I've always kind of had in the back of my mind that if I am a car collector and enthusiast worth my salt, I really should have something that dates back to the very beginning of the horseless carriage (within reason... there were actually many far less successful cars that predated the T). This is the car that you see in silent movies and early Laurel and Hardy shorts. It is an amazing tangible piece of history parked at the Barn. Ford built 15 Million Model T's from 1908 to 1927, followed by the Model A (also parked in the Barn). Ford was aware that this was the fist automobile most people had ever owned, or even seen, as they were trading in their horse and buggy- so it needed to be simple and reparable by the owner. At one point, most of the cars in the world were a Model T. The controls are unfamiliar to us today- three pedals and a brake lever. Right is brake, middle is reverse, and the handbrake and left pedal work in tandem to go between 1st and 2nd gear. The throttle was adjusted on the steering column- and 20 horsepower got you up to 40MPH- on a level smooth surface. That huge springy suspension- this car was built before there were many paved roads. There were a lot of changes between 1908 and 2027. As this one falls in about the middle- it retains the wood spoked wheels, hand crank start, and kerosine side lamps. However, it is also fitted with the later optional electric start, electric headlamps and horn. Brakes... not really. The engine is used to slow the car, and you need to plan well in advance. The coolest feature- take a look at the suitcase that came with the car. That is the real deal- it traveled all over the world with the owner and bears stickers from White Star Line and Cunard Line for passage on the Queen Mary (with the owners name, room #, date of departure).
- 20 HP
- 2.9L Inline 4
- Curb Weight 1,400 lbs
- Top Speed of 40 MPH
- 0-60 Time: Nope