Model T

     This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Ford’s Model T. As history has proven, the Tin Lizzy, as the car was affectionately called, had a major impact on the world. The car’s use, production, and sale revolutionized North American society at that time. It’s often stated that Henry Ford invented the car. This is not true. Self propelled motor carriages were available at least 20 years prior to the “T”s introduction. What Henry did, was make the car affordable to the masses and thus created a social upheaval that would never be duplicated.
     In conjunction with his friend and associate Henry Leland, Ford built the first production line. This was only possible through Leland expertise in producing interchangeable parts. Parts built to the same exacting specification. Prior to this concept, cars were basically handmade and expensive. Next he hired the top tradesmen to assemble his cars. He paid the unheard of wage of $5 per day. At the time a top wage was $3.00 per day. He also shortened the work day to 8 Hrs. This allowed the implementation of three shifts. Model T’s rolled off the assembly line 24hrs a day. Well engineered, and continually being refined the Model T had a run of 19 years.
     During that time over 15 million were built. At it’s peek the car was produced in 20 countries. 15 million cars from Ford alone spurred the building of new roads, new communities and great expansion. So what happen to the Model “T”? Well it just grew old. Facing stiff competition from the more modern Chevrolet the “T” became more and more primitive. Henry kept the car competitive by reducing the price. However; the writing was on the wall. Henry’s son Edsel realizied what was happening and commenced the design of the new Ford in 1926.
     Overall, the Ford Motor Company spent 100 million (1926 dollars) on the Model “A”. The entire plant was closed and retooled to produce the new car. The Model “A” took Ford to new heights of popularity and profitability. The Model “A” earned the title, “the car that saved Ford”. The Model “T”, one hundred years old this year.