1908 Ford Model K Touring Car

The Ford Model K was produced by the Ford Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan, from January 1906 to September 1908, with approximately 1,000 examples built. The six-cylinder engine had cast jugs with integral head and displaced 405 cubic inches. The engine and drivetrain were made by the Dodge Bros. The transmission was a two-speed planetary gear with reverse via shaft drive. The suspension was by semi-elliptical springs at the front and full elliptical leaf springs at the rear. Braking was via mechanical drums at the rear.

The Ford Model K was developed as a large and prestigious auto, at the urging of Board members, to compete with other expensive ones being produced. It was initially offered at $2,500. Once the Model K was developed, two issues surfaced that contributed to its unreliability: the frame was discovered to be too weak, and the engine was too powerful for the transmission. Instead of an inexpensive, simple automobile, the Model K was big and expensive.

This particular example, owned by the Seal Cove Museum, may be the last 1907/1908 Model K still in existence.