Buying a Ford Model T

Developed by Henry Ford, the Model T entered production in 1908 and 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the first series-produced car to be built on a production line. Ford aimed to develop an affordable car for the masses, and through this goal, the Model T changed the world and turned America into an industrial economy and a mobile society. Buying a Ford Model T in 1908 cost half the price of its rivals and would help drive the switch from horse to automobile. The Model T was produced until 1927, by which time more than 15 million models had been sold.

Car

Early Model T Fords had no doors, the windshield was reinforced with leather straps, and the styling was typically formal and upright, as is customary for cars of this era. Changes were made, the 1915 model, for example, has a single passenger-side door, but the driver’s side was covered by the spare tire where the door would be. In addition, the rear seat is positioned on the rear axle, which allows a lot of legroom, but does not allow carrying luggage.

What will your money buy you?

With some sixteen million made, there is plenty to choose from when buying a Ford Model T. Current prices depend on the condition of the car and you can expect to pay around $ 5000 for a project car and over $ 10,000 for a well-maintained car. . running order. Specialized companies can supply most, if not all, of the parts that are required for any restoration or small service that is required. In 1910, a Model T cost £ 220 and by 1919 the price had been reduced to £ 170.

It is important to remember that you are buying a car with very few accessories with four wheels, steering wheel, motor, basic electrical system, and weather protection. However, it’s hard to believe that the leather seats and wood trim were standard. In 1915, if you were lucky enough to own a car, the basic equipment that the Ford Model T came with was a luxury!

Driving experience

If you plan to buy a Ford Model T, forget about everything you’ve learned about driving. The controls appear standard with three pedals, a handbrake, and the steering column has two rods. Despite the seemingly normal setup, the only thing that’s vaguely normal is the right-hand brake pedal. The other two pedals control the two-speed transmission and reverse. The middle pedal selects reverse gear, while the left pedal, in conjunction with the handbrake-like lever, selects neutral, low or high gear. The left hand lever on the steering column is the spring return throttle and the right hand control manages the ignition timing. The manual lever has three positions: all the way back, the transmission is in neutral, and the rear wheel brakes are on. In the middle position, the brakes are off and the transmission is in neutral. The forward position allows you to choose between low or high gear: press the left pedal for low gear and release it for up gear.

The Ford Model T travels at about 20-30 mph. It’s a strange experience at first, as you drive with your feet off the pedals. At these speeds, the upright windshield prevents the wind and the exhaust acts as a heater for the driver’s feet in winter conditions.

Worth noting

When buying a Ford Model T, it is worth remembering that it was designed and built for a vastly different driving experience. Roads back then were dirt tracks at best, there was much less traffic on the roads, driving was a whole new skill, and engine mechanics were sparse on the ground. The brakes were designed to stop you at your destination, you needed a lot of ground clearance, and your local blacksmith was your local mechanic. With these details in mind, you need to be careful when taking a trip, as driving a Ford Model T in modern traffic is challenging and will not dodge or cut through traffic like a modern car. The elevated driving position offers a good view, and if you hit something, the Model T is pretty solid.

In summary

Owning a Ford Model T should bring years of satisfaction as a hobby, and few cars can match this experience considering the age of the vehicle.

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