Developed by Henry Ford, the Model T went into production in 1908 and 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the first mass-produced car to be built on a production line. Ford aimed to develop an affordable car for the masses, and through this goal, the Model T changed the world and turned America into an industrial economy and mobile society. Buying a Ford Model T in 1908 was half the price of its rivals and would help fuel the shift from horse to car. The Model T was produced until 1927, by which time more than 15 million models had been sold.
Car
Early Model T Fords had no doors, the windshield was reinforced with leather straps, and the styling was typically formal and upright, as is customary for automobiles of this era. Changes were made, the 1915 model for example has a single door on the passenger side but the driver’s side was covered by the spare tire where the door would be. Also, the rear seat is positioned over the rear axle, which allows plenty of legroom, but no luggage.
What will your money buy you?
With some sixteen million built, there is plenty to choose from when buying a Ford Model T. Today’s prices depend on the condition of the car and you can expect to pay around $5000 for a project car and over $10,000 for a salvage car. functioning. . Specialty companies can supply most, if not all, of the parts that are required for any restoration or small service that is required. In 1910 a Model T cost £220 and by 1919 the price had dropped to £170.
It is important to remember that you are buying a very sparsely accessorized car with four wheels, steering wheel, engine, basic electrical system, and weather protection. However, it’s hard to believe that leather seats and wood trim came standard. In 1915, if you were lucky enough to have a car, the basic equipment that the Ford Model T came with was a luxury!
driving experience
If you plan to buy a Ford Model T, forget everything you’ve ever learned about driving. Controls come standard with three pedals, a parking brake, and the steering column has two levers. Despite the seemingly normal setup, the only thing that is vaguely normal is the brake pedal on the right. The other two pedals control the two-speed transmission and reverse. The center pedal selects reverse gear, while the left pedal, in conjunction with the handbrake-like lever, selects neutral, low or high gear. The left side lever on the steering column is the non-spring return throttle and the right side control manages ignition timing. The manual lever has three positions: fully rearward, the transmission is in neutral, and the rear wheel brakes are on. In the middle position, the brakes are off and the transmission is in neutral. The forward position offers the option of low or high gear: push the left pedal down for a low gear and release it for a higher gear.
The Ford Model T travels at approximately 20-30 mph. It’s a strange experience at first, as you drive without stepping on the pedals. At these speeds, the vertical windscreen keeps the wind out and the exhaust acts as a warmer for the driver’s feet in wintry conditions.
worth noting
When shopping for a Ford Model T, it’s worth remembering that it was designed and built for a vastly different driving experience. Back then, the roads were dirt roads at best, there was much less traffic on the roads, driving was a whole new skill, and engine mechanics were in short supply. The brakes were designed to stop you at your destination, you needed a lot of ground clearance, and your local blacksmith was your local mechanic. With these details in mind, you should be careful when taking a trip, as driving a Ford Model T in modern traffic is challenging and it won’t dodge or weave through traffic like a modern car. The high riding position offers a good view, and if you hit something, the Model T is pretty solid.
In summary
Owning a Ford Model T should bring years of hobby satisfaction and few cars can match this experience considering the age of the vehicle.