What was the ground clearance of the Ford Model T in inches?

The Ford Model T had about 10 inches of ground clearance.

That generous clearance was a practical feature, not just a specification. When the Model T debuted in 1908, much of rural America still relied on dirt roads, wagon tracks, and surfaces that could become deeply rutted or muddy. Keeping the underside high reduced the chance of striking obstacles or grounding between the ruts.

The suspension helped make that clearance useful. The car used solid beam axles with a transverse semi-elliptical leaf spring at each end, allowing substantial axle movement over uneven ground. Its roughly 30-inch wheels also contributed to its ability to cross rough surfaces.

Specifications can vary slightly by body style, tire, load, and measurement point, so period and modern references do not always report exactly the same figure. Ten inches is the standard rounded figure used for the Model T and is the fair answer to a general trivia question. It should not be confused with the car’s 100-inch wheelbase.