The story of how the Ford Motor Company started with its first car, the 1903 Model A, is a fascinating one. It involves innovation, competition, and a family legacy that spans over a century.
The 1903 Model A was the first car produced by the Ford Motor Company, which was founded by Henry Ford in June 1903. Henry Ford was not the inventor of the automobile, but he was the pioneer of mass production and assembly line techniques that made cars affordable and accessible to the masses. He wanted to make a car that was simple, reliable, and affordable for everyone. “The Model A was the first car to be built by the Ford Motor Company, and it was the car that started it all,” wrote Ben Hill on Carsforsale.com.
The 1903 Model A had a two-cylinder engine that produced 8 horsepower, a two-speed transmission, and a top speed of 28 mph. It also had a red color, which was unusual for cars at the time. The original price of the Model A was $850, which was equivalent to about $25,000 today. The Model A faced some challenges and competitors at the time, such as the Oldsmobile Curved Dash and the lack of funds. However, Ford managed to sell 1,750 units of the Model A in its first year, which was a remarkable achievement.
The third 1903 Model A ever made, which was the first one sold to a customer, was auctioned in 2012 for $264,000. The buyer was William Clay Ford Jr, the great-grandson of Henry Ford and the executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. He bought the car as a tribute to his ancestor and his vision. “Henry Ford’s family tree is a complicated one, with multiple marriages, divorces, and scandals. His descendants have been involved in various fields, such as business, politics, sports, and philanthropy,” reported Grunge.
The 1903 Model A was succeeded by the Ford Model T, which was introduced in 1908 and became the most popular car in the world, with over 15 million units sold by 1927. The Model T was cheaper, faster, and more durable than the Model A, and it also came in different colors. The Model T was the car that revolutionized the automobile industry and the American culture. “The Ford Model A was the car that changed America. It was the first car to offer features such as a steering wheel, a gas pedal, and a brake pedal. It was also the first car to have a standard color, which was red,” wrote History Daily.
The 1903 Model A is a rare and valuable piece of history, and it is the oldest known surviving Ford car. It is also a symbol of the Ford family’s heritage and legacy, which continues to this day. The car is currently on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, where visitors can admire its beauty and significance.
Relevant articles:
– Ford Sells its First Car – 1903 Model A, Carsforsale.com, July 13, 2023
– Henry Ford’s First Car – The Henry Ford, The Henry Ford, July 23, 2023
– Henry Ford’s Family Tree Explained, Grunge, August 18, 2023
– The Ford Model A: The Car That Changed America, History Daily, August 19, 2023