Henry Ford's Model-T
Henry Ford's Model T was different from all other cars being made because Mr. Ford found a way to make his car affordable. The Model T Ford changed America through the assembly line. Auto makers were selling their cars for $5000 each, leaving only the wealthy to afford them. By using a moving assembly line and interchangeable parts, Henry Ford was able to mass produce his Model T's and sell them for just $850. This was less than a wagon and team of horses cost at the time.
Another way that Henry Ford was able to sell his cars for less money than other auto manufacturers, was by breaking the patent issued to George Baldwin Selden. His patent for the internal combustion engine in 1895 forced all auto makers to pay him money to make cars with gasoline
engines. Henry Ford fought Selden in court and broke his patent!
The Model T Ford, Tin Lizzy or Flivver was a simple but rugged car. Whether it was built as a roadster, a coupe, and a touring car... the engine was only twenty horsepower and the color was always black. Some Model T's were
even stripped down and made into race cars called speedsters.
The Model T was not just used for personal transportation; it was also used as a delivery truck for light industry, an ambulance during World War I, and as farm equipment. By taking off the back wheel, the Model T could also be used to turn a saw blade. Another way the Model T was used was to make the back seat into a pick-up bed.
Oklahoma Wine Country...it ain't no hard drive if you have a good car!
Relax in the
Country...
