Ford Model A (1903-1904)

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 $17.7 thousand today). Options included a rear tonneau with two seats and a rear door for $100 (equivalent to $2.36 thousand today), a rubber roof for $30 (equivalent to $700 today) or a leather roof for $50 (equivalent to $1.18 thousand today).

The company had spent almost its entire $28,000 (equivalent to $662 thousand today) initial investment funds with only $223.65 (equivalent to $5.29 thousand 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.

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Recent Changes
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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.

Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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