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 Dan Vaughan

Runabout

Starting production of automobiles in 1903 with the Model A, Ford Motor Company went through the alphabet with various models K, R, N, and S until the Model T in late 1908. This Model N Runabout represents one of the 7000 Model N Fords that rolled out of the Piquette Plant in Detroit. Its chassis was identical to its sister cars, the Model R and S. All of the Models were Boat-Tailed Runabouts with slightly different features and offered in two colors, Maroon or Brewster Green.

The Model N Ford featured a 4-cylinder 149 cubic-inch engine cast in-pairs producing 15 horsepower. The transmission was a two-speed planetary type. It had an 84-inch wheelbase weighing 1050 lbs. The Model N was capable of top speeds over 40 mph and featured a trembler coil ignition powered by a battery. Optional equipment was limited to a tail lamp, horn, sidelights, headlights and cloth or leather top.

The car's history is known back to the 1950's and was purchased and restored by the current owners in 2012.

Runabout

This example was the 'first Ford in Mississippi,' owned new by Dr. Jack Shelby. J.E. Melvin, the grandson of Dr. Shelby, acquired the car and gave it a restoration. Mr. Clyde Ensor, Sr. purchased the car from Mr. Melvin in 1965 and would remain in his collection until coming to auction in 2010.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000-$60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $27,500 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout
Chassis number: 427

Chassis number 427 wears an older restoration and has an AACA First Place badge from 1974. It is painted red with black fenders and highlighted by yellow contrasting pinstriping. The black button-tufted interior is in excellent condition, as is many other aspects of the vehicle. For many years, this car was in the Clyde Ensor, Sr. collection.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $42,900 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout

The Ford Model N was introduced in 1906 and was priced at $150 less than the Oldsmobile Curved Dash Ruanbout, America's best-selling car of the day. By the close of the model year, the Ford Motor Company had become the nation's number one auto producer.

The Ford Model N featured twin nickel-plated front lamps and a boat-tail rear deck, along with its ability to travel at a speed of 45 mph.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout

The Model N was a positive step on Ford's path toward the development of a reliable, mass-production car. The N featured a front-mounted engine that could propel the car to a top speed of 45 miles per hour. Styling was improved by the addition of nickel-plated front lamps and a boat-tail rear deck.

by AACA Museum

Runabout
Chassis number: 2907

This 1906 Ford Model N Roadster is a partially-restored example that has a new radiator, body, hood and fenders. It rides on new 28' x 3' tires. The seat, seat cushion, body, frames, fenders, top assembly and hood are reproductions. There is a new exhaust pipe and muffler, and new hubcaps.

In 2008 this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000. It was offered without reserve. The lot was sold for a high bid of $22,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout

Ford Motor Company began production of their first cars in June of 1903. Ongoing improvements make many of the early models unique. This 1906 Model N was built at the Ford Piquette Factory in Detroit, Michigan. Approximately 20,000 Model N,R,S models were built from 1906 through 1908. They feature a 150 cubic-inch inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 15-18 horsepower. It uses a two-speed planetary transmission and a fully enclosed driveline. Being relatively light at about 850 pounds, they offer lively performance. With a base price of under $600, they were also quite affordable for the working man.

This Runabout was assembly by EFR (Early Ford Registry) members using donated parts and services. It is a fine example of an early Ford product that came out of the earliest purpose-built auto factory that still exists to this day, currently as a museum.

Runabout
Chassis number: 1561

The $500 Model N, with its front-mounted four-cylinder engine developing over 15 horsepower, was capable of 45 mph. Its styling, highlighted by such features as twin nickel-plated front lamps and a boat-tail rear deck, along with a reputation for reliability, represented a solid step forward by Henry Ford in his quest for a low-priced car for the mass market.

This completely restored 1906 Model N Ford has won AACA 1st Junior, 1st Senior, and the Henry Ford Award. It was the first car ever brought to the Town of Rye, New Hampshire.

This 2-passenger runabout has an 84-inch wheelbase. Total production of all Ford models in 1906 was 2,798 or 8,729 depending upon the source referred to. Ford Motor Co. records show both figures.

Runabout

The Model 'N' is a rather rare Ford, although it was Henry Ford's most successful model, preceding the famous Model T. Significantly, the crank is carried in an upright position, and the water pump is in the front of the radiator. The four-cylinder, water-cooled, gasoline engine produces fifteen horsepower. In 1906, this Ford Model N Roadster had a base price of $500.

The Ford Model N was introduced in 1906 and served as a successor and a further evolution of the Model A, C, and F. It was an inexpensive, entry-level vehicle that was powered by a four-cylinder engine that offered a modest 15 horsepower. Production would continue until 1908 with a total of around 7000 examples produced.

The Model N, R, and S introduced several key technical advancements such as a bevel-topped radiator with tall neck, foot-operated planetary transmission, and 'backwards dish' steering wheel with column-mounted spark and throttle controls. The soon-to-be introduced Model T would have a cast en block engine (with vanadium steel) and removable cylinder head, thermosyphon cooling and transverse-leaf springs. The Model N, on the other hand, had cylinders cast in pairs and cooled by a complicated water pump embedded in the bottom of the radiator. The rear suspension was comprised of longitudinal full-elliptic springs.

by Dan Vaughan