Skip to Content

Search

Entire Collection

Ford Model T Touring Automobile

Specifications

Ford Model T Touring Automobile

Category

Transportation

Classification

CHENHALL - Distribution & Transportation Objects - Land Transportation T&E - Motor Vehicles - Automobile

Object Origin
Manufacturer:

Ford Motor Company

Date Manufactured:

1914

Place of Production:

Michigan, United States of America

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Black four (4)-seat automobile with black interior, black covered top ('touring' option) in place, front window and open sides. Steering wheel on left. Car has short engine portion with two circular head lights at the front, and two lanterns closer to the front window. Fenders start/stop at highest point of tire and run the length of the car creating a metal running board/step.

Measurements: Object:
    Height: 84 in, Length: 11 ft 2 in, Width: 64 in

Credit

Received from Ford Motor Company, 38.205

Display Status

On Exhibit

Ford Model T Touring Automobile

About: Ford Model T Touring Automobile

About: Ford Model T Touring Automobile

This 1914 Ford Model T was donated to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) by Henry Ford. The Ford Model T was made as an affordable car for middle-class families. Prior to 1903, Henry Ford was experimenting with engine designs and built his first vehicle in 1896. He continued his experiments and after two failed business ventures, launched the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan in 1903. By 1905, the company was a leading producer of automobiles in America. As sales continued to climb, Ford wanted to manufacture a reliable and more affordable car for the middle-class. In October 1908 following the Model S, the company introduced the next model, the Model T. The vehicle had a simple design, used the best materials available, could be sold in large quantities and was a success. The Ford Motor Company would end up producing the Model T from 1908 to 1927 and sell over 15 million worldwide. By the early 1920s, more than half of the registered automobiles in the world were Fords.


In the late 1930s, Henry Ford donated this 1914 Model T to the Museum, with 1914 being a significant year for the Ford Motor Company. It was the first year of the moving assembly line, which increased production and revolutionized the way all automobiles would be built. This was also the same year the first year the Model T was offered in the color black. Although the Model T was offered in a variety of colors, most were black by 1914. To increase production speed, the color black was used because it was the only pigment that could be quickly applied and dried through the process called Japanning, which is the baking of paint. In addition, 1914 was the first year the company outperformed its competition, Buick, by a margin of ten to one. Today, the Ford Motor Company remains one of the largest American manufacturers of automobiles.

Additional information

Copyright information

The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.

 

Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.