DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Before the invention of the talking picture, before the invention of the modern zipper, and the traffic signal, Henry Ford sold the first of his Ford Model T – 114 years ago this week.
The Ford Piquette Plant Museum held an event to commemorate the anniversary of the first car’s construction and its profound impact on automotive trends then and now. Participants also were able to enjoy free rides in Motel T’s, and look at other vintage cars during the end of the North American International Auto Show.
Ford gave to the world his “everyman’s car” – the Model T – on Oct. 1 , 1908 according to the Michigan Historical Society. The first 11 were built at the Piquette Avenue plant and assembled entirely by hand. In order to meet the ever growing demand for the new vehicle, a second plant was built and operational by Jan. 1, 1910.
Initially in 1909, a Model T cost $850, but had decreased to only $260 by the year 1924. After only 19 years of production, Ford Motor Company ceased production of the model T after manufacturing more than 15 million of the vehicles. It was the first ever mass-produced car which also was affordable to the general public.
According to the Detroit Free Press, one of the oldest Model T’s assembled is on display at the Piquette Plant. It’s the 1909 Model T Touring, red with big white tires on red wheels. Brass metals and vanadium steel were new materials with this innovation. It weighed in at only 1,200 pounds compared to cars today that average around 3,000 pounds.
This model was deemed stronger and lighter than the ones before with a 22 horsepower engine. Getting familiar with roads, this version also offered flexible three-point suspension for rough terrain.
While this monumental invention marks an era of innovation, the Ford Motor Company continues to strive to be a forerunner in developing cutting edge vehicles for the next generation – this time within the realm of electric vehicles.
“This isn’t the first time Ford has reimagined the future and taken our own path,” Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford said, “We have an extraordinary opportunity to lead this thrilling new era of connected and electric vehicles, give our customers the very best of Ford, and help make a real difference for the health of the planet.”
MORE NEWS: Federal Government Report Finds Lake Sturgeon Not Endangered
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.