- See also: Ford Model A (1927–1931)
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Also called |
Fordmobile Ford Model AC |
| Production |
1903–1904 1700 produced |
| Predecessor | Ford Quadricycle |
| Successor |
Ford Model B Ford Model C |
| Body style(s) |
2-seat runabout rear-entry 4-seat tonneau |
| Engine(s) | Flat-2 |
| Transmission(s) | 2-speed planetary |
| Wheelbase | 72 in (1.8 m) |
| Curb weight | 1,240 lb (562 kg) |
| Designer | Henry Ford |
The original Ford Model A is the first car produced by Ford Motor Company, beginning production in 1903. Dr. Ernst Pfenning of Chicago, Illinois became the first owner of a Model A on July 23, 1903. 1,750 cars were made from 1903 through 1904. The Model A was replaced by the Ford Model C during 1904 with some sales overlap.
The car came as a two-seater runabout or four-seater tonneau model with an option to add a top. The horizontal-mounted flat-2, situated at the amidships of the car, produced 8 hp (6 kW). A planetary transmission was fitted with two forward speeds and reverse, a Ford signature later seen on the Ford Model T. The car weighed 1,240 lb (562 kg) and could reach a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). It had a 72 inch (1.8 m) wheelbase and sold for a base price of US$750 (equivalent to $18300 today). Options included a rear tonneau with two seats and a rear door for $100, a rubber roof for $30 or a leather roof for $50.
The company had spent almost its entire $28,000 initial investment funds with only $223.65 left in its bank account when the first Model A was sold. The success of this car model generated a profit for the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford's first successful business.
Although Ford advertised the Model A as the "most reliable machine in the world", it suffered from many problems common to vehicles of the era, including overheating and slipping transmission bands. The Model A was sold only in red by the factory, though some were later re-painted in other colors.
Model AC[]
Some 1904 Model A cars were equipped with the larger, more powerful engine of the Model C and were sold as the Model AC.
References[]
- David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International, 16–17. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6.
- "Early Ford". Retrieved on February 11, 2010.
External links[]
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This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Ford Model A (1903–1904). The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Tractor & Construction Plant Wiki, the text of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons by Attribution License and/or GNU Free Documentation License. Please check page history for when the original article was copied to Wikia |