The Ford Model T just may be one of the most challenging cars you’ll ever drive! Whatever you know about driving a car today simply won’t get you far in the classic car. Still though, would you rather have traveled by horse or by Model T in 1923? Here’s the scoop on operating this legendary car built by Henry Ford.
The Ford Model T was once the most popular car on the planet, so you’d think that it would be easy for a novice to operate. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There’s More to Driving a Ford Model T Than Meets The Eye!
Matt Farah, who has driven everything from supercars to minivans, described the experience of driving a Ford Model T with a simple line: “it’s not a car.” Seriously, driving Ts is so different from what you’re used to behind the wheel, there are classes to teach you what to un-learn. Watch as he takes us through the steps of a period-modified unrestored Model T purchased new in 1923.
The Ford Model T (colloquially known as the Tin Lizzie, T‑Model Ford, Model T, or T) is an automobile that was produced by 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; some of this was because of Ford’s efficient fabrication, including assembly line production instead of individual hand crafting.
Although automobiles had already existed for decades, they were still mostly scarce and expensive at the Model T’s introduction in 1908. Positioned as reliable, easily maintained mass market transportation, it was a runaway success. In a matter of days after the release, 15,000 orders were placed.The first production Model T was produced on August 12, 1908 and left the factory on September 27, 1908, at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan. On May 26, 1927, Henry Ford watched the 15 millionth Model T Ford roll off the assembly line at his factory in Highland Park, Michigan.
