1915 Ford Model T Runabout

The Ford Model T Runabout of 1915 is a well-engineered and early example of the innovative car design ideas that the Ford Motor Company was pursuing in the early years of the automobile. It represents a turning point in the history of the automobile, as it was one of the first mass-produced American cars to have a steel frame and body, providing stability to the car, while also reducing weight and manufacturing costs.

This Model T Runabout is powered by a gasoline-fueled four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 20 horsepower, and it is linked to a planetary gear transmission. The transmission consists of two forward speeds, and it can be switched between them using a foot pedal. The car has rear-wheel-drive, with a driveshaft connecting the transmission to the rear wheels. The engine is fitted with a water-cooling system, which is essential for the cooling of the engine during use. The car also features a simple but effective suspension system, consisting of front and rear leaf-spring suspensions, which provide a reasonably comfortable ride over most road conditions.

The car's body is made of a steel frame and sheet metal coated with a waterproof and fade-resistant paint finish. The body is designed with an open-air cab that requires drivers to provide their windshield by pulling up cotton flaps when driving. The passenger compartment accommodates two people, with a bench seat, which is comfortable for long rides. Additionally, the car had modest storage space in the rear for small items and a toolbox.

The car is equipped with a gravity-fed fuel system, which utilized a gas tank mounted under the seat. This tank provides fuel for the car’s engine, and it can be refueled manually from outside the car. The Model T Runabout of 1915 is fitted with drum-type brakes on the rear wheels, which are manually operated by a foot pedal. The car also has a handbrake or a parking brake that engages a band on the driveshaft to hold the car in place when parked.

In summary, the Ford Model T Runabout of 1915 is a technically advanced car that shows significant advancements in engineering methods and materials seen in early automobile manufacturing. It features a very robust frame and suspension system for its time, while its four-cylinder engine, gravity-fed fuel system, and drum brakes make it a lot more advanced than earlier automobiles. It is an excellent example of an early car that embodies the changing face of motoring in America during the early years of the twentieth century.