1906 Ford Model N

Before the world was introduced to the Model T, the car that famously 'put America on wheels,' Henry Ford experimented with several other models, including the Model N.

The flat-twin-powered Model A, C, and F were followed by a more advanced model with styling that was more inline with motorcars of the era. It came equipped with a four-cylinder motor mounted upfront but continued to use the familiar twin-speed planetary transmission, attractive two-seat bodywork, sturdy Vanadium steel construction, and attractively priced at $500, making them approximately $150 less than Oldsmobile's Runabout and a quarter of the price of Ford's own preceding Model F. This new model would represent Ford's entree into mass production.

The Model N was Henry Ford's most successful model, preceding the famous T. The company had built approximately 3,500 examples of the Model A, C, and F between 1903 and 1906, with the production of the Model N, far eclipsing its predecessors with 13,250 units built between 1906 and 1908. The successor of the Model N was the legendary Model T.

The crank is carried in an upright position, and the water pump is in front of the radiator. The 149 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine produced between 15-18 horsepower. They had a two-speed planetary transmission and internal expanding brakes. Introduced in 1906, the Model N sold for just $500. These were the first Ford models to be constructed of tough but lightweight vanadium steel and it was also the company's first attempt to employ methods of mass production.

The engine was mounted under the square-shaped hood in front of the driver. The cast-iron flywheel had fan-like spokes and was fitted to the front end of the crankshaft. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 40 mph.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019