In 1908, Henry Ford revolutionized the world with his affordable Ford Model T, a car affectionately known as the Tin Lizzie. Despite being predominantly made of wood, the Model T made American automobiles accessible to the average person. However, what made it remarkable, and why did Ford discontinue a model that had already sold one million units just seven years after production began?
Intriguing Model T Trivia
The Model T holds a wealth of information, with entire books dedicated to its legacy. Here are a few fascinating facts that often go unnoticed in most summaries of this iconic model.
The original Model T lacked a speedometer
The Model T gained fame from 1908 to 1927, an era when the need for speed wasn't as prevalent as it is today. Surprisingly, the initial models didn't even come equipped with speedometers.
The Model T resembled a carriage
Although we recognize the Model T as a car, a closer look at its design reveals a resemblance to the carriage portion of a horse-drawn vehicle. Its covered-wagon style resonated with many Americans, and it even featured hints of the classic SUV design, sporting a two-row structure with a four-corner appearance.
Not all Model T designs were black
When the early Model T hit the market, it was available in an array of colors, including red, green, and blue. Just like modern Americans' affinity for blacked-out vehicles, buyers of that time also embraced the sleek allure of black. By 1914, Ford transitioned to producing exclusively black Model T cars.
Ford sold an astounding 15 million Model T cars
The American public's infatuation with the Model T resulted in a staggering 15 million units sold between 1908 and 1927. It became the quintessential vehicle of its era, with some still cherished and maintained by enthusiasts to this day. The Model T was a treasure then and remains a treasure now.
Henry Ford aimed for the Model T to be the "universal car"
Henry Ford had three key aspirations for his Model T: simplicity of use, durability, and affordability. Remarkably, the Model T exceeded even Ford's lofty ambitions.
Additional Details about the Ford Model T
Although the Model T no longer graces American roadways, it will forever be regarded as a legendary automobile. If you want more information about the Model T or want to learn about the subsequent models that followed in its footsteps, please contact our dealership. We have numerous modern legends awaiting your discovery on our dealership lot.