The legacy of the Ford Model T is difficult to overstate. This is the car that helped put the world on wheels – the kind of wheels without a horse in front. Sure, cars other than the Model T were around, but they were expensive. Henry Ford’s mission was to put a car in every drive, and that meant mass production. Contrary to popular myth, Ford did not invent the assembly line. In fact, Venetians used a form of the assembly line in the twelfth century, when ships were moved down canals to be fitted with specialized parts made by craftsmen at separate stations. As mass production developed, it led to interchangeable parts, then the use of unskilled labor, then standardized manufacturing equipment. Ransom E. Olds actually invented and patented the assembly line, with the first “mass-produced” car being the Curved Dash. Henry Ford’s contribution to the process was compelling the assembly line to move by conveyor. This innovation meant that starting in December of 1913, one Model T could be built every ninety minutes, shattering production records. In 1913, 170,000 Model T’s were made, priced at $525. In 1923, Ford made over 2 million Model T’s, and the price was just $364. Here on craigslist is one of these wonders, a 1926 Model T Tourer, with an asking price of $5,900. The car is in Rochester, Minnesota. Thanks to T.J. for the tip!

Propulsion was via a 177 cu. in. inline four-cylinder flathead motor. This little guy produced about 20 bhp. The top speed was 45 mph. Most unusual was the transmission, which utilized planetary gears – these are found in virtually every automatic transmission we use today. The gear controls consisted of three pedals and a lever mounted on the roadside of the floor next to the driver. The throttle is on the steering wheel. The seller indicates the car starts readily and runs and drives well.

This car is in great rustic condition. But the interior presents a conundrum. The seat material may be original, and if so, should be preserved. However, it’s truly about to disintegrate – with bits of material literally missing. A seat cover might preserve what’s left, or bite the bullet and renew the seat entirely. Then, of course, the seat is going to stand out like a sore thumb as the only new part of the car.

This is the touring body, seating four. The seller indicates that the top needs restoration – another potentially conspicuous new part! Alternatively, use a seat cover and forget the top – just drive it when it’s not raining. About that color: was black the only choice? Yes and no. Before the conveyor belt assembly line, Model T’s could be had in several colors. But after 1913, black was it. Black dried faster and was cheaper to produce, promoting the whole mass production theme. If you can’t tell, I love this car. I think it’s cheap at twice the price.