Buying a Ford Model T

Developed by Henry Ford the Model T enteredsteering column has two stalks. Despite the apparently
production in 1908 and 2008 marks the 100thnormal set up, about the only thing that is vaguely
anniversary of the first mass-produced car to benormal is the brake pedal on the right. The other two
made on a production line. Ford aimed to develop apedals control the two-speed and reverse
car affordable to the masses and through this goal thetransmission. The middle pedal selects reverse gear
Model T changed the world and turned America intowhile the left pedal - in conjunction with the
an industrial economy and mobile society. Buying ahandbrake-like lever - selects neutral, low or high gear.
Ford Model T in 1908 cost half the price of its rivalsThe left hand stalk on the steering column is the
and would help drive the change from horse tothrottle with no return spring and the right-hand control
automobile. The Model T was produced until 1927 bymanages the ignition timing. The hand lever has three
which time more than 15 million models had been sold.positions: fully back the transmission is in neutral and
The Carthe rear wheel brakes are on. In the middle position the
Early Ford Model T's had no doors, the windscreenbrakes are off and the transmission is in neutral. The
was braced with leather straps and the styling wasforward position gives a choice of low or high gear -
typically formal and upright as is usual with cars of thispress down on the left pedal for low gear, release it
era. There were changes made, the 1915 model forfor top gear.
example has a single passenger side door but theThe Ford Model T travels along at about 20-30mph. It
driver's side was covered by the spare wheel whereis strange experience at first as you are driving with
the door would be. Also the back seat is set over theyour feet off the pedals. At these speeds the upright
rear axle, allowing for plenty of leg room but nowindscreen keeps the wind off and the exhaust acts
allowance made for carrying luggage.as a heater for the drivers feet in winter conditions.
What will your Money buy youWorth Noting
With a some sixteen million made there are plenty toWhen buying a Ford Model T it is worth remembering
choose from when Buying a Ford Model T. Pricesthat it was designed and built for a massively different
today depend on the condition of the car and you candriving experience. The roads back then were dirt
expect to pay around $5000 for a project car andtracks at best, there was much less traffic on the
over $10,000 for a car in good running order. Specialistroads, driving was an entirely new skill and motor
companies can supply most if not all parts that maybemechanics were thin on the ground. The brakes were
required for any restoration or small service thatdesigned for stopping you at your destination, you
maybe required. In 1910 a Model T cost £220needed plenty of ground clearance and your local
and by 1919 the price had reduced to £170.blacksmith was your local mechanic. Given these
It's important to remember that you're buying a cardetails you must be careful when taking a journey as
with very little in the way of accessories with fourdriving a Ford Model T in modern traffic is a challenge
wheels, a steering wheel, an engine, basic electrics andand it won't dodge and weave through traffic like a
weather protection. Hard to believe however thatmodern car. The high driving position offers a good
leather seats and wood trim came as standard. In 1915view and if you do hit anything the Model T is pretty
if you were lucky enough to have a car the basicsolid.
equipment the Ford Model T came with was a luxury!In Summary
Driving ExperienceOwning a Ford Model T should give years of
If you're planning on buying a Ford Model T then forgetsatisfaction as a hobby and few cars can match this
everything you've learned about driving. The controlsexperience considering the age of the vehicle.
look standard with three pedals, a handbrake and the