In North America the car that everyone associates with the beginning of the automotive industry is the Ford Model T.
Automobiles had been around since the 1880s, many where very expensive, not dependable and not a common site on the roads. The Ford Model T changed all that. With a 2.9L, 4 cylinder motor producing 20 HP and a 2 speed transmission, it was the first car that was mass produced and changed the way automobiles were viewed by the general public.
The Ford Model T was first introduced in 1908 and production started in Sept. 1908. The Model T was produced from 1908 to 1927 with more that 15.5 million cars produced over that time. Between the years of 1922 to 1926 more than a million vehicles where produced per year. The first cars were built in the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit Michigan. Later cars were built in the Highland Park factory also located in Michigan.
As the Model T was produced over the years, the cost to purchase one started to come down. This was a result of mass production, namely the moving production line. The Model T built in 1909 was sold for $825 ($23,000 current dollars). As time and production continued the price a car was sold for went down as low as $319 ($4,775 current dollars) in 1922.
Ford Model T – First Globally Built Automobile
The Ford Model T was also built in many countries around the world at the same it was being produced in Detroit. Cars were built in Canada and England starting in 1911. In later years they were assembled in Germany, Argentina, Spain, Norway, Mexico, France, Belgium, Japan and Denmark.
With all the Model T’s that have been produced the car is still as popular as ever. Many after market companies produce new replacement parts that not only allow you to keep your old “T” on the road but also allow you to build a car from scratch with new remanufacturer pieces. Body parts can be purchased as metal direct replacements or fiberglass reproductions to original specs.
There is no question that the Ford Model T was the first automobile to set the standard for what was yet to come. This was true not only for North America but it’s influence was felt all around the world.
Here is an interesting video that is a great back ground on the Model T.