Experimental 6 cylinder Model T

JunkyJud · Post by **JunkyJud** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 12:02 pm

I have read that prior to the release of the Model A, Edsel Ford commissioned a handful of 6 cylinder model T's. I have a couple of photos of one and would like to know more of the history of them.

6 cylinder Model T 1.jp [attachment=1]6 cylinder Model T 1.jpg

Post by **Rich Eagle** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 12:09 pm

That's one I hadn't seen. I'm always surprised and pleased to see these things.
Thanks
Rich

Mark Gregush · Post by **Mark Gregush** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 12:15 pm

Was this one of the engines made by the guy in California that Ford told to stop making them?

HPetrino · Post by **HPetrino** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 12:15 pm

Very interesting. It looks sorta like a T engine, but.... The intake/exhaust set-up looks a lot different. Hard to say for sure, but it appears to have a longer stroke. Ignition system is not T.

I'd sure like to see/hear one run!! Thanks for posting these photos!

Post by **BobD** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 1:25 pm

Interesting to see how provisions were made for the engine to fit within the T’s engine bay. Noted the integral coolant outlet in the head as well as the v belt fan pulley drive. The back of the head appears to extend somewhat into a recess in the firewall. Would like to know what the bore and stroke is.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 6:51 pm

I think the California engines were v8s

George Andreasen · Post by **George Andreasen** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 7:07 pm

I have to wonder at the reason for the engines. Was Edsel's father THAT determined to keep the T in production?

The engine no doubt produced more power, but at a weight cost for sure. That means a complete re-engineering of the entire frame, front suspension and axle components if nothing else.

I suspect these engines were test beds for the future model A.

Mark Gregush · Post by **Mark Gregush** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 10:54 pm

your right about the V8.

Post by **ericmac** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 11:04 pm

I'd like to know more about the source of the photos. Something tells me at least one car with this set up exists now. Do tell!

Post by **REHelgeson** » Sun Jan 20, 2019 11:04 pm

There was a 6 cylinder speedster believed to be Easel's. An article in Hemming a couple of years ago about this speedster shows pictures of the engine which appears to be like this one. Edsel had several speedsters built with this particular one being built in or around 1912.

pete eastwood · Post by **pete eastwood** » Mon Jan 21, 2019 12:00 am

Many years ago, Tom Powels , a long time Southern California early Ford / Lincoln enthusiast bought a 6 cyl. "T" prototype engine at a Henry Ford Museum auction. He put it in a '27 roadster pickup.
These pictures look like this engine is in a '27 car.
I saw this set up at his place years ago. I think this could be it !

JunkyJud · Post by **JunkyJud** » Mon Jan 21, 2019 6:51 am

Pete, I believe you are correct on this. I did some business with a gentleman who is familiar with this T. It does make me curious about the history of it. For as nice of an engine as it is, you would think that there would be a couple more floating around in museums or elsewhere.

Post by **Mark Nunn** » Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:04 am

A family member told me that he saw a 6-cylinder Model T engine at the Museum Of American Speed. The museum acquired it when Ford was cleaning house. Ford later said that selling it was a mistake and wanted the engine back. Speedy Bill Smith wouldn't sell it.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:38 am

Henry Ford's pursuit of, and relationship with the six cylinder engine date back to the summer of 1903, when he was reportedly designing a "European" style racer for Barney Oldfield. By early 1904 the six cylinder racer design was underway, with the finished product headed to Ormond (Daytona) Florida in early 1905.

In early 1907, Ford was reported to be developing a light six to be produced in a touring car. One of these motors, in roadster form, exists in Australia. At the bottom of the article below is a brief mention of the six cylinder Ford. News stories about Henry Ford driving this six, in roadster form around Detroit, circulated in the summer of 1908:

Edsel Ford later designed at least one T style speedster. One of his roadster(s) resides today at the Museum of Speed (Bill Smith, RIP) in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The speedster looks much better with the top off.........

By late 1912, FMC felt the need to announce there would be no sixes for 1913:

dllr28bl · Post by **dllr28bl** » Mon Jan 21, 2019 11:45 am

Here is a 6 cylinder Model T that I photographed in 2009 in the Wells Museum in Wells, Maine.

Joss · Post by **Joss** » Mon Jan 21, 2019 1:46 pm

The Henry Ford had a rolling chassis with a 6cyl engine for many years. They sold it about 50-60 years ago. At some point a body was made. Beautiful car about 900lbs but about 30hp. It resides today in Australia in a private collection.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Mon Jan 21, 2019 2:39 pm

This is a photo of the car and motor, followed by a report about the small six in "Automobile" magazine in 1908:

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