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 had a goal of developing an affordable automobile for the masses, and through this goal, the Model T changed the world and made America an industrial economy and a mobile society. Buying a Ford Model T in 1908 was half the price of its rivals and would help drive the switch 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 common 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 wheel where the door would be. Also, the rear seat is positioned over the rear axle, allowing plenty of legroom, but no luggage.

What will your money buy you?

With some sixteen million made, there is plenty to choose from when buying a Ford Model T. Prices today depend on the condition of the car and you can expect to pay around $5,000 for a project car and over $10,000 for a car in good condition. functioning. . Specialist companies can supply most, if not all, of the parts 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 bare bones 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’re planning to buy a Ford Model T, forget everything you’ve ever learned about driving. Controls look 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 springless return throttle and the right side control manages the 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: press 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 pressing the pedals. At these speeds, the vertical windshield blocks the wind and the exhaust acts as a warmer for the driver’s feet in winter conditions.

worth noting

When buying 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 motor 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 a challenge and it will not dodge or weave through traffic like a modern car. The high riding position offers a good view, and if you hit anything, the Model T is pretty solid.

In summary

Owning a Ford Model T should provide years of satisfying hobby and few cars can match this experience considering the age of the vehicle.