1903 Ford Model A

edited by David Barth, 15 March 2009.
Courtesy Antique Car Museum of Iowa at 860 Quarry Road, Coralville, Iowa, 52241 USA.
Photos were taken in March 2009.

The Ford Motor Company was formed on June 6, 1903, and by the end of that year the company had produced 670 Model A cars. Ford was established with a capital stock of $100,000 at $100 a share. Its president was John S. Gray, but Henry Ford controlled the company and eventually became its president. In these early years, Ford developed a two-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine that competed against the Oldsmobile engine.

As with many early vehicles, the car was designed like a buggy without horses. The engine was under the seat. This Model A is not to be confused with the Model A cars built from 1928 thorough 1931.

This Model A is a two-cylinder, chain-driven vehicle on a 72 inch wheelbase. It could reach a top speed of 30 miles per hour. The original price was $850 or $950 with a tonneau that was bolted on behind to carry more passengers. The car has 28 x 3 inch tires.

This was the first model made by Ford. After a short production run, it was replaced with improved models including the B, C, and F. Dodge Brothers were early Ford stockholders and suppliers of auto parts.