Page 13 - the story of motoring

Model T Ford

In all 15 million Model Ts were made. At one time during 1922 half the cars in
the world were godel Ts. The Model T was popular because it gave most people
every thing they wanted at a low price. In 1925 this car only cost £125. You
no longer had to be rich to enjoy motoring. Millions of people all over the
world had their first taste of motoring in a Model T. To keep the price low,
Ford made the car very simple in appearance. There were no luxury seats, few
instruments and a plain appearance. It was also reliable and tough. The cars
top speed was 50mph at 25 miles to the gallon. The Ford seemed to last for ever,
it could take every punisment. The bodywork could easily be changed from seats
for the family to delivery van style. Farmers fitted spiked wheels and used the
car to pull a plough. Model T or 'Tin Lizzie' powered saws, harvesting machines,
pumped water and generated electricity. It was a maid of all work and people
loved it.

Many jokes were told about the Model T, making fun of the way it ran or looked.
'A lady was telling me about the fine new car their mighbour was going to get'.
'Whats the name of the car?'. 'I can't remember but it starts with T'. 'That
must be a Ford. All the rest start with petrol'.

'Did you hear about the man who tied his dog to his Model T and was arrested for
tying a tin can to a dog'.

'Can I sell you a speedometer?'. 'I don't use one. When my Ford is running 5mph
the mudguard rattles, 12mph my teeth rattle and 15mph the engine drops out'.

The achievements of Henry Ford are a landmark in the story of motoring. He made
the first cheap family car and introduced mass production.