Ford Model A (1903–04)
| Ford Model A | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called |
Fordmobile Ford Model AC |
| Production |
1903–1904 1700 produced |
| Designer | Henry Ford |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
2-seat runabout rear-entry 4-seat tonneau |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Flat-2 1668 cc (101.788 cu in) 8hp.[1] |
| Transmission | 2-speed planetary |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 72 in (1.8 m)[2] |
| Curb weight | 1,240 lb (562 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Quadricycle |
| Successor |
Ford Model B Ford Model C |
The original Ford Model A is the first car produced by Ford Motor Company, beginning production in 1903. Ernst Pfennig, a Chicago dentist, became the first owner of a Model A on July 23, 1903.[3] 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 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. 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. Band brakes were used on the rear wheels.[1] However, it was $150 more than its most direct competitor, the Oldsmobile Curved Dash, and so did not sell as well.[3]
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 repainted 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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- ↑ http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z7472/Ford-Model-A-Two.aspx
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lacey, Robert (1986). Ford: The Men and the Machine. Little, Brown and company. ISBN 0-316-51166-8.
- David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6.
- "Early Ford". Retrieved February 11, 2010.
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