Model T
Overview
The Model T, colloquially known as the "Tin Lizzie," is an automobile that was produced by Ford's Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. It is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, the car that opened travel to the common middle-class American. This was due to some of Ford's innovative manufacturing techniques, including assembly line production instead of individual hand crafting.
Design and Development
The design of the Model T was the product of many years of experimentation and development by Henry Ford and his team of engineers. The goal was to create a simple, durable, and affordable car that could be mass-produced and sold to a broad market. The Model T was designed with a gasoline-powered, four-cylinder, 20-horsepower engine that was capable of speeds up to 45 miles per hour. The car was also equipped with a novel transmission system that used a foot pedal to control the speed of the car, a feature that was unique to the Model T and a significant departure from the traditional hand-operated gearshift.
Production and Manufacturing
The Model T was produced at the Highland Park, Michigan, factory, and within its 19 years of production, it sold more than 15 million models. This made it one of the best-selling vehicles of the time. The key to the Model T's success was Ford's revolutionary implementation of the assembly line. This drastically reduced the amount of time taken to assemble a car, thus lowering costs and making the vehicle more affordable for the average consumer.
Impact and Legacy
The Model T had a profound impact on the 20th century. It revolutionized transportation and American industry. As owner of the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. He is credited with "Fordism", that is, the mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. Ford had a global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put dealerships throughout North America and in major cities on six continents.