Editor’s Blog on driving the second oldest surviving Ford
WHILE I was on the launch of the new Ford Focus, apart from the latest incarnation of its best-selling business hatchback, Ford also had a bit of history available to drive: a Ford Model T.
I couldn’t resist this. The Model T, the car which revolutionised mass car production, was the second oldest British-built Model T in existence, built at Ford’s Trafford, Manchester, plant in 1912.
Powered by a 2890cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine, the Model T is capable of 42mph, and has two forward gears, one reverse.
I can’t vouch for the speed I achieved, but sitting on top of the bench seat with the wind and sunshine on my face and driving this bit of motoring history was a truly exhilarating experience. A bit scary too, because you didn’t want to do anything untoward to damage the car…
It’s hard not to be impressed with what Ford achieved with this car