Re: driveaway

Posted by 58L8134 On 2014/12/28 11:18:32

Hi Guscha

That 1906 Ford challenge entailed testing his big 405 ci six cylinder $2,500 Model K against the 349.9 ci four cylinder $4,000-5,225 Packard Model S or 24. One supposes the purpose of the friendly challenge was to show the Ford Model K was equal to and perhaps superior to the more expensive Packard.

Oddly enough, the big, relatively-expensive Ford Model K was the type of car Henry Ford did not want to build, being the opposite of "a car for the multitudes". The Model K remained in the product line through 1908 when it was dismissed along with the Models N, R and S with the advent of the Model T.

Henry Ford's disdain for the Model K included its six cylinder engine configuration which turned into one of his many obsessions. No Ford until the 1941 model was again powered by a six cylinder engine. Edsel slipped one into production ostensibly as a truck engine, which found its way into cars. Lore has it that old Henry never would ride in one, didn't knowingly do so for the rest of his life.

As we all know, Packard went on to build many marvelous versions of the six cylinder engine, the Single Six of the 1920's the springboard to their prestige car dominance in that decade. Old Henry was all wet when it came to sixes!

Steve

PS: That those Clipper Six Taxis were tough cars and were a favorite with patrons is completely plausible......but 20 mpg?!?! Well, after all, Packard News was going to spin any good news, maybe stretch the figures a bit.....!