1915 Ford Model T Runabout

Perhaps no single vehicle has had a greater impact on American history than the Ford Model T. Simple, reliable, and affordable, the Model T revolutionized personal travel as the first automobile available at reasonable prices for middle class families. Built using mass-production techniques refined by Ford such as interchangeable parts and modern assembly lines, the Model T reached a production total of more than 15 million before production stopped in 1927.

By 1915, the Model T was fitted with electric lights to replace the old gas lamps and was offered in several different body styles including the sporty “runabout” or “roadster” design such as this example. Black paint was preferred due to its cheap cost and quick drying time, but this was not initially enforced resulting in early Model T’s appearing in a variety of different colors. In reference to the Model T, Henry Ford said: “I will build a motor car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for.” The Model T maintained the record as the most sold car in history until 1972.