1912 Ford Model T Commercial Roadster

The Model T is often referred to as the car that put America on wheels. The Model T was first introduced in October of 1908. At first only built as an open touring car, by 1912, the Model T was also available as a commercial roadster, a torpedo runabout, a town car, a coupe, and even as a delivery van. Though after 1915, Model Ts were offered “in any color the customer prefers so long as it is black,” earlier Model Ts were commonly painted red, gray, green, or blue.

The Model T was equipped with a 176.7 cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine rated at 22.5 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque at just 900 rpm. Without a water pump, coolant was circulated by thermosyphon action. Shifting between gears and into reverse using the two-speed planetary transmission was accomplished with floor pedals. Model Ts sat high on transverse leaf springs and 30-inch wheels for maximum ground clearance when traversing the primitive roads of the day.

Prices ranged from $590 for a roadster or runabout, $690 for a touring car, and up to $900 for a town car, approximately $19,200, $22,500, and $29,300 in 2025, respectively. Oil Cowl lamps and taillights were standard equipment on a Model T, as were windshields and tops after 1909. Total production of Model Ts in 1912 was 177,834, up nearly 100,000 units from 1911 production. Ultimately, more than 15 million units would be sold.