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 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
| Model | Car Type | Passenger Capacity | Engine (Horsepower for Steam & Gas, Volts for Electric) | Weight (Pounds) | Wheelbase (Inches) | Original Cost (Year Released) | Today's Equivalent Cost (in 2015) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 Mobile | Steam | 4 | 4.5 | 900 | 65 | 650 | 17000 |
| 1902 Stanley Stick-Seat Runabout | Steam | 4 | 6 | 900 | 70 | 650 | 18108 |
| 1905 Stanley Runabout Model CX | Steam | 4 | 8 | 1000 | 78 | 670 | 16900 |
| 1907 Stanley Semi-Racer Model K | Steam | 3 | 30 | 1850 | 108 | 1800 | 47368 |
| 1908 Stanley Model EX | Steam | 4 | 10 | 1200 | 90 | 870 | 20400 |
| 1908 Stanley Gentleman’s Speedy Roadster H-5 | Steam | 2 | 20 | 1350 | 100 | 1350 | 35526 |
| 1910 Stanley Touring Model 71 | Steam | 4 | 20 | 2200 | 115 | 1400 | 35000 |
| 1912 Stanley Touring Model 87 | Steam | 7 | 30 | 4200 | 134 | 2500 | 57100 |
| 1913 Stanley Model 76 | Steam | 5 | 20 | 2800 | 120 | 1700 | 38000 |
| 1913 Stanley Roadster Model 78 | Steam | 2 | 20 | 2500 | 115 | 1640 | 36700 |
| 1914 Stanley Model 607 | Steam | 4 | 10 | 2200 | 112 | 1450 | 34414 |
| 1915 Stanley Mountain Wagon Model 820 | Steam | 15 | 30 | 5000 | 136 | 2350 | 54635 |
| 1916 Stanley Touring Model 725 | Steam | 5 | 20 | 3400 | 130 | 1975 | 43004 |
| 1918 Stanley Touring Model 735 | Steam | 7 | 20 | 3850 | 130 | 2600 | 40866 |
| 1922 Stanley Touring Model 740 | Steam | 7 | 20 | 4200 | 130 | 2750 | 40866 |
| 1924 Stanley Model 750 | Steam | 7 | 20 | 4200 | 130 | 2600 | 36086 |
| 1914 Ford Model T | Gas | 5 | 20 | 1200 | 100 | 500 | 12000 |
| 1932 Packard Phaeton Model 905 | Gas | 4 | 160 | 5450 | 142 | 4750 | 82288 |
| 1937 Packard Model 1508 | Gas | 7 | 175 | 6000 | 144 | 4500 | 74168 |
| 1916 Rauch and Lang Electric Brougham | Electric | 5 | 90 | 3500 | 92 | 2800 | 60967 |