Tag Archives: 1907

Ford Model R

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1907 Ford Model R

For Sale at Hyman Ltd | St. Louis, Missouri

1907 Ford Model R

Boy am I a sucker for white tires. They are so cool. Anyway, last week we featured a Ford Model S, and when I saw that this was for sale at the same place, I figured I ought to feature it as well, just to round out the entire Ford Model N range, which included Models N, R and S.

The Model N came in 1906 and the R followed in 1907 – being in production only from April through October of that year – so it’s very rare. The difference between the two cars is little. Both used a 15 horsepower 2.4-liter straight-four. The Model R was basically just a trim package: the body was a little bigger, it had fuller fenders, running boards and an oil lamp. The price was $750, as opposed to $600 for the N. Originally, all were red, but this one has been repainted in a pleasing combination of green and cream when it was restored.

Only 2,500 Model Rs were built in the one year they were in production (and it wasn’t even a full year at that). It’s a rare example of the pre-Model T affordable Ford (see what I did there?). It can be yours for $64,500. Check out more here.

Ford Model S

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1907 Ford Model S

For Sale at Hyman Ltd | St. Louis, Missouri

The Ford Model S was a variant of the Ford Model N, which was introduced in 1906. The Model S went on sale in 1907, alongside the Model R and they lasted through 1908. It was an important car for Ford, as it was the lead-in to the Model T.

Like the Model T after it, it was rugged, simple and not very luxurious. In 1907, automobiles were purchased by the affluent – not the “everyman.” But it wasn’t cheap. The Model S retailed for $700, while the Model T, once economies of scale and mass production came into play, would hit a price point as low as $260.

The Model S used the same 2.4-liter straight-four making 15 horsepower as the Model N, though the bodywork was more modern and it featured full running boards and a third seat behind the front bench. It was also Ford’s final right-hand drive model. Only 3,750 were built and this one can be yours for $59,500. You can find out more here.

Unrestored 1907 Daimler

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1907 Daimler Type TP 45 10.6-Litre Four-Seat Tourer

Offered by Bonhams | Goodwood, England | June 29, 2012

The Daimler name is one of the more storied in automotive history – and one of the more confusing. H.J. Lawson founded the Daimler Motor Company Ltd in Coventry, England. The name Daimler, of course, belonged to Gottlieb Daimler of Germany, builder of the first four-wheeled automobile, who had set up his own company bearing his name in 1890 in Germany. Lawson licensed the name – and the patents – of his German elder.

Gottlieb’s company would become Daimler-Benz in 1926, DaimlerChrysler in 1998 and Daimler AG, as it is currently known, in 2008. With the exception of those very early cars (up through 1908), everything badged as a “Daimler” was built by the English company founded by H.J. Lawson. As you can see, this car falls into the period where both companies were building cars using the same name.

This one was built in England and spent its early years as transport for the noble Craven family. After the original owner’s death, it was used little, being set up on blocks between the 1920s and 1980s and was acquired by its current owner in 1983. Ownership history is known and undisputed and there was even a log of every trip this car took when it was with its original owner – or should I say, chauffeur.

The engine is monstrous – a 10.6-liter four-cylinder that could propel the car to 80 mph – in 1907! And it’s in original condition – it has never been restored. I would rate this car as “above fantastic,” as if such an inane rating means anything. The dark red leather interior shows no cracking and looks far better than the leather in the last 10-year-old Acura I rode in. The paint still reflects light at 105 years old and the little brass and wood pieces here and there make this car look like it just drove out of a time warp. The only thing not original are the wire wheels, which were added during the First World War – making them far more period correct than anyone who will ever drive this car again.

This Brass Era automobile/80 mph horseless carriage – is an incredible machine. The more I look at it, the more I fall in love with it. Unfortunately I will not be able to pony up the $390,000-$620,000 required to take it home. Cheers to whoever does. For more information, click here and for more on Bonhams in Goodwood, click here.

Update: Sold $564,395.

Dolson Model F

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1907 Dolson Model F

For Sale at Hyman Ltd | St. Louis, Missouri

I do love those tires. Why aren’t any modern cars equipped with solid white tires? I guess people would complain about having to keep them clean, but it would certainly make a statement. Anyway, the Dolson Automobile Company (known as J.L. Dolson & Sons until 1906) of Charlotte, Michigan, produced big 60hp touring cars from 1904 through 1907 – meaning this car came from the final year of production. This four-cylinder car would have cost about $3,250 in 1907 – hardly cheap.

It is a well-equipped car and even features galvanized steel (a rarity in the day), which should have improved the car’s chance of long-term survival. But Dolson isn’t a marque you see too often. Later in the company’s short existence, they introduced a 20hp flat-twin model as well as a 28/30hp four-cylinder.

However, even though the cars were of a very high quality, success wasn’t to be and Dolson was liquidated in 1908 after production ceased the year prior. This is a rare opportunity to get your hands on one. The cost? $110,000. For more information, click here.

Update: Sold, RM Auctions, St. Johns, Michigan, 2012 – $74,250.