It’s all about context…..

[Rob]

At Old Car Festival a few weeks ago, someone mentioned that Ford significantly lowered production of the six cylinder Model K in 1908. As a matter of fact, Ford did drop the number of K sold in 1908 (as they also did with Model N). The K and N were 3 year models, 1906-1908. In 1906 Ford’s internal audit showed 301 K sold in 1906, 357 in 1907 and 119 in 1908. These were fiscal year totals (October 1 - September 30).

While these production numbers are low by Model T numbers (and later industry standards), sales of over 100 cars of a particular model in a sales year were not unusual. In fact, Ford led all six cylinder makers in the sale of sixes in both 1906 and 1907. However, as Ford moved toward Model T production, sales (production) of both the K and N dropped in FY 1908.

Back to “context.” While Ford six (Model K) sales “dropped” to 119 in FY 1908, the attached October 1907 article reports 1908 projected production numbers for E.R. Thomas. Thomas introduced a six cylinder 40 hp Flyer for 1908, with a production projection of 100-150 cars. Point being, producing of over 100 six cylinder cars in 1908 was still a significant number.