Ford Model T
American car (1908–1927) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by the Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927.[16] It is generally regarded as the first mass-affordable automobile, which made car travel available to middle-class Americans.[17] The relatively low price was partly the result of Ford's efficient fabrication, including assembly line production instead of individual handcrafting.[18] The savings from mass production allowed the price to decline from $780 in 1910 to $290 in 1924 ($5,156 in 2023 dollars[19]).[20] It was mainly designed by three engineers, Joseph A. Galamb (the main engineer),[21][22] Eugene Farkas, and Childe Harold Wills. The Model T was colloquially known as the "Tin Lizzie".[23]
Ford Model T | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
Production | October 1908 – May 1927 |
Assembly | List
|
Designer | Childe Harold Wills, main-engineer Joseph A. Galamb and Eugene Farkas |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Economy car[14] |
Body style | List
|
Layout | FMR layout |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 177 C.I.D. (2.9 L) 20 hp I4 |
Transmission | 2-speed planetary gear |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 100.0 in (2,540 mm) |
Length | 134 in (3,404 mm) |
Width | 1,676 mm (66.0 in) (1912 roadster)[15] |
Height | 1,860 mm (73.2 in) (1912 roadster)[15] |
Curb weight | 1,200–1,650 lb (540–750 kg) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Ford Model N (1906–1908) |
Successor | Ford Model A (1927–31) |
The Ford Model T was named the most influential car of the 20th century in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, ahead of the BMC Mini, Citroën DS, and Volkswagen Beetle.[24] Ford's Model T was successful not only because it provided inexpensive transportation on a massive scale, but also because the car signified innovation for the rising middle class and became a powerful symbol of the United States' age of modernization.[25] With over 15 million sold,[26] it was the most sold car in history before being surpassed by the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972.[27]