Ford Model A (1903-1904)
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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 | 2-seat runabout rear-entry 4-seat tonneau |
| Engine | Flat-2 1668 cc (101.788 cu in) 8hp.[1] |
| Transmission | 2-speed planetary |
| Wheelbase | 72 in (1.8 m)[2] |
| Curb weight | 1,240 lb (562 kg) |
| Designer(s) | Henry Ford |
The original Ford Model A is the first car produced by Ford Motor Company, beginning production in 1903. Ernst Pfenning, 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
- ^ a b Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4 [Amazon-US | Amazon-UK].
- ^ http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z7472/Ford-Model-A-Two.aspx
- ^ a b Lacey, Robert (1986). Ford: The Men and the Machine. Little, Brown and company. ISBN 0-316-51166-8 [Amazon-US | Amazon-UK].
- David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6 [Amazon-US | Amazon-UK].
- "Early Ford". Retrieved February 11, 2010.