Ford Model T
Overview
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Production Years: 1908 – 1927
- Designed By: Henry Ford and team (Wills, Galamb)
Key Features
| Feature |
Description |
| Engine |
2.9 L inline 4-cylinder (20 horsepower) |
| Top Speed |
Around 40–45 mph (64–72 km/h) |
| Transmission |
2-speed planetary gear, foot controls |
| Fuel Efficiency |
~13–21 mpg (US) |
| Drive |
Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight |
~1,200–1,500 lbs (545–680 kg) |
| Price (original) |
$825 in 1908, dropped to under $300 by 1920s |
Historical Importance
- First Mass-Produced Car: Revolutionized manufacturing with the moving assembly line in 1913.
- Affordable: Aimed to be accessible to the average American, and succeeded.
- Global Impact: Over 15 million units sold, held record for most cars sold until 1972.
Fun Facts
- Nickname: "Tin Lizzie"
- Early models had no electric starter — used a hand crank
- Could run on gasoline, kerosene, or ethanol
- Used in many forms: taxis, ambulances, delivery trucks
- Famously offered in "any color so long as it is black"
Legacy
The Ford Model T wasn't just a car—it changed history. It made automobiles affordable and accessible, shaped modern production techniques, and jump-started the American middle class.