“You can paint it any color, so long as it ís black” is one of the best-known Fordisms. The Model T pervaded the world, as it did the hearts of its owners.
Despite the fact that it was known for its unchanging design and features, no two Ts were ever alike, and their owners would swear to it.
The “Tin Lizzie”, as it was known, was the stuff of legends. Built as a universal car, Henry Ford said that once it was built it “would forever answer the personal needs of America.” While Henry was not quite right, the T did last almost 20 years of production, more than any other car save the Volkswagen Beetle, the German “people’s car.” More than 15 million Ts were built between 1908 and 1927, due to Henry’s innovative incorporation of the moving assembly line in 1913. Aided by the 7, 000 plus dealers in the country, the popularity of the Model T necessitated the adage regarding its color. With the increased production pace, black Japanese enamel was the only paint that would dry as fast as the cars were made.
Specifications: Model T; 20 horsepower, 176.6 cubic inch, in-line four-cylinder engine. Top speed 45 mph, fuel consumption 25-30 miles per gallon. Wheelbase: 100 inches, weight: 1, 100 pounds.
