Ford Model B
Ford's first four-cylinder car and a pioneer of the front-engine layout.
- Power
- 24 bhp
- Top speed
- 40 mph
- Est. value
- $120k–$325k
About the Ford Model B
Introduced in late 1904, the Model B represented a radical departure for Henry Ford, moving the engine from under the seat to the front behind a conventional radiator. As Ford's first four-cylinder production car, it was marketed as a luxury touring vehicle with polished wood and brass trim, costing three times more than the contemporary Model C. Its advanced chassis featured a pressed-steel frame and shaft drive, a significant upgrade over the chain-driven models of the era. Despite its technical sophistication, it was a slow seller compared to Ford's cheaper offerings, leading to a production run of only 500 units before being replaced by the Model K.
Ford Model B specs
The Ford Model B produces 24 bhp (18 kW). It has a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Model B |
| Generation | 1904-1906 |
| Trim | 24hp |
| Years | 1904–1906 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Touring |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 500 built |
| Original price | About $2,000 when new |
| Engine | 4.6-litre L-head inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,646 cc (4.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 24 bhp (18 kW) |
| Top speed | 40 mph (64 km/h) |
| Transmission | 2-speed planetary |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 771 kg (1,700 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 31 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Model B worth?
A typical Ford Model B is estimated to be worth $120,000 – $325,000 (about £89,000 – £242,000).
Its original price when new was about $2,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Model B rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Model B is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Model B fun facts
- The Model B was the first Ford to feature a front-mounted engine and a vertical radiator, setting the template for nearly all future Ford designs.
- Only about seven or eight examples of the original Model B are believed to survive today, making it one of the rarest 'alphabet' Fords.
- At $2,000 in 1904, the Model B was so expensive that it accounted for nearly half of Ford's total revenue despite making up less than a third of sales.
