Ford Experimental 4-Cylinder Automobile Engine, circa 1907

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Artifact Overview

Ford experimented with several engine designs in the company's early years. This 98-cubic-inch unit featured an unusual ignition system activated by engine compression. Under compression pressure, a diaphragm in each of the engine's four cylinders made contact with vibrating coils, which triggered ignition. But the diaphragms distorted over time and failed to work properly, making the engine unreliable.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile engine

Date Made

circa 1907

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

55.6.35

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Metal
Iron (Metal)
Steel (Alloy)

Color

Black (Color)
White (Color)
Gold (Color)
Blue (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 30 in
Width: 22.375 in
Length: 20 in
Weight: 273 lbs

Inscriptions

on cover plate: E3158 on nozzle at the front of the engine: Ford
Ford Experimental 4-Cylinder Automobile Engine, circa 1907