Ford Model A (1903–04)

Ford Model A
Ford Model A
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Fordmobile; Ford Model AC
Production	1903–1904; 1700 produced
Designer	Henry Ford
Body and chassis
Body style	2-seat runabout; rear-entry 4-seat tonneau
Powertrain
Engine	Flat-2
Transmission	3-speed planetary
Dimensions
Wheelbase	72 in (1.8 m)
Curb weight	1,240 lb (562 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Quadricycle
Successor	Ford Model B; Ford Model C

The original Ford Model A was the first car produced by Ford Motor Company, beginning production in 1903. Dr. Ernst Pfenning of Chicago, Illinois became the first owner of a Model A on July 23, 1903. 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 at the amidships of the car, produced 8 hp (6 kW). A 3-speed planetary transmission was fitted, 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 45 mph (72 km/h). It had a 72 in (1.8 m) wheelbase and sold for a base price of US$750 (equivalent to $25,433 today). Options included a rear tonneau with two seats and a rear door for $100 (equivalent to $3,391 today), a rubber roof for $30 (equivalent to $1,017 today) or a leather roof for $50 (equivalent to $1,696 today).

The company had spent almost its entire $28,000 (equivalent to $949,511 today) initial investment funds with only $223.65 (equivalent to $7,584 today) 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 re-painted in other colors.^{[citation needed]}

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

David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6.
"Early Ford". Retrieved August 20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)