Ford Model K

Ford Model K was an upscale automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company. It was introduced in 1906 and replaced the earlier Model B. The model K was aimed at the top end of the market and featured an inline-6 (the only Ford six until 1941) giving 40 hp (30 kW). The wheelbase was 114 in (2896 mm) and could be ordered either as touring or roadster.

The Model K was a failure, something that can be attributed to both the high price (between $2500 and $3000) and poor quality. Ford was also known to make inexpensive cars and people who wanted a more luxurious car bought other brands. Production ended in 1908 after 900 cars made. The failure of the upscale line, including the Model B and K, caused two critical changes at the Ford company: it would focus for the next two decades on entry-level volume models like the Model T, and led to the departure of Alexander Malcomson, one of the founding partners, leaving Henry Ford as the majority shareholder.

References

• David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International. pp. 18–19. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6. 
• "Early Ford". http://www.ritzsite.net/FORD_1/02_eford.htm. Retrieved August 20 2006.