Ford Model A (1903–04)

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See also: Ford Model A (1927–1931)
Ford Model A
1903-ford-rc.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Ford
Also called Fordmobile
Ford Model AC
Production 1903–1904
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) 8 hp[1][2]
Transmission 2-speed planetary
Dimensions
Wheelbase 72 in (1.8 m)[3]
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 the Ford Motor Company, beginning production in 1903. Ernest Pfennig, a Chicago dentist, became the first owner of a Model A on July 23, 1903;[4] 1,750 cars were made from 1903 through 1904 during Ford's occupancy of its first facility: the Ford Mack Avenue Plant, a modest rented wood-frame building on Detroit's East Side. The Model A was replaced by the Ford Model C during 1904 with some sales overlap.

File:Ford1903.jpg
Ad for the Model A from a December 15, 1903 newspaper

The car came as a two-seater runabout for $800 or the $900 [5] 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, so did not sell as well.[4]

The company had spent almost its entire $28,000 initial investment funds ($737,437 in 2021 dollars [6]) 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.[7]

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.[8]

Ford Model AC

1904 Model A cars were equipped with the larger, 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) engine of the Model C and were sold as the Model AC.[1] The Model AC can be visually distinguished from the Model A by its larger six-by-three-bar radiator.[9]

See also

 
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References

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Bibliography

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Ford Motor Company vehicle timeline, North American market, 1903–1942 — next »
Type 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2
Runabout Model A
Model AC
Model C


Touring Model B Model F
Model K Model T
Model N
Model R
Model S
Full-size Model T Model A Model B Model 18 Model 40 Model 48 Standard Standard
De Luxe Deluxe
Pickup Truck Model TT Model AA Model BB Model 48 Standard Standard
Model T Model A Model B Model 18 Model 40 De Luxe Deluxe
Bus Transit Bus
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kimes & Clark, Jr. (1989), pp. 547–548.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ ad in Automobile Review magazine, Chicago, Dec. 15, 1903, p. 10
  6. ↑ 1634 to 1699: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. 1700-1799: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. 1800–present: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Auto Museum Online - 1903 Ford Model A
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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