Start of Ford Model T Production

The First Car for Every American

At the Ford factory in Highland Park, Michigan, on October 1, 1908, workers gathered around a new assembly line. Henry Ford, the visionary and founder of the company, watched as the first Model T emerged from individual parts. This moment was the culmination of his effort to create a car that almost every American could afford, not just the wealthy. Ford believed that the automobile could change the way of life for the entire society.

The Model T was simple, robust, and easy to operate. Thanks to innovative assembly line production, its price dropped to just $850, significantly less than the competition. Within a few years, the price further decreased to $300, allowing the car to become a common part of American households. Ford's factory produced thousands of cars per month, an unprecedented production rate at the time.

The commencement of Model T production marked a revolution in personal transportation. The car became accessible to broad segments of the population, leading to the development of road infrastructure and changes in both urban and rural landscapes. The Model T not only transformed the American economy but also laid the foundation for the modern automotive society, where the personal car is an integral part of everyday life.