What was the common nickname for the Ford Model T?

The Ford Model T was commonly nicknamed “Tin Lizzie.”

The name appeared in American popular culture during the Model T’s long production run, although its exact origin is uncertain. “Tin” likely referred to the car’s lightweight, utilitarian appearance and durable metal body, while “Lizzie” was a familiar nickname for a person or working vehicle. The phrase eventually became one of the automobile’s best-known informal names.

Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 and produced it until 1927. Its simple design, interchangeable parts, sturdy vanadium-steel components, and relatively low cost helped make automobile ownership accessible to the American middle class. More than 15 million were built.

A common mix-up is treating “Tin Lizzie” as the official model name. Ford officially called the vehicle the Model T; “Tin Lizzie” was a popular nickname. “Lizzie” was also sometimes used for other inexpensive or dependable vehicles, but it is especially associated with Ford’s Model T.