The Ford Model T was first produced in 1908.
The first production Model T was built on August 12, 1908, at Ford’s Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, and it left the factory on September 27. Ford generally dates Model T production from October 1, 1908, which explains why some references give October rather than August for its production start.
Designed by engineers including Joseph Galamb, Eugene Farkas, and Childe Harold Wills under Henry Ford’s supervision, the Model T was created as a practical, affordable car for ordinary families. Its 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine produced about 20 horsepower, and its planetary transmission simplified driving compared with many rivals.
The Model T became famous for Ford’s evolving moving-assembly-line system. Production moved to the much larger Highland Park complex in 1910, and manufacturing efficiencies drove the price down dramatically. Ford built more than 15 million Model Ts before production ended in 1927; the car was later replaced by the Model A.