New and looking for early racing information

Good day all. I'm interested in early auto racing in general, specifically, in finding out more concerning Henry Ford's six cylinder racer (1904-1909). I'm looking for any photographs, period stories or any information concerning the racers and venues this racer appeared with.

I happened on the site, and already found photographs of some of the cars the Ford "six" competed with, including Christie, Fiat and a few more. If anyone has any suggestions of where to look please post or email.

Thank you,

Rob

 

welcome to the forum .....

WE have plenty of members that can help, just give them some time to show up ... =)

 

Welcome from IN

 

Some info on the little known Ford six racer:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KltTI2L_MuE

I'm hoping to find more photographs, especially of the 1907/1909 version.

Thanks,

Rob

 

That was a nice Youtube feature on the Ford six. There was a good one on the V8 Darracq that was posted here on the HAMB a while back. I did a search but the links to it don't work any more. After watching the Ford six video, I got the feeling that Henry was really into the six cylinder engine, I'd always thought he was talked into building the six by bankers at the time. The fact that the Model K didn't sell well caused Henry to steer clear of them until the 1940's. Bob

 

Bob,
Lot's of "misinformation" out there about the Model K (Ford six). Even the "poor selling" label is wrong. In 1906, the first year the Model K and Model N were sold, the Model K generated 85% of the car sales profit for Ford Motor Company. Then, in 1907, the Model K sold almost 500 cars. While this number seems small now, the Model K would have placed in the top fifteen of auto sales for all automakers.

Finally, the Model K was the only "alphabet Ford" to hold a world record. In June 1907, the "K" won a 24 hour endurance race, averaging over 47 mph over 24 hours, setting a world record. The K beat several well known cars including a Thomas Flyer 60 hp (same model flyer that would win the NY to Paris race the following year) a 50 hp Pope Toledo, an American, Stevens Duryea and Buick.

Quite an interesting and misunderstood model.

Rob

 

These are a few pics and descriptions of the Ford six cylinder racer:








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