rich Eagle]

What a clever fellow you are to own such amazing vehicles. We are so lucky to have you share them on the Forum.
I remember when Lewis Rector was restoring the one for the Towe Collection. B's are seldom seen.
Thanks for this post.
Rich

[Steve Jelf]

Even more rare than the K, isn't it? Hope to see it at the Village.

[RGould1910]

Rob, please tell us how it performs ie idles, shifts accelerates, smoothness of ride, comfortable cruising speed, any thing else you wish to add. Ita a beauty!

[hull 433]

Congratulations Rob, I'm glad you got it. It's in good hands.

[sweet23]

Wonderful ! great old Ford !

[Dan Haynes]

Congratulations, Rob! Love the line of the resting top - looks like it's over 7'!

[Wayne Sheldon]

Rob, I am pleased to see this confirmed. I had heard a rumor that you had acquired this model B. Such an incredible and wonderful piece of Ford's early history! I expect (hope?) to see postings of some of your research findings in the coming year and beyond.
Beautiful car!

[MichaelPawelek]

Holy Toledo! Don’t drive under any low bridges or tree limbs….

[Herb Iffrig]

Congratulations on acquiring the Model B!
I zoomed in on the one picture where you can see the step plate. Does it have the same pattern as the rear entrance step plate on the 1903 cars?

[Erik Barrett]

I did some work on this for Kim. Rebabbitted the rear transmission support bearing and the babbitt lined socket for the torque tube. Never seen anything like that. Time intensive.

[Erik Barrett]

Another pic.

[Rob]

Thanks guys. Herb, I’m not sure. The back step is larger than the front. It appears they didn’t make many step plate B’s, and by January 12 1905 the B at the New York auto show had running boards.

Erik, I recall seeing pics when you wet did the babbitt work. It look like tedious work. Thank you for your excellent craftsmanship.

Fords three point construction of the differential was the first of its kind, according to this excerpt from a Cycle and Automobile magazine article. The car drawings were from the prototype, that had a bit smaller motor than the production B. B #1 in the Porter collection at Piquette appears to have the smaller motor.

[Ed Baudoux]

Do we know how many of the 500 Model B Ford cars are still in existence, and how many are operable? Count me in as one of the people who are really looking forward to seeing this one in person at the 2022 OCF!

[Rob]

Ed, I believe 7. There is another that was for sale In Hemmings that is running. The B at THF was running, but I think the transmission went out shortly after it was operable. Not sure if any others are operable.

[KeithG]

Congratulations Rob! I know it's in good hands with you. I, too, am looking forward to seeing it at the OCF. Just think, B, N, & K. It wouldn't surprise me if you got all of the pre - T Fords someday.
Cheers,
Keith

[Duey_C]

Ford B. Exceptionally happy for you!

[Rob]

Thank you Duey and Keith. And don’t forget this one…. Our 1905 “F.”

Due to “overextending,” I plan to sell the F sometime, possibly at Hershey this fall.

[perry kete]

WOW! another great car which couldn't have a better caretaker and old car historian. Perhaps you could post a photo of all your cars together for us

[Rob]

Perry,
That's a great idea. Unfortunately, they are spread to the four winds at the moment. Two in Canada (B & K), part of one at Dean Yoder's farm in Iowa, the motor at MIke Bender's in Oklahoma City, and the remainder spread around in a few buildings at our farm.
What I lack in organizational skills I must make up in, well come to think of it, I'm not sure.

Thank you,
Rob

[Wayne Sheldon]

I will be sad to the F go. Hopefully it goes to another good home.
I knew that model F some years ago, and was very glad that you got it. However, "overextending" is not something to be taken lightly. Sometimes, it is necessary to achieve special goals. A model F can be replaced later. A model B is a "grab it when you can"! When the restoration of the model B was being shared and discussed a couple years ago, I was hoping you would somehow manage to add it to your stable. I hope all involved are happy with that outcome.
I hope to see you out and about with those wonderful automobiles this year!

[EricMac]

I too look forward to seeing this one at OCF. The "Watching the Fords go by" display a couple years back was one my favorites. Congrats on the purchase.

[Rob]

Wayne, as always, thank you for your kind and thoughtful post. I must admit, i didn't think there would be a snowball's chance that i would own, or even ride, in a Model B. Much like the Model K, I thought first, that the Model B probably wasn't a good car, and secondly, it wasn't successful in the market place. However, time, and research have changed my mind, on both concepts, of both Models B and K.

With that, I think it's time for another thread.
Thank you again old friend,
Rob

Below, a later 1905 Model B, with 1910 license plate:

[TXGOAT2]

The pre-1910 world was a very hostile place for automobiles. Obtaining fuel, lubricants, service, and a passable roadway were all challenges.