The fine art of …

The T’s & Antiques Class

This is one of two special feature classes of the 2009 Salisbury Concours d’Elegance.  At the beginning of the 20th century, the automobile was a plaything for the rich. Most models were complicated machines that required a chauffeur familiar with its peculiar mechanical nuances to drive it (and keep it running).

Henry Ford was determined to build a simple, reliable and affordable car that the average American worker could afford. Out of this determination came the Model T and the assembly line – two innovations that revolutionized American society and molded the world we live in today.

From the first 1909 models to the last in 1927, over 15 million Model T’s were produced.  (Even though the first Model T’s were initially sold in November of 1908, they were all titled as 1909’s, leading some to believe 2009 as the 100^th anniversary of the Model T).  With the 1909 models selling for $950, and because of Henry’s desire to “build a car for the great multitude”, the price dipped to a low of $280.

As competition increased, and technical and design innovations evolved in the young automobile industry, autos such as the Kissel became major competitors.

It was such innovations and fierce competition that forced Henry to turn over the design side of the business to his son, Edsel, best known for his design talents.

Edsel, who became President of Ford Motor Company in 1919, was responsible for much of the design innovations of the very successful Model A, and all subsequent Ford designs until his untimely death at the age of 49 in 1943.  Edsel was also responsible for the design side of both the Lincoln (acquired in 1918) and Mercury marques (introduced in 1939).  While Edsel Ford had no involvement in the ill-fated Edsel brand, his son, Henry II, named the 1958 auto in his honor.

Winner was Miles Mills #TT 05 - 1920 Ford Model T