The Car
Affordability
When Ford began manufacturing the Model T, he probably never imagined that it would stay in production for 19 years.[21] Although somewhat expensive to the average person, at $20,000 in today's money, the T was cheap amongst cars of the time.[22] Once Ford got production rolling, though, the price was cut in half.
Model T Models
Design
One of the key features of the Model T that made it so successful was the flexible and light weight chassis.[23] Ford said the T was, “to be built of the very best material”. When J. Kent Smith approached him with the idea of using Vanadium steel, a perfect material to create a light, flexible chassis designed to absorb pounding, Ford was thrilled at the possibilities.[24] He then implemented a three point suspension design that could withstand any road. His new advances made the Model T sturdier and lighter than other cars. The finished Model T weighed only 1200 pounds; no other passenger car was even close.[25] To deal with deep ruts, the T had ten inches of ground clearance.[26] Ford also gave it large wagon-like wheels with unparalleled grip in loose dirt.[27] The T’s 60 pounds per horsepower stacked up well even against expensive race cars of the time.[28] Because of its light weight and high power, it averaged 25 miles per gallon and reached speeds of 45 miles per hour.[29]
