History of the Model T Ford

Introduction

• Lecturer: Kelly from CARdataVideo
• Topic: Significance of the Model T Ford in automotive history

Key Innovations

• Mass Production: Introduced the concept of mass production using a moving assembly line.
• Technology Leap: Transition from horse and buggy to gasoline engine vehicles.

Production and Design

• Efficiency: Assembly time reduced to one-tenth compared to hand-built vehicles before.
• Features: Simple, rugged, and affordable.
  • Henry Ford's famous quote, "You can have any color you want as long as it's black."

Economic and Social Impact

• Initial Cost: First sold in 1909 for $950.
• Wages and Work Hours: Ford paid workers $5/day, reduced workdays from 9 to 8 hours, allowing for three shifts and round-the-clock car production.
• Employment: Attracted workers from across the country to Detroit.

Model T Specifications and Variants

• Years of Production: 1908 to 1928.
• Engine: 177 cubic inch (2.9-liter) four-cylinder engine, 20 horsepower.
• Weight and Speed: Weighed around 1,200 pounds, top speed of 40-45 mph, two forward gears.
• Assembly Line: Separate assembly for frames and bodies, later combined.
• Body Styles: Multiple variants like touring car, roadster, coupe, station wagon, convertible, etc.

Highland Park Assembly Plant

• First Modern Assembly Plant: Site for Model T production.
• Production Numbers: Nearly 15.5 million Model Ts produced.
• Final Model: 15 millionth car was a four-door convertible.

Driving and Cultural Impact

• Hand Crank Start: Easy to start due to low engine compression.
• Travel Experience: Car travel was significantly faster than horse or buggy.
• Road Conditions: Built to handle poor road conditions prevalent in cities and countryside.

Legacy

• Influence: Model T considered a precursor to most modern cars.
• Versatility and Resilience: Managed varying road conditions effectively.

Conclusion

• Historical Importance: The Model T Ford revolutionized personal transportation and industrial manufacturing.