1905 Ford Model B Touring Car

Summary

The Model B was Ford's first four-cylinder car and the first to have the engine mounted up front in the European manner. Design difficulties delayed production of the Model B and, although conceived much earlier, it went on the market long after the two-cylinder Model C. Priced at $2,000, the Model B was the most expensive Ford yet, and sold poorly.

The Model B was Ford's first four-cylinder car and the first to have the engine mounted up front in the European manner. Design difficulties delayed production of the Model B and, although conceived much earlier, it went on the market long after the two-cylinder Model C. Priced at $2,000, the Model B was the most expensive Ford yet, and sold poorly.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1905

Driving America
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

00.136.121

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Leather
Brass (Alloy)
Rubber (Material)

Color

Green
Black (Color)
Yellow (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 77.5 in  (top down)

Width: 69.5 in

Length: 103 in

Diameter: 26.5 in

Inscriptions

Front hubs: FORD MOTOR CO. DETROIT MICH U S A / FORD Brass plate on radiator: FORD / MOTOR COMPANY / DETROIT Top of headlamps: MANUFACTURED BY / GRAY & DAVIS / AMESBURY / MASS. USA Side of side lamps: DIETZ Top of sidelamps: ORIENT / ORIENT Lamps on dash: SOLAR. MODEL 6268 / PAT'S NO. 36671 / " " 788230

Specifications

Make & Model: 1905 Ford Model B touring car

Maker: Ford Motor Company, Detroit, Michigan

Engine: inline-4, L-head valves, 284 cubic inches

Transmission: 2-speed manual

Height: 77.5 inches

Width: 69.5 inches

Wheelbase: 92 inches

Overall length: 103 inches

Weight: 1700 pounds

Horsepower: 24

Pounds per horsepower: 70.8

Price: $2,000

Average 1905 wage: $510

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 3 years, 9 months

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More