What Was Henry Ford's First Car?

When we hear Henry Ford's name, we often associate him with early cars.

In 1896, the Ford Quadricycle came to life. When we look back now, we might think that this transportation device looks like nothing more than a glorified bicycle. For Ford and the people of his day though, Ford's first car was a true work of art. The Quadricycle had four bicycle wheels, but also a gas powered engine. It was opened and the seat did not have any coverage or protection from the rain. Of course, though, this contraption got people to places much more quickly and conveniently than they had been traveling in the past. These cars were sometimes called horseless carriages, because that is really what they resembled.

Remember, Henry Ford did not create the first car. At the beginning of the 20th century, cars already existed. However, they were extremely expensive and geared towards those individuals who had a lot of money. Ford wanted the average citizen to be able to purchase a car that he or she could use. Therefore, he set to work on his first car - the Ford Quadricycle.

Henry Ford's Model T

What Was the Model T?

When we talk about the first car that Ford produced, it is different than discussing the first major automobile which resembled those of today. Ford did a lot of work with automobiles before the Model T arrived on the scene; however, that model is generally considered the first automobile marketed for the middle class. Many students in history classes learn about the Model T when they are studying this time period in history in regards to transportation.

History of the Model T

Henry Ford, the creator of this famous vehicle, started his Ford Motor Company in 1903. When you hear Model T, you might think that there were Models A through S. That is not really the case. There were not 19 production models that came through with his line of cars. Some of these models were just prototypes. Before the Model T came into play, the Model N was the biggest success of the company. That was eventually upgraded to the Model S.

Despite all of these other models and prototypes that came before it, the Model T has been called the most influential car of the 20th century. It was so different from the very first cars that appeared. Unlike the Quadricycle, it had a covered roof, a door, and generally resembled the car as we know it today.

This car arrived on the scene in 1908, and the production of it continued for 19 years until 1927. For so many years, Henry Ford's production company-especially the Model T- was really the top of the line with cars. Everyone seemed to either have one or want one. However, as the 1930's approached, times started to change. General Motors started to surge ahead of Ford, and soon, his company and the Model T were no longer at the center of the automobile world.