In the great year of 1908, there were many firsts for our country: the first passenger
flight in an airplane occurred, the very first horror movie premiered, and the first credit
union was formed; but something else happened in 1908 that changed America
forever – the Ford Model T, the first affordable automobile, was announced and literally
rolled out to the public and eventually made a world-wide appearance. Very early on, it
was obvious that Henry Ford conceptualized and brought forth a product that was both
meaningful to America’s economy as well as society.
The development of Ford’s concept significantly increased vehicles on the road
throughout America and the world. To put this into perspective–during the same year
the Model T was introduced, there were only about 200,000 cars on the road. Fast
forward to 1927, the T’s last year in production, Ford had put at least 15 million cars into
the hands of the average Joe.
Due to the rise in demand for the vehicle, thousands of jobs were brought to the Ford
Motor Company factory in 1913, where Henry Ford installed the first ever moving
assembly line, which not only considerably cut production time down but also provided
new jobs for countless Americans.
Did You Know?
The Model T’s steel engine, which was lightweight and powerful, was created by a
French race car manufacturer. This specific engine even received recognition by
making it on to Ward’s 10 Best Engines of the 20th Century list within Ward’s AutoWorld
magazine.
In 1999, 126 experts from the automotive industry from 32 countries chose the Model T
as “the most influential car of the 20th century.”
Ford’s famous automobile was a phenomenon and a favorite among millions of people
for almost two decades as the best-selling vehicle; however, all good things must come
to an end eventually. In 1972, the Volkswagen Beetle surpassed the Model T’s
manufacturing production and became the most sold vehicle world-wide.
The Model T was fundamental in initiating a customization trend. Accessories were
available for all nine body styles to purchase, including unique radiator caps, special
headlamps, a pedal extension, a thermostat, along with flags, stickers, and baseball
caps with the Ford logo. And don’t forget a cooker that could sit atop the engine so that
customers would be able to enjoy a Sunday barbeque near the comforts of their car!
Even more additions were available to make the T more efficient and embellishments to
make it look more luxurious.
Henry Ford paved the way for innovation and technology in the automotive industry by
changing the way automobiles were manufactured, advertised, sold, and used. Because
of his courage to take a path through uncharted territory, millions have been able to
commute, network, bond, explore, and journey.
Without him, we may not be where we are now.
For all of your auto body needs in Rohnert Park, Downtown Autobody can help.