On this day in history, the Model T hit the open road.
Fresh off the assembly line in Detroit, Henry Ford’s idea became a reality in 1908, eventually allowing millions of Americans to own automobiles. Ford Motor Co. aimed to create vehicles that were durable, affordable and practical for everyday use.
Automobiles had been around for decades before the Model T, with Karl Benz’s Patent-Motorwagen, introduced in the 1880s, widely regarded as the first practical automobile powered by an internal-combustion engine. What helped set Ford apart was his approach to mass production.
Ford did not introduce the moving assembly line for automobile production until 1913, several years after the Model T debuted. The system dramatically reduced production time and helped Ford lower the price of the Model T, making automobile ownership more accessible to Americans.
When introduced in 1908, the Model T was priced at about $825. As production became more efficient, Ford continued lowering the price. More than 15 million Model Ts were produced before production ended in 1927.
The Model T helped transform transportation in the United States as automobiles became an increasingly important part of everyday life. Ford’s manufacturing methods also influenced mass production beyond the automobile industry, helping reshape American manufacturing during the 20th century.
