On July 23, 1903, Ford Motor Company made automotive history by selling its first car, the Model A, for $750 (approximately INR 62,767). This sale marked the beginning of a legacy that would shape the future of the automobile industry.
Founded by Henry Ford, the company started with a modest investment of $28,000 from 12 investors and 1,000 shares. By the time the first Model A was sold, Ford had nearly exhausted its initial funds, underscoring the critical importance of this milestone.
Ernest Pfennig, a dentist from Chicago, became the proud owner of the first Ford Model A. The production of this iconic car began at the Ford Mack Avenue Plant, a simple wood-frame building in Detroit’s East Side. Between 1903 and 1904, Ford manufactured 1,750 units of the Model A.
The Model A came in two variants: a two-seater runabout priced at $800 and a four-seater tonneau model for $900, with the option to add a top for an additional cost. It featured a horizontally-mounted flat-2 engine positioned midship, delivering 8 horsepower. The car boasted a planetary transmission with two forward speeds and reverse, a feature that would later become a hallmark of the Ford Model T. Weighing 562 kg, the Model A could reach a top speed of 45 km/h and had a wheelbase of 1.8 meters.
Despite its innovative design, the Model A faced stiff competition from the Oldsmobile Curved Dash, which was $150 cheaper. While Ford promoted the Model A as the “most reliable machine in the world,” it was not without its flaws, including overheating issues and slipping transmission bands. Initially, the Model A was only available in red, though many owners repainted their cars in different colors.
The Ford Model A was eventually replaced by the Model C in 1904, but its legacy as Ford’s first car continues to be celebrated. This historic sale on July 23, 1903, set the stage for Ford’s journey to becoming an automotive giant, changing the landscape of transportation forever.
