Kim,
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. A few facts and figures to add. 500 Model B were produced, selling for $2,000.
A few things to consider about the Model B. In 1904 and 05 when the B was designed and primarily sold, if a carmaker produced and sold over 100 cars per year, they were usually a viable car maker. Widely known brands of the day, including Pierce and National, produced similar numbers. Secondly, Ford also produced 800 - 900 Model C, selling for about $800.
Model B and C were Ford’s two offerings for fiscal year 1905 (Oct 1, 1904 - Sep 31, 1905). Both models were considered 1905 models only, with Models K and N already on the drawing board during 1905. The Model F, a refined and more powerful two cylinder touring car, was added during the spring of 1905. At this point in time, most automakers were making dramatic changes year by year, as technology was moving forward rapidly, making a year or two year old car obsolete in many cases.
For 1906, FMC transitioned to three year models, with the K and N planned to span 1906 - 1908. As we know, Ford continued to move toward a multi year model, settling on the Model T for model and fiscal year 1909.
I estimate about 450 Model B were sold in fiscal year 1905. This is a significant number for a mid to upper tier model, and I believe probably made more money for Ford than the Model C, and possible equal to or more than the Model F. We do know this was the case during 1906, when the new Model K made far more money for FMC than Model N (due production delays and choosing too low a retail price for the N).
Lastly, the Model B continued Fords technological advances, with the first enclosed driveshaft (Ford patented) four cylinder offering. It possessed a large, powerful, 283 cubic inch motor. A good friend of mine owns a 1905 Columbia. After he watched Kim’s video Thursday, he told me his Columbia cost about the same amount, and he thought the Ford looked and sounded like much more car for the money.
Again, Kim, thank you for sharing.