What was the fuel tank capacity of the Ford Model T?

The Ford Model T had a fuel tank capacity of 10 US gallons.

For most of the Model T’s production run, the tank was mounted in the frame beneath the front seat. This placement was practical and kept the vehicle’s design simple, but it also shaped how the fuel system worked. The Model T relied on gravity to carry gasoline to the carburetor instead of using a fuel pump.

That arrangement created a famous quirk: when the fuel level became low, the car could struggle on a steep uphill grade because the carburetor sat higher than the remaining fuel. Drivers sometimes solved the problem by climbing a steep hill in reverse, placing the tank higher relative to the carburetor. In 1926, Ford moved the tank forward and upward under the cowl on most models, improving fuel delivery.

Ten US gallons was the standard capacity, equivalent to about 37.9 litres or 8 Imperial gallons. The capacity should not be confused with the car’s fuel economy, which varied with road conditions, speed, body style, and load. Ford’s published figures were commonly around 13 to 21 miles per US gallon.