vLane Blog

Driving the Ford Model T

From Banovsky, Featured Contributor
Posted on June 3, 2009

Filed under Classic, Feature, History, Misc, Ford, Convertible, Ford, Detroit, Model T, antique

Ford Canada invited a few journalists out to drive not only the new Ford Fiesta (more on that later), but also sample some of their bread and butter products…circa 1920.

The Ford Model T, or Tin Lizzie, was produced between 1908 and 1927. Thanks to Henry Ford perfecting the assembly line, it took only 93 minutes to assemble a car — far faster than its competitors…if you could call any "other" car a competitor.

How successful was the Model T? In 1914, there were more Model Ts produced than all other cars combined. At its peak, 10 per cent of all cars in the world were Fords. And between 1917 and 1923, it was so successful that Ford didn't have to purchase advertising.

Henry Ford said of the car:

I will build a car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one - and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces.

Even though it is considered the car that put America on wheels, it wasn't exactly the easiest car in the world to drive. If you want to see a video of that (hand throttle and all!) plus a gallery of Model T pics, click through…

The car's owner let me drive — and I did get the hang of it — but it's not like driving a modern car. For starters, there are three pedals from left to right: clutch, reverse, and brake. The handbrake not only stops the car but helps select second speed, and the throttle is on the steering wheel. Yikes.

Read More:

• Spotlight: Citroën DS
• Pontiac Death Week: 1964 Tempest GTO
• Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

Banovsky is a featured contributor for vLane.