HowStuffWorks "How Ford Works"

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The foundation of this unparalleled success was the world's first mass-produced car: the cheap, simple Model T, whose lovable quirkiness was matched only by that of its creator, company founder Henry Ford. Henry's decision to abandon his treasured "Tin Lizzie" after 19 years and a staggering 15-million cars -- the last not very different from the first -- came almost too late, and his company lost a lot in money and goodwill during the long changeover to the belated new Model A. Yet despite keen competition from an aggressive Chevrolet and newcomer Plymouth, the Model A was a success, almost perfectly timed for the Great Depression that began soon after its 1928 debut. Ford built more than 1.1 million cars for 1930 -- almost twice as many as Chevrolet and more than 14 times as many as Plymouth. The 1930 Ford Model A received a number of changes that seem minor now but were major at the time. All models retained the "little Lincoln" styling crafted by Henry's artistic son Edsel (who was named Ford Motor Company president in 1919), but the fenders were lower and wider, the hoodline was higher, and stainless steel replaced nickel plate on the radiator and headlight shells. Enhancing the lower look was a switch to balloon tires on smaller 19-inch wheels (replacing 21-inchers). Running changes made during the model year included a numerically higher steering ratio for less effort at the wheel, and standardization of vacuum-operated windshield wipers that had previously been an extra-cost accessory. As before, the Model A spanned a wide range of body types: coupes, sport coupes, roadsters, and cabriolets with or without rumble seat; "Tudor" and "Fordor" sedans; a surprisingly dignified Town Sedan; and a wood-body station wagon. Most could be had with Standard or DeLuxe trim, the latter typically featuring brighter colors and spiffier interiors. Prices ranged from just $435 for the basic two-seat roadster to $660 for the Town Sedan. There was also a very deluxe Town Car with canvas-­covered formal roof. Not many sold at $1200 -- a mere 96 for the model year. Arriving in June was a $625 DeLuxe two-door phaeton, a jaunty five-seater with standard left-sidemount spare, chrome trunk rack, leather upholstery, and lower steering wheel and windshield. Another new style, bowing in the autumn of 1930, was the Victoria coupe sporting a slanted windshield, soon to be commonplace throughout Detroit. Little visible change occurred for 1931 save a painted section atop the front of the radiator shell, which made identification easy. Chevrolet was still pushing hard, and Ford yielded the top spot in 1931 model-year volume, though only by some 4100 cars. Ford wouldn't top Chevy again until 1934 despite scoring a coup with America's first low-priced V-8.­ More Ford Information Ford Motor Company led the American car industry from the get-go. To learn more about Ford's fascinating past and present, check out these additional sites. Ford New Car Reviews and Prices Ford Used Car Reviews and Prices Print Cite This! Close Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article: the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. "How Ford Works" 11 June 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. 14 August 2014. Citation & Date Feedback Page 1 Ford Origins 2 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934 Fords and Ford V-8 3 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939 Fords 4 1940, 1941, 1942 Fords 5 Ford Sportsman, Henry Ford II Takes Over 6 The 1949 Ford 7 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956 Fords 8 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960 Fords and Ford Skyliner More To Explore More Great Links Top 10 Green Driving Tips 5 Scariest Stunt Car Feats The Ultimate CarStuff Fan Quiz 5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires 10 Most Expensive Classic Cars Watch American Chopper videos >> You Might Also Like 1969-1973 Plymouth Plymouth designers created a low but thick "armored car" appearance for their 1969-1973 line. These full-size models faced some interesting competition during this period-- a popular, new, and rather unwelcome internal rival, the Dodge Dart. 1993-1994 Pontiac Firebird After a close call with extinction, the Firebird's future now seemed assured with the 1993 Pontiac Firebird. 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