Model T Ford Club of America

This slideshow explores the history and impact of the Ford Model T. 

The Model T

In this interactive activity, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the 1909 Ford Model T Touring, one of the most important cars in automotive history. By clicking on different parts of the car, you’ll learn about the key features that made this car so revolutionary in early produciton.

1909 Model T Touring Components

Now that you have seen the components of the earlier version of the Touring, look at the late version to see how Ford continued to improve the Model T. 

1927 Model T Touring Components

Explore the transformative impact of the Model T on the lives of farmers in early 20th-century America. 

Harvesting Innovation: The Model T's Impact on Agriculture

Background context for the what was going on in the world during the production of the Model T. 

1900-1930 America

Think about and discuss the following questions with your peers. 

Think About: Model T's Impact on Other Industries

5 Dollar, 8 Hour Workday

Explore the life events of the man behind the Model T. 

Henry Ford Timeline

Test your knowledge of Henry Ford and the Model T. 

Ford Escape Room

Henry Ford Matching Activity

Explore the transformative impact of the Henry Ford and the Model T on American society. 

Roads to Change: Henry Ford & The Model T's Impact on Society

U.S. History

Social Studies

The Model T, also known as the "Tin Lizzie," was the first car that made owning an automobile affordable for the average person. Introduced by Henry Ford in 1908, it was simple, reliable, and easy to repair.

Henry Ford wanted to create a car that was affordable, easy to maintain, and built for the masses. His goal was to make automobiles accessible to regular working families, not just the wealthy.

In 1913, Ford introduced the moving assembly line, which made it possible to build cars faster and cheaper. This innovation changed manufacturing forever, allowing Ford to produce the Model T in large quantities.

The introduction of the assembly line lowered production costs, which meant the price of the Model T dropped. In 1914, Ford began paying workers $5 a day, making it possible for many people to buy their own car.

Before the Model T, cars were a luxury only for the wealthy. By the 1920s, the Model T had made car ownership a reality for millions of Americans. It helped change transportation across the country.

The Model T wasn’t just a car; it revolutionized the way products were made and how people worked. Ford’s innovation laid the foundation for modern manufacturing and helped shape the world we live in today.

Although the Model T was successful, it wasn't perfect. Over time, Ford improved its design to meet customer needs, and by 1927, the Model T was replaced by the Model A.

- More than 15 million Model T's were sold!

- After 1914 it was only available in black for production reasons.

- The Model T was used by farmers, families, and even stripped down for races!

The Model T changed the way the world thought about cars. Its impact is still seen today in how cars are made and how affordable products are produced. Henry Ford’s vision continues to influence the auto industry.

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Roads to Change: Henry Ford & The Model T's Impact on Society

The Model T

Guiding Question

What Was the Model T?