In 1908, Henry Ford changed the world with his affordable Ford Model T. Affectionately known as the Tin Lizzie and made almost entirely of wood; the Model T made American automobiles accessible for the average American. How great was it, though? And why did Ford finally stop producing a model that had already sold its millionth model just 7 years after production started?
Fascinating Model T Facts
There's so much to know about the Model T that entire books have been devoted to it, but here are a few fascinating facts that aren't covered in most overviews of this legendary model.
1. The original Model T had no speedometer
The Model T's most famous run was from 1908 to 1927. Back then, there wasn't a need for speed like we have today. In fact, the original models didn't even have speedometers.
2. The Model T resembled a carriage
We consider the Model T a car, but if you look closely at its design, it's shaped more like the carriage part of a horse-drawn carriage. It's easy to see why so many Americans connected to the covered-wagon design of the Model T. There are also traces of the retro SUV in there. It's a two-row design with a four-corner look.
3. All Model T designs weren't black
The early Model T that first came out was available in Red, Green, and Blue colors. Much like Americans today love the blacked-out look on their vehicles, old-time car buyers did, too. By 1914, Ford shifted to an all-black Model T.
4. Ford sold 15 million Model T cars
Americans loved the Model T so much that they bought a whopping 15 million of them between 1908 and 1927. It was the ultimate vehicle of its era and so popular that people still keep them running today. They were a treasure then, and they're a treasure now.
5. Henry Ford wanted the Model T to be the "universal car"
Henry Ford wanted three main things out of his Model T. He wanted it to be easy to use, tough, and affordable. The Model T surpassed even Henry Ford's ambitions.
More Information about the Ford Model T
The Model T isn't a part of American roadways anymore, but it's always going to be a legendary vehicle. Please contact our dealership if you'd like to know more about the Model T or what models followed in its footsteps. We've got many modern legends waiting for you on our dealership lot.