Ford Model A (1903–04)

See also: Ford Model A (1927–1931)

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;^[4] 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.

Ad for the Model A from a December 15, 1903 newspaper

Ford Model A
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Also called	Fordmobile Ford Model AC
Production	1903–1904
Designer	Henry Ford
Body and chassis
Body style	2-seat runabout rear-entry 4-seat tonneau
Powertrain
Engine	Flat-2 1668 cc (101.788 cu in) 8 hp[1][2]
Transmission	2-speed planetary
Dimensions
Wheelbase	72 in (1.8 m)[3]
Curb weight	1,240 lb (562 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Quadricycle
Successor	Ford Model B Ford Model C

The car came as a two-seater runabout for $800 or the $900 ^[5] 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.^[4]

The company had spent almost its entire $28,000 initial investment funds ($949,511 in 2023 dollars ^[6]) 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.^[7]

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.^[8]

Ford Model AC

1904 Model A cars were equipped with the larger, 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) 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.^[9]

References

1. Kimes & Clark, Jr. (1989), pp. 547–548.
2. Dusan Ristic-Petrovic. "Image: Miscellaneous Brochures and Data/Autos of 1904 Booklet/Autos of 1904-17". Oldcarbrochures.com. Retrieved 2022-08-18.
3. "1903 Ford Model A Two | conceptcarz.com".
4. Lacey, Robert (1986). Ford: The Men and the Machine. Little, Brown and company. ISBN 0-316-51166-8.
5. ad in Automobile Review magazine, Chicago, Dec. 15, 1903, p. 10
6. 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
7. "Early Ford". Retrieved February 11, 2010.
8. Auto Museum Online - 1903 Ford Model A
9. "1904 Ford Model 'AC' 10hp Four Seater Rear Entrance Tonneau: Engine No. 982". Bonhams. May 2014. Archived from the original on April 26, 2016. Retrieved August 29, 2017.

Bibliography

• Kimes, Beverly Rae; Clark, Jr., Henry Austin (1989). Standard Catalog of America Cars: 1805–1942 (2nd ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-111-0.