1914 Ford Model T

The 1914 Ford Model T is a mostly black car with a red front. An older gentleman in a red ballcap sits behind the wheel

The 1914 Ford Model T as it looks today, featuring an older gentleman behind the wheel

1914 Stanley Model 607 1915 Stanley Mountain Wagon Model 820

General History

Henry Ford began manufacturing the famed Model T in 1908. He revolutionized American industry and automotive history with the introduction of the assembly line in 1913, and the Model T became the first mass-produced commodity in the world. With a new Model T leaving the assembly line every three minutes, the faster production time led to reduced costs and, most important, a more affordable price tag for the emerging American middle class. Within a few years after the 1914 Model T was built, the cost of a new one dropped as low as $265, and Fords represented nearly 2/3 of all cars sold in America. Fifteen million Model T Fords were built by the time production ended in 1927.

Want to learn more about the Model T’s history and more about Henry Ford himself? Check out this webseries from the Owls Head Transportation Museum

Shifting History

Our Model’s History

Jim Riggleman of Wilmington, Delaware, purchased this car in May 2008 from Bonnie Lincoln, daughter of Vernon A. Reynolds, who had owned the vehicle since the 1960s. The car was restored in 1963/64 by Arnold Sumpter of Perryville, Maryland, in preparation for display at the New York World’s Fair. Gift of Gloria Riggleman in memory of James D. Riggleman

The model T is parked in front of the Marshall Steam Museum's garage

The Model T as it looked when it was first added to our collection

This car adopted in memory of Ralph L. Berry

Specifications

Capacity: 5 passengers
Engine: 20 horsepower
Weight: 1,200 pounds
Wheelbase: 100 inches
Cost: $500 in 1914; 2015 equivalent: $12,000

Comparison Chart

ModelCar TypePassenger CapacityEngine (Horsepower for Steam & Gas, Volts for Electric)Weight (Pounds)Wheelbase (Inches)Original Cost (Year Released)Today's Equivalent Cost (in 2015)
1901 MobileSteam44.59006565017000
1902 Stanley Stick-Seat RunaboutSteam469007065018108
1905 Stanley Runabout Model CXSteam4810007867016900
1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K
Steam3301850108180047368
1908 Stanley Model EXSteam41012009087020400
1908 Stanley Gentleman’s Speedy Roadster H-5Steam2201350100135035526
1910 Stanley Touring Model 71
Steam4202200115140035000
1912 Stanley Touring Model 87Steam7304200134250057100
1913 Stanley Model 76Steam5202800120170038000
1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78Steam2202500115164036700
1914 Stanley Model 607Steam4102200112145034414
1915 Stanley Mountain Wagon Model 820
Steam15305000136235054635
1916 Stanley Touring Model 725
Steam5203400130197543004
1918 Stanley Touring Model 735
Steam7203850130260040866
1922 Stanley Touring Model 740
Steam7204200130275040866
1924 Stanley Model 750
Steam7204200130260036086
1914 Ford Model T
Gas520120010050012000
1932 Packard Phaeton Model 905
Gas41605450142475082288
1937 Packard Model 1508
Gas71756000144450074168
1916 Rauch and Lang Electric Brougham
Electric590350092280060967

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