1907 Ford Model R Runabout

This 1906 Ford Model R Bee-Tail Roadster was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $10,000 - $15,000 and offered without reserve. Bidding surpassed the estimates with the final bid settling at $22,000 including buyer's premium.

There is a four-cylinder L-head engine that displaces 149 cubic-inches and produces 18 horsepower. The transmission is a two-speed planetary unit and two-wheel mechanical brakes provide the stopping power. The 84-inch wheelbase rests on a solid front axle with transverse leaf springs and a live rear axle with full-elliptic leaf springs.

It is finished in green paint and is in need of a restoration. There is rust, dents, and cracks throughout. The chassis, black fenders, plywood 'bee-tail' deck, and roadster deck are present and in fairly good condition considering the vehicles age. The tail-lamp is missing and the right side lamp has a cracked lens.

This is one of the few remaining early Ford four-cylinder examples still in existence.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007