Ford Model N

Ford Model N
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Model R Model S
Production	1906–1908
Designer	Henry Ford
Body and chassis
Class	Entry-level
Body style	2-row phaeton
Powertrain
Engine	149 cu in (2,440 cc) 15 hp (11 kW; 15 PS) Model N[1][2][3] straight-4
Transmission	2-speed planetary[2][3]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	84 in (213 cm)
Curb weight	800 lb (363 kg) (1906); 1,050 lb (476 kg) (1907 Model N); 1,400 lb (635 kg) (1907 Models R and S)[2]
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Model F
Successor	Ford Model T

The Ford Model N is an automobile that was produced by Ford Motor Company. It was introduced in 1906 as a successor to the Models A and C as the company's inexpensive entry-level line. It was built at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant.

The Model N diverged from its predecessors in that it was a front-engine car with a 4-cylinder engine. The 15 hp straight-4 drove the rear wheels via a long shaft. This was also the first American car to use vanadium steel.^[4] The car had a wheelbase of 84 in (2,100 mm).

A successful model, 7000 cars were made before production ended in 1908. At US$500, the car was viewed as highly affordable at the time; by contrast, the high-volume Oldsmobile Runabout went for $650,^[5] Western's Gale Model A was $500,^[6] the Brush Runabout $485,^[7] the Black went for as low as $375,^[8] and the Success hit the amazingly low $250.^[5] Maroon was the only factory color for the Model N.^[3]

Model R

The Model R was a higher trim level of the Model N with a larger body, wheels covered by full cycle fenders, running boards,^[2] and an oil lamp. Model R was $750, $150 above the $600 base Model N. The Model R was only produced in 1907, from April through October, and 2500 were sold.^[2] Its color was red, with leather seats, brass fixtures and a fuel tank holding 8 US gal (6.7 imp gal; 30 l).^[9]

Model S

The Model S was another adaptation of the Model N. Ford's last U.S.-market right-hand-drive model,^[10] it featured a more modern cowl, with hood and fenders that flowed into full running boards. Another notable difference was the optional extra third mother-in-law seat behind the front bench. The basic model sold for $700. Extras such as a convertible top, gas lamps, as well as umbrella holders were available. 3750 cars were sold between 1907 and 1909.

Notes

1. Boggess, Trent. "1907 Model N Ford Engine". Retrieved 2015-03-31.
2. Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
3. "1906 Ford Advance Brochure". The Old Car Manual Project. Retrieved 2015-03-31.
4. Lacey, Robert (1986). Ford: The Men and the Machine. ISBN 0-316-51166-8.
5. Clymer 1950, p. 32.
6. Clymer, p. 51.
7. Clymer 1950, p. 104.
8. Clymer 1950, p. 61.
9. ;
10. Clymer 1950, p. 120.

References

• Clymer, Floyd. Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925. New York: Bonanza Books, 1950.
• David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6.
• "Early Ford models 1903–1908". Retrieved August 20, 2006.