1908 Ford Model K

The Ford Model K was introduced in 1906 as a possible replacement for the Model B and to provide a luxury model to the Ford line-up. Equipped with a six-cylinder engine found in the front and powering the rear wheels, it was capable of producing 40 horsepower. The Model K sat atop a 114-inch wheelbase and could be ordered in standard touring or roadster bodywork.

It is considered the Ford Motor Company's first failure. The quality of the car was low, and the sticker price was high, between $2500 to $3000, depending on the model and trim level. The car's frame was too weak, and the engine was too powerful for the transmission. It was a departure from Ford's basic values, to provide affordable and dependable vehicles. The Model K was Ford's first and last vehicle to feature a six-cylinder engine until 1941. The focus of the company went back to producing mass-produced and affordable vehicles. In 1908, production of the Model K ceased after only 900 examples were produced.

Alexander Malcomson was one of the founding partners of the Ford Motor Company and a promoter of the luxury car line. He had felt that the evolving automobile market had a place for Ford in the production of luxury cars. When the Model K turned out to be a failure, he left the company. With Malcomson out of the company, Henry Ford became the majority shareholder. He shifted the company back to producing lightweight and durable vehicles. In October of 1908, the Model T was introduced and became the top-selling car in the world until it was discontinued in 1927.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2005