Automotive history's most important milestone is probably the implementation of the assembly line by Henry Ford. Although many companies were building cars at the beginning of the 20th century, the were all built by hand one at a time. With the introduction of the assembly line, automobiles became affordable and average Americans started buying.
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Many of the first cars were made by individuals using parts from horse drawn carriages. This recreation is a beautiful example of the type of "horseless carriage" built by blacksmiths and mechanics. The wooden body was mounted on a simple metal frame using leaf springs. A metal rod called a tiller was used to steer. Power was supplied by a small combustion engine delivering only a few horsepower. |
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| It's a long way from the Tin Lizzy to the computerized aerodynamic automobiles of today. Almost as soon as the car was invented, people started racing them. Auto racing has been the source for many of the safety and performance features we find in all cars today. | ||||
| Ford built the famous Model T, often called the Tin Lizzy, from 1908 through 1927. The next year Ford went back to the beginning of the alphabet for a greatly improved production car know as the Model A. | ||||
| Ford built various body styles including coupes, sedans, roadsters and even pickups. The typical engine produced only 20 horsepower which was enough for most drivers and roads of the day. | ||||
 Henry
Ford and Thomas Edison were good friends who both built winter homes in
Fort Myers, Florida. Today you can visit the homes
and museum of these two legends of American history on the west coast
of Florida year round. |
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| The Model A is still a favorite of car collectors, some of whom restore them to original condition and some who turn them into "street rods" by installing V-8 engines, modern brakes and electrical systems. | ||||
| The modern adaptions of the classic Fords include more comfortable interiors with plush seats, carpeting and stereos. | ||||
| A favorite project with many street rodders is turning the quiet Model T into a "T-Bucket". These hot rods have plenty of horsepower but only the most dedicated driver will take long trips in an open wheel convertible. | ||||
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In 2007 Ford and car lovers celebrated the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, known as the "Deuce". The '32 was the first model to offer the Flathead V-8 engine boasting 65 horsepower.
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| The V-8 Flathead was such an improvement that it was used in Ford Motor Company cars through 1954. Although most Deuces at car shows today sport a "Y Block" engine, the Flathead remains a favorite with many hot rodders. | ||||
| As America's car companies grew, so did the number of different models available. Buyers could choose from coupes, convertibles, 2 door sedans and 4 door sedans. | ||||
| Trucks were also an important part of the Ford lineup, beginning in 1908. In the first half of the 20th century there were no shopping malls so pickup trucks and flatbeds delivered most goods to the final destination. | ||||
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| The 1934 Ford is also a favorite for street rodders, but like any model that old they are hard to come by. Today, when you see a '34 there is a good chance it's a fiberglass reproduction or at least has fiberglass fenders. | ||||
| Companies like B and B Manufacturing are building replicas updated with all the modern technology in the classic coupe. | ||||
| Throughout the 1930's and '40's cars incorporated improved features and performance. One styling element that persisted was running boards that provided a convenient step for climbing in to the car. | ||||
| This example of a 1947 Ford convertible reveals the larger passenger compartments of the late 40's with the running board disappearing. | ||||
| A 1948 Lincoln had the same receding running board lines and familiar hood that narrowed at the front of the car between wide front fenders. | ||||
| In 1949 the running board disappeared from the Ford body in favor of a smoother appearance. | ||||
| More Ford photos and info coming.. | ||||
| More Ford photos and info coming.. | ||||
| More Ford photos and info coming.. | ||||
| More Ford photos and info coming.. | ||||
| More Ford photos and info coming.. | ||||
| We've just started this site so please be patient while we try to remember stuff.. there's more to come. | ||||
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Automotive Memories is a Copyright 2007 - 2008 of Dave McConnell dba CableSmart!
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