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| Ford Model A (1903-1904) | |
|---|---|
| Ford | |
| aka | Fordmobile Ford Model AC |
| Production | 1903–1904 1700 produced |
| Class | - |
| Body Style | 2-seat runabout rear-entry 4-seat tonneau |
| Length | - |
| Width | - |
| Height | - |
| Wheelbase | 72 in (1.8 m) |
| Weight | 1,240 lb (562 kg) |
| Transmission | 3-speed planetary |
| Engine | Flat-2 |
| Power | 6 hp |
| Similar | similar (competition) |
| 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 (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.
See Autopedia's comprehensive Ford Model A (1903-1904) Review.
Recent Changes[]
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Styles and Major Options[]
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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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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Engine and Transmission[]
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Performance[]
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Reliability[]
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Colors[]
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Main Competitors[]
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Unique Attributes[]
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Interior[]
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Resale Values[]
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Generations[]
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First Generation: (1903–1904)[]
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Worldwide[]
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Design quirks and oddities[]
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Awards[]
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See Also[]
| Ford cars made for the European market | ||
| Köln | Y | Rheinland | Eifel | C Ten | 7Y | 7W | Prefect | Anglia | Pilot | Zephyr | Consul | Squire | Taunus Vedette | Comète | Cortina | Popular | Classic | Corsair | Escort | Capri | Granada | Fiesta | Sierra | RS200 | Orion | Scorpio | Probe | Mondeo | Galaxy | Ka | Puma | Focus | Cougar | Maverick | Fusion | GT | Focus C-MAX | S-MAX | ||
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External Links[]
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