Strange Facts
About the Model T Ford
Model T Ford production began in
October of 1908. While the Model T originally sold for $850, the numerous innovations
of Henry Ford allowed the Ford Motor Company to lower the price year after year,
to a low of $260 in October of 1923. While competing car companies were already
pricing cars in the thousands, good ol' Henry, with the implementation of what
would lead to the modern assembly line, was able to significantly streamline
production, and lower his price so that the average guy could afford his car.
Ford figured
that this "average guy" was probably someone who worked in his car
manufacturing plant, and so, in January of 1914, he voluntarily mandated a minimum
wage for his employees - five bucks a day. No, it doesn't sound like much, but
it was a lot back then, especially when you consider that a $260 car could be
bought for 2-3 months of work on an assembly line. In an age when unions were
powerless, Ford still treated his workers like family, and believed that the
people who built his cars should be able to easily afford them.
The simplicity of the Model T not
only contributed to its great success, but also graced it with amazing adaptability.
Farmers could attach tractor wheels to the Model T and use it in their fields.
Also, if the car was jacked up and the rear tire was removed, a belt could be
attached to the rear wheel that could be used to power a buzz saw for cutting
wood. In fact, Model T's were used to generate electricity, pump water, grind
feed, churn butter, and more.
The Model T could even be converted
to a snowmobile. The front wheels were moved to the rear axle with the rear
wheels, and steel caterpillar treads were attached to the set of double wheels.
With the addition of steel sled runners to the front axle, farmers in northern
climates had a functional, winter-ready snowmobile.
In the course of nineteen years,
Ford sold over fifteen million Model T's. Who would have ever thought that the
old Tin Lizzie would become so popular with hot rod fans? Ford established his
company as the premiere American auto manufacturer, and, with the introduction
of the modern assembly line, he revolutionized the way not only cars, but all
manufactured products, were produced.
For more indepth history and pictures
reference site is at The
Model T Showroom lots of good information and trivia about the Model T.
Also, take a looka t an award winning site at THE
MODEL 'T' FORD AND HOW IT CHANGED AMERICA.
1924
Ad No. F.B.M. 68.
This one appeared in The Youth's Companion and American Boy in May and June
of 1924.
Excerpt:
"for the YOUNG BUSINESS MAN"
"The Ford Runabout is a profitable partner and a happy companion for the
boy who is making his mark in business and at school."
"The Runabout $265 F.O.B. Detroit Demountable Rims and Starter $85 Extra"
"Let us tell you how easy it is to buy a Ford on the Weekly Purchase Plan."
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