Details
1903 FORD MODEL A TWO-PASSENGER ROADSTER
Engine No. 581
Red with black interior
Engine: two-cylinder opposed, 8hp, double-chain drive; Gearbox: two speeds forward and reverse; Brakes: two wheel; Suspension: full elliptic leaf springs, front and rear. Right hand drive.
After several exciting seasons of successful racing with the likes of Barney Oldfield, Henry Ford's reputation was established as a designer/builder of sensational automobiles. In 1903 he received $25,000 of financial backing from Alexander Malcomson, with which he set out to build a reliable and affordable automobile. The Dodge brothers were added to the team along with James S. Couzens who had been Malcomson's bookkeeper in his coal company. The Ford Motor Company was born with a four part plan: make the car easy to drive, cheap and easy to repair and maintain, make the car durable, and make it inexpensive to buy--priced under $500.
The first car, called the Model A, had a flat twin engine which was two-cylinders opposed. The gasoline and water tanks were built under the front hood and the engine was located under the seat on an independant cross frame. The ignition is jumpstart from two sets of batteries, one in reserve. The radiator has a large cooling area making a large water reserve tank unnecessary, and overheating unlikely. Although most of the early A series were rear-entrance, this vehicle is a very attractive and sporty roadster model with side entrance.
The engine configuration provided distinctively smooth running and strong hill climbing abilities. The car met all but the last criteria of the new company's plan with a price when new of $850. This particular vehicle was acquired from the Henry Austin Clark collection after its purchase in 1962 from the original owner, H.V. DuPont. Mr. Williams reports that this beautiful little machine has taken three blue ribbons at Greenfield village. It is fitted with the optional Victoria top and would be an excellent entry for the London to Brighton run.
Engine No. 581
Red with black interior
Engine: two-cylinder opposed, 8hp, double-chain drive; Gearbox: two speeds forward and reverse; Brakes: two wheel; Suspension: full elliptic leaf springs, front and rear. Right hand drive.
After several exciting seasons of successful racing with the likes of Barney Oldfield, Henry Ford's reputation was established as a designer/builder of sensational automobiles. In 1903 he received $25,000 of financial backing from Alexander Malcomson, with which he set out to build a reliable and affordable automobile. The Dodge brothers were added to the team along with James S. Couzens who had been Malcomson's bookkeeper in his coal company. The Ford Motor Company was born with a four part plan: make the car easy to drive, cheap and easy to repair and maintain, make the car durable, and make it inexpensive to buy--priced under $500.
The first car, called the Model A, had a flat twin engine which was two-cylinders opposed. The gasoline and water tanks were built under the front hood and the engine was located under the seat on an independant cross frame. The ignition is jumpstart from two sets of batteries, one in reserve. The radiator has a large cooling area making a large water reserve tank unnecessary, and overheating unlikely. Although most of the early A series were rear-entrance, this vehicle is a very attractive and sporty roadster model with side entrance.
The engine configuration provided distinctively smooth running and strong hill climbing abilities. The car met all but the last criteria of the new company's plan with a price when new of $850. This particular vehicle was acquired from the Henry Austin Clark collection after its purchase in 1962 from the original owner, H.V. DuPont. Mr. Williams reports that this beautiful little machine has taken three blue ribbons at Greenfield village. It is fitted with the optional Victoria top and would be an excellent entry for the London to Brighton run.