1907 Ford Model S RunaboutChassis no. 1948Engine no. 1948

1907 Ford Model S Runabout Chassis no. 1948 Engine no. 1948
149ci Flathead Inline 4-Cyilnder EngineSingle Carburetor15bhp at 2,200rpm2-Speed Planetary TransmissionLeaf Spring SuspensionRear Mechanical Drum Brakes*Offered from the Austin Automobile Collection*Exceedingly rare Model S Ford, possibly one of just a handful survivors*Beautifully restored to a very high standard*AACA First National Prize award winnerTHE FORD MODEL SMost are familiar with the Ford Model T of 1908-1928, but before the Model T could set the stage for revolution, Henry Ford and his team were busy laying its foundation in the forms of Models N, R, and S. Though produced for only 1907 and 1908, it's difficult to overstate the importance of the Model S. Here was a car in which many of Ford's steadfast ideals were already defined; it was engineered for efficient mass production, sold for less than virtually all of its competitors, and was among the most reliable automobiles produced anywhere in the world, at any price. Some 5,764 examples of the Model S were built, though it's believed only a handful exist today.THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDThe Model S runabout shown here is something quite special. One of less than six thought to survive today, the car appears to benefit from a high-end restoration of unknown age, wearing appropriate colors and finishes, and complemented by interesting period-correct add-ons such as a Rushmore Dynamo Works acetylene headlight system and rakish white rubber tires. Front and center of the cowl is a plaque dating to 1992. It commemorates a highly prestigious and notoriously difficult-to-achieve AACA First National Prize, while the car's chassis number, or more accurately engine number, is hand-stamped onto its 149ci L-head four. Identified in this way as number 1948, the car is likely to have been among the last batch of the 2,014 Model S runabouts built in total. Of course, the elephant in the room is the car's right-hand drive. Built in the days before standardization, the Model S would be the last Ford built in this configuration, at least for standard domestic markets. It's endearing quirks like this that underscore the car's rarity and status, and that can make owning a well-engineered Brass Era machine so compelling. This 1907 Ford Model S certainly qualifies as such.