Ford Model A (1903)
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- See also Ford Model A (1927)
| Ford Model A | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Fordmobile Ford Model AC |
| Production | 1903–1904 1700 produced |
| Predecessor | Ford Quadricycle |
| Successor | Ford Model B Ford Model C |
| Body style(s) | 2-seat runabout rear-entry 4-seat tonneau |
| Engine(s) | Flat-2 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed planetary |
| Wheelbase | 72 in (1.8 m) |
| Curb weight | 1,240 lb (562 kg) |
| Designer | Henry Ford |
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. 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.
The company had spent almost its entire $28,000 initial investment funds 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.
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 painted other colors.[citation needed]
[edit] 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.
[edit] References
- David L. Lewis (2005). 100 Years of Ford. Publications International, 16–17. ISBN 0-7853-7988-6.
- Early Ford. Retrieved on August 20, 2006.
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