>>Ford Model K

Ford Model K

 

Ford Model K

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1906–1908
Predecessor	Ford Model B
Class	Upscale
Body style	2-row touring car
Engine	405CID cast iron block 40hp Straight-6
Transmission	planetary 2-speed manual
Wheelbase	114 in (2896 mm)
Curb weight	2, 400lbs.
Designer	Henry Ford

Ford Model K was an upscale automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company. It was introduced in 1906 and replaced the earlier Model B. The model K was aimed at the top end of the market and featured an inline-6 (the only Ford six until 1941) giving 40 hp (30 kW). The wheelbase was 114 in (2896 mm) and could be ordered either as touring or roadster.

The Model K was a failure, something that can be attributed to both the high price (between $2500 and $3000 - between $65000 and $78000 today) and poor quality. Ford was also known to make inexpensive cars and people who wanted a more luxurious car bought other brands. Production ended in 1908 after 900 cars had been made. The failure of the upscale line, including the Model B and K, caused two critical changes at the Ford company: it would focus for the next two decades on entry-level volume models like the Model T, and led to the departure of Alexander Malcomson, one of the founding partners, leaving Henry Ford as the majority shareholder. Also, Ford himself cared very little for the expensive Model K.