History of the Model T

The Model T is one of the most popular cars ever.luggage space. Few accessories were included,
Produced from 1909 to 1927, eventually more thanalthough leather seats and wood trim were included
15 million Ford Model T cars would roll off theon all models. No air conditioning or heating system
assembly line. When the "Tin Lizzie" was first sold, itwas included; during winter months, the driver's feet
marked the beginning of the automobile era, and carswould be heated by the exhaust of the car.
would soon overtake horses, buggies, and wagons asProduced for nineteen years until being replaced by
the preferred form of transportation.the second Model A in 1928, the Model T enjoyed
The Model T was the first car offered to the public.the longest production run of any car until the
The average person could afford to buy it, unlike theVolkswagen Beetle. By the end of its run, there were
few other cars on the market, which were simplymore Fords on the road than any other car make.
unreachable for the majority of the public. In fact,Roads were being paved, highways were being
the price continued to drop each year the Model Tconstructed, and the automobile age was here to
was produced, reaching a low of just $260 in 1925.stay. Today, the Model T has come to symbolize the
This price was typically less than half of whatbeginnings of the American car market.
competitors were charging for similar models.2009 marks the one-hundredth anniversary of this
During its very first production year, the Ford Modeliconic car. Because of the Tin Lizzie's popularity, many
T won a cross-country race, showing its endurance.today remember their parents or grandparents
This simple car was known for being practical, notdriving around in one. In part because of this reason,
necessary luxurious. Several different body stylesthe Ford Model T remains one of the most popular
were available, though all used the same chassis. Theantique cars among automobile enthusiasts.
simple Ford four cylinder engine, which produced 20Thousands of Tin Lizzies have been restored, while
horsepower, actually made the Model T one of theothers rest in fields and garages, untouched since
more powerful cars during the era in which it wasthey were last driven decades ago. Some antique
driven. The Model T is able to reach a top speed ofauto enthusiasts even take their Tin Lizzies out for a
about 20 to 30 miles per hour.Sunday drive. If you wish to restore an old Model T,
Unlike today's cars, the Model T was designed withyou can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000
few luxuries. The earliest years did not even includeand $15,000, depending on whether you want a
doors. By the 1915 model, the passenger door wasproject car or running model. Because of their
added but the driver's side had a spare wheel insteadpopularity, reproduction parts are readily available for
of a door. The back seat sits over the rear axle, sorestoring a Model T.
that the car has no room for a trunk or other