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569 – Driving a bit of history: Ford Model T

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30 March 2011

The Ford Model T Torpedo/Runabout at the launch of the new Ford Focus

A chance to drive some history: the Ford Model T Torpedo – the second oldest surviving UK-built Model T in existence

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

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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