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101 Cars: Ford Model T
Putting America on Wheels
SPEEDtv.com is celebrating the launch of the new program "101 Cars You Must Drive" with a weekly countdown of the vehicles featured in the show. Tune-in to SPEED 9pm ET on Monday nights, and to SPEEDtv.com every day for new "Must Drive" features.
SPEED Staff  |  Posted August 18, 2008   Charlotte, North Carolina
Simplicity and dogged reliability were among its virtues, as was a low price. (Photo: SeriousWheels.com)

Contrary to what most people believe, Henry Ford did not invent the moving assembly line. But he did put it to good use, employing it and other industrial innovations to produce the Ford Model T. "Hank the Crank" had previously marketed several other models before finding the magic with what would affectionately be dubbed the "Tin Lizzie." Simplicity and dogged reliability were among its virtues, as was a low price. The body configurations were countless, and there's enough Model T legend and lore to fill volumes.

In order to drive one, forget everything you know about modern automobiles. First, you have to get it running, which requires muscling the starter crank that plugs in just below the radiator grille. Once the shaking little four is lit, hold down one of the pedals to engage first gear. The throttle is on the steering wheel; give it some gas and you're away. Shift to second by letting off the gear pedal. In a Model T, 35-40 miles per hour feels like 100. Now, relax and enjoy the view of what motoring was like in the 1910s and 1920s.

Specifications
Engine: 177-ci inline four
Horsepower: 20 @ 1,600 rpm (1912 and later)
0–60 mph: NA (parts start flying off aruond 55 mph...)
Top Speed: 45-60 miles per hour, depending upon body configuration
Price New: $850 (1909)
Value Now: $5,000-50,000, depending on model, rarity
Ford Model T Photos



Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: One of the best-selling cars of all time


Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK: Whatever you can hum, because they were never sold with radios.


Perfect Passenger

PERFECT PASSENGER: A hearty soul who can help you crank


Behind the Wheel

BEHIND THE WHEEL: Join your local Model T club. They are regularly bought, sold, and restored, and most models are not expensive.


Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW: The Model T was build in several countries, including England.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: A tree-lined country lane - hopefully a flat one



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The Ford Model T put America on wheels. Have a story to tell? We want to hear it!

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