The 1921 Model T

Henry Ford invented neither the assembly line nor the automobile. But by using one to make the other, he transformed the economic and social fabric of the 20th century. Cars that almost anyone could afford, suburbs, shopping centers, Interstates, motels and fast-food stops — for better or worse, he made them all possible, perhaps even inevitable. From 1909 to 1927, the Ford Motor Company built more than 15 million T's, of which about one million are still in existence.

Ford began with the original Model A, the name applied to a somewhat experimental vehicle, of which Ford produced about 1,750 copies from 1903 to 1905. Several letter cars followed, eventually culminating in the Model T, which finally realized Ford's goals of affordability and reliability.

Our 1921 Model T Depot Hack (also sometimes called a beachwagon) was a forerunner of the station wagon, a passenger vehicle that could be used to haul stuff. Ford produced many Model T chassis for owners who wanted to tailor their vehicles for particular uses, which might include anything from racing cars to tractors. (The New York Times in the mid-2000s had a story about a midwestern owner who built a tiny church on his Model T!) Ford made more than 15 million Model T's from 1908 through 1927. The cabin on our T, which once was owned by the Wickford Hotel, was probably made by an expert cabinet-maker.

The Model T was donated to the museum by Mr. and Mrs. John Richardson of Jamestown and was accessioned in January 2001.

The 1928 Model A

In 1921, Ford had about 60% of the new-car market, but under increasing competitive pressure from Chevrolet and others, the company realized it had to satisfy a market that was willing to pay a little more to get a little extra.

So in 1927, Ford closed his factory for six months for retooling. The first Model A, probably the most eagerly awaited new car in American history, rolled off the new assembly line in October. About 4.3 million of them were produced through 1931. The Model A was succeeded in 1932 by the Model B and Model 18.

A 1927 ad in the Boston Herald priced the new car at $385 (you could get bumpers as an option for $15) and noted these features:

• Beautiful new low body line
  
• Choice of four colors
  
• 35 to 65 miles an hour
  
• Remarkable acceleration
  
• 40 horse-power
  
• four-wheel brakes
  
• Standard, selective gear shift (The Model T had only two forward speeds, and no clutch. For modern motorists, at any rate, it is far more difficult to drive than the Model A and later cars.
  
• Hydraulic shock absorbers
  
• 20 to 30 miles per gallon of gasoline
  
• Theft-proof coincidental lock (A coincidental lock is one that locks the car when the ignition is turned off.}
  
• Typical Ford economy and reliability