Ford Model T – The First Great American Automobile
Ford Motor Company may be suffering from a rough economy and thus a decline in craftsmanship – but this was not always the case. In 1908 the blue oval produced not the first but the greatest automobile of the time. Years later it would be touted as a machine which “Put America on Wheels” – it’s design and simplicity made it a darling at car shows then and now, and it’s also been known as a “Tin Lizzie.” And it was produced at their factory in Detroit Motor City USA – the Ford Model T.
1908′s Model T came along as Ford’s crowning achievement of production models after several non-production and unpopular models out since 1903, beginning with (you guessed it) the Model A. Model T’s were the first cars to be produced on assembly lines, in which workers were paid depending on the price of the car, making it a market ready vehicle. Designer and the company’s originator Henry Ford wanted to make a car large enough for the family, small enough for one person to drive from town to town, and be constructed using simple design and modern engineering.
Ford’s Model T contained a 4-cylinder block engine, capable of running on both gasoline or ethanol. An operator could achieve 15 to 21 miles to the gallon on a full tank, and expected to pay anywhere from $650 to $850 in order to own a Model T. A crank at the front of the vehicle had to be turned to spark its engine before ignition. This device had to be swung one way, then fast in the opposite direction. The engine would “kick back” upon starting if this was not done properly. Brakes, at this time, were a new technology. Ford’s Model T used a brake band, operated by a right foot lever. As for styling, this steel machine was usually available in black, a grayish color or a two-tone.
It’s safe to assume opinion of Ford’s Model T hasn’t changes much in 100 years. In 1999 the vehicle was voted “Most Influential Car of the 20th Century” by an international automobile enthusiasts poll. The vehicle has been featured in countless period films and television series. However, not all are Model T fans. A 2007 Time Magazine article named Ford’s 1909 model “The Yugo of it’s era” and one of the 50 worst cars of all time, due mostly to cheap parts and poor instruments. Regardless, few vehicles can be found sitting in museums and inspiring car clubs throughout the world, as well as being collected and rebuilt by those thirsty to own one of the most well known pieces of auto history.
wow… the things you learn when you are doing a case study.