1908 Ford Model S Roadster

'This 1908 Ford Model “S” Roadster is in beautiful condition & is a lovely example of Ford’s pre-model T era.  This car is not only in excellent condition, it is a fascinating window into the technical aspects of Ford’s designs in the approach to model “T” production. 

This particular car , # 2040, was shipped on June 30, 1908, to the Gibson Auto Co. of Indianapolis, Indiana.  Gibson Ordered 12 cars from Ford in that batch, and this is one of them.  The Model “S” was the last of the so called “Alphabet Fords”  of the pre-1909 era, which included model A,B,C,E,F,K,N,R and S. 

The model "S" has  many interesting features, like the crank going right through a bezel in the radiator, the acetylene headlamps, and transverse mounted leaf spring. The Model S was the only Ford of that year to have a curved steel cowl.  ( the “R” and “N”  had flat wood firewall / cowls ).   the Top was optional!  It should also be noted that Red and Green were the factory colors for the “S”, apparently pre-dating Henry’s legendary “any color you want as long as it’s black” rant.

This seat made this car a Roadster, which cost an extra fifty bucks, for a total FOB Detroit price of $750.  The base version of the model “S” was called the Runabout, which only had the 2 front seats, and cost $700.

The engine is the original 4 cylinder, flathead, dual ignition power-plant, #2040, with chain driven magneto, cable driven oiler, and forward mounted fly-weel / fan combination.  If you look carefully,  you’ll see the cleverly mounted electric starter!  Note the ring gear on the flywheel, also.  There is a battery hidden underneath the rear seat to energize the starter!  Yes, it’s not original, but it beats the heck out of breaking your arm or your thumb while cranking, as many of the original owners did!  The car runs and drives very nicely, as you will see if you click through to the website and the video of the car in operation.

This car is in excellent condition, but it's not a show car anymore. We estimate it was restored in the 1970's. It's been beautifully maintained, note the clean undercarriage! It has  Excellent tufted leather seats, with a bit of patina showing. The paint is very nice, but it’s older, and shows a little bit of age.  Look at that polished brass encased steering column! This car was made before Henry cost-engineered everything to death, so there are lots of lovely brass accents on the car!  It has Polished brass steering wheel spokes, lovely wood steering wheel rim, the acetylene generator,  note a shallow dent in the top of the acetyline generator.  The Brass is in excellent shape, with  “E&J MFG Co” on the headlamps and sidelamps.  The radiator is in good condition, it doesn't leak and it keeps the car cool, although the radiator brass could be a little sharper.'