Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 502
1907 Ford Model R Runabout Car no. 195
Sold for US$57,120 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 502
1907 Ford Model R Runabout
1907 Ford Model R Runabout
Car no. 195
Car no. 195
149ci L-Head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
18bhp
2-Speed Planetary Transmission
Front Transverse Leaf Sprung and Rear Elliptically Sprung Solid Axles
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes
*A wonderful example of one of Ford's early creations
*Plenty of fine patina and character
*Complete with top
THE FORD MODEL R
Although ambitious with its estimation of selling 10,000 Model N cars each year, the N was a huge sales success with over 7,000 delivered in a production run bridging 1906-1908. After the first flurry of sales, it was clear that the 'knocked down' basic Model N had a concept that was possibly too spartan and the consumers desired something a little more than that. The solution was the Model R. At $750, it cost 50% more than its little brother, and while mechanically much was shared, its presence was enhanced by larger 30 inch wheels, a more imposing body with more commodious seats, and a rounded 'beetle back' tail, ideal for strapping a spare tire or two to. It also had scalloped front wings leading to running boards and in standard form alone oil lamps to side and rear, and a brass horn were provided. Color choices were limited to dark Brewster Green or Carmine red, which could be matched to Brewster Green running gear or offset with cream.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
In a collection replete with Fords, this is the earliest example. Carlton O. Pate III's Early Ford Encyclopedia includes an extensive resource for owners and researchers of these early Ford's including synopsis of the known records of delivery. Sadly there is no specific entry for car number 195, but is safe to assume from the fact that cars 185 and 211 were ordered on April 27 and April 23 respectively that this car would have been ordered in this same window of time. Its history prior to the current ownership is uncharted, until it arrived in the collection of Gibb Moyer of Pennsylvania from whom it was acquired.
The Ford has the appearance of an older restoration of a correct example of the model. It retains particularly charming features of original leather seats and period fabric top, while the paintwork seems to have been refurbished and the firewall replaced at some time. For reasons unknown, the engine number plate is unstamped, suggesting that it may be a replacement at some point.
A nicely patinated example, no doubt chosen by these connoisseurs of the marque for these characteristics, it would make an excellent museum piece or tour car.
Single Updraft Carburetor
18bhp
2-Speed Planetary Transmission
Front Transverse Leaf Sprung and Rear Elliptically Sprung Solid Axles
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes
*A wonderful example of one of Ford's early creations
*Plenty of fine patina and character
*Complete with top
THE FORD MODEL R
Although ambitious with its estimation of selling 10,000 Model N cars each year, the N was a huge sales success with over 7,000 delivered in a production run bridging 1906-1908. After the first flurry of sales, it was clear that the 'knocked down' basic Model N had a concept that was possibly too spartan and the consumers desired something a little more than that. The solution was the Model R. At $750, it cost 50% more than its little brother, and while mechanically much was shared, its presence was enhanced by larger 30 inch wheels, a more imposing body with more commodious seats, and a rounded 'beetle back' tail, ideal for strapping a spare tire or two to. It also had scalloped front wings leading to running boards and in standard form alone oil lamps to side and rear, and a brass horn were provided. Color choices were limited to dark Brewster Green or Carmine red, which could be matched to Brewster Green running gear or offset with cream.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
In a collection replete with Fords, this is the earliest example. Carlton O. Pate III's Early Ford Encyclopedia includes an extensive resource for owners and researchers of these early Ford's including synopsis of the known records of delivery. Sadly there is no specific entry for car number 195, but is safe to assume from the fact that cars 185 and 211 were ordered on April 27 and April 23 respectively that this car would have been ordered in this same window of time. Its history prior to the current ownership is uncharted, until it arrived in the collection of Gibb Moyer of Pennsylvania from whom it was acquired.
The Ford has the appearance of an older restoration of a correct example of the model. It retains particularly charming features of original leather seats and period fabric top, while the paintwork seems to have been refurbished and the firewall replaced at some time. For reasons unknown, the engine number plate is unstamped, suggesting that it may be a replacement at some point.
A nicely patinated example, no doubt chosen by these connoisseurs of the marque for these characteristics, it would make an excellent museum piece or tour car.
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