If there was any car that commanded a great deal of recognition and importance to how the automobile industry is today, that car is by a long mile the Ford Model T.
This vehicle was groundbreaking in all levels as it ushered in a new system in the production of cars globally.
Honestly, we could talk about this car for an hour, but I’ll do all I can to make it as concise and informative as possible.
Ford Model T – History
Ford Model T was a vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927. It is widely recognized as the first affordable vehicle that made car travel accessible to middle-class citizens. The advent of the assembly line system of production, coupled with Ford’s efficiency in production, made this possible.
This car’s development began in 1907 when Ford put together a team comprising Childe Harold Wills, Joseph A. Galamb, Eugene Farkas. Henry Love, C. J. Smith, Gus Degner, and Peter E. Mart. Maybe in another universe, this could even pass as an all-star Basketball team today.
While credit for the invention of the assembly line belongs to Ransom E. Holds, the enormous improvements in the system’s performance over the history of Model T can be credited almost exclusively to Ford and its engineers.
The development of Model T was influenced by eight car models, in which Ford produced different aspects that would ultimately come together as Model T.
Ford Model T – Overview
The Model T is fitted with a 177-cubic-inch in-line four-cylinder engine generating 20 hp at a maximum speed of 40–45 mph. The engine was able to run on kerosene, gasoline, or ethanol; crazy right? However, the reduced gasoline cost and the subsequent emergence of Prohibition made ethanol an unrealistic fuel for most users. The first 2477 units produced had their engines cooled by a water system, while in subsequent units, thermostat action was responsible for cooling.
The ignition mechanism used in Model T was an unconventional one with a low-voltage magneto integrated into the flywheel, which delivered alternating current to the trembler coils to power the spark plugs. The vehicle owed its flexibility in the choice of fuel to this ignition system.
This vehicle did not need a starting battery as proper hand-cranking would produce enough current to start. Magneto-powered electric lighting was introduced in 1915, serving as a replacement to acetylene and oil lamps, but it was not until 1919 that electric lighting was offered.
This classic was designed as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle as the engine’s power was transmitted to the rear wheels to push the car forward. The front wheels received no power and are responsible for maneuvering the vehicle.
Ford Model T – Production
In a mind-blowing show of success, the Model T was recorded to have sold over 15 Million units in its 19 years of production to stamp its dominance in that period, earning it the number 8 spot on the top 10 most sold cars of all time and in 1999, it was named the most influential car of the 20th century. Well-deserved recognition for a vehicle many consider as the classic of classics.
Ford Model T – Price Range
As compared to other classics, the Model T was affordable due to Ford’s adoption of the assembly line system, which allowed him to reduce the cost of his cars. As the system continued to be improved, Ford was able to continue reducing costs.
As production rose, prices were also lower due to the fact that some of the fixed costs were distributed over a greater number of vehicles. Other factors also lowered prices, such as material costs and design changes. In today’s market, you’d be able to purchase the Ford Model T at prices between $4000 and $24000 depending on the model and the year it was manufactured, and if that’s not a miracle, then I don’t know what is.
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