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.

Production of Models A and C overlapped for a while, and the former could be ordered with the latter's more powerful (10hp) engine fitted, in which form it was known as the 'AC'. A top speed of 38mph was claimed for both cars. Although the Model C looked like a front-engined design, in fact the engine remained under the seat, while opening the bonnet revealed the fuel tank. Although he had a four-cylinder car in the range, Ford was not done yet with the twin-cylinder engine, and introduced a final derivative – the Model F – in 1905. Larger and more luxurious than its predecessors, the Model F was powered by a 16hp engine and carried four-seater phaeton coachwork as standard. The Model C was last produced in 1905 - the final year of the twin-cylinder Ford - during which year a total of 1,599 cars of all types had been made.

One of only a tiny handful known in Europe, this example of one of Henry Ford's final twin-cylinder designs was formerly in the Harrah collection where it was restored. The car was purchased for the vendors' prominent private collection in 1990, having previously belonged to one E Long of Columbus Ohio, and has participated in the London-Brighton Run while in the current ownership (see images on file). This car was dated as 1905 by the Veteran Car Club in 1995. More recently the vendor has taken advice from the those within the early Ford world, that knowledge of the practices of Ford during 1904 has advanced a good deal since 1995 and that based on this there is a good chance the car would now be dated as 1904. As such he has re-applied with the VCC to have the car re-dated. 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.