Footnotes

Having cut his teeth on a succession of prototypes and race-cars during the 1890s, Henry Ford buckled down to the somewhat less glamorous, yet considerably more profitable, business of mass production. His first volume-produced car - the 8hp Ford Model A runabout - was introduced in July 1903, and by the time of its replacement towards the end of 1904 a total of 670 had been made. The Model A's immediate successor – the Model C – was likewise twin-cylinder powered, while the Model B, another 1904 introduction, was Ford's first four-cylinder automobile and represented a move up market. All models used Ford's planetary transmission, the twins with chain final drive and the four with shaft drive.

With the twin-cylinder models dropped after 1905, Ford offered the four-cylinder Model N and six-cylinder Model K for 1906. The Model N continued unchanged for 1907 alongside a more expensive version, the Model R, which featured foot boards in place of the N's carriage step and mechanical lubrication instead of a force-feed oiler. Mechanically the same as the Model R, the S was available as a Runabout with tonneau or a two-seat Roadster. The engine was a 149ci (2.4-litre) unit producing 15-18 horsepower, which drove via Ford's familiar two-speeds-plus-reverse planetary transmission and shaft final drive.

In October 1908 Ford introduced the legendary Model T as a 1909 model, consigning its predecessors to the history books, and for the next two decades the Model T would be the only car offered by the 'Blue Oval'.

This early four-cylinder Ford was purchased for the vendors' prominent private collection at auction in the USA in 1990. The previous owner was one E Long of Columbus, Ohio, and before that that the car was in the famed Harrah Collection in Reno, Nevada. Offered in running order, the car comes with a State of Ohio Certificate of Title.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.

This Lot is available to view at Classic Car Storage near Petersfield, Hampshire (by appointment with the Car Department only) from Monday 24th October to Wednesday 2nd November. It will then be available to view at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street on Friday 4th November from 10am.