See also: Ford Model A (1927–1931).
| Ford Model A | |
| Manufacturer: | Ford |
| Production: | 1903–1904 |
| 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) 8 hp[1] [2] |
| Transmission: | 2-speed planetary |
| Wheelbase: | 72 in (1.8 m)[3] |
| Weight: | 1,240 lb (562 kg) |
| Aka: | Fordmobile Ford Model AC |
| Designer: | Henry Ford |
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; 1,750 cars were made in 1903 and 1904 at the Ford Mack Avenue Plant, a modest rented wood-frame building on Detroit's East Side, and Ford's first facility. The Model A was replaced by the Ford Model C during 1904 with some sales overlap.
The car came as a two-seater runabout for $800 or the $900 [4] 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.[5]
The company had spent almost its entire $28,000 initial investment funds ($ in dollars) 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.[6]
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.[7]
1904 Model A cars were equipped with the larger, 10hp 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.[8]