The Early Era of Ford Trucks: 1903 to 1919

On June 16, 1903, Henry Ford and his partners established the Ford Motor Company, laying the foundation for what would soon grow into one of the globe's leading automotive giants.

Shortly after its inception, the company began manufacturing its inaugural vehicle, the two-cylinder Model A. This was soon followed by three additional models in the subsequent year: the two-cylinder Model B and Model C, alongside the four-cylinder Model F. By the close of 1904, over 2000 Ford vehicles had rolled off the production line.

Despite the surging demand for passenger cars, Henry Ford ventured into the commercial vehicle sector with a handful of specialized models during the early 1900s.

The initial foray into this market came in 1905 with the Ford Delivery Car, derived from the Model C. Priced at $950, it failed to attract significant interest, resulting in fewer than a dozen units being produced before the model was discontinued.

Ford's next venture into the commercial vehicle market was the Ford Delivery Van, launched in 1907. Built on the foundation of the four-cylinder Model N from the prior year, it met a similar fate as its predecessor, with limited sales and a short production lifespan.

Despite these setbacks, Henry Ford remained undeterred in his mission to carve out a unique space for his company in the automotive industry. His efforts would culminate in the creation of the Model T, a vehicle that would go on to achieve legendary status and unparalleled success.

Debuting in October 1908 as a 1909 model, the Model T was not groundbreaking in design, drawing heavily from the older Model N. However, its straightforward and dependable construction, available in multiple body styles accommodating two to five passengers, resonated deeply with consumers.

Ford streamlined its operations by discontinuing its previous four car models to focus exclusively on the Model T. This strategic shift enabled higher production volumes, setting the stage for Henry Ford's rise as an automotive legend.

Discover how Ford laid the groundwork for over a century of truck manufacturing in the following section.

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1903-1913 Ford Trucks

On June 16, 1903, Henry Ford and his partners established the Ford Motor Company, marking the beginning of what would soon grow into one of the largest automotive manufacturers globally.

The company's inaugural vehicle, the two-cylinder Model A, entered production soon after its founding. Within a year, it was accompanied by three additional models: the two-cylinder Model B and Model C, alongside the four-cylinder Model F. By the close of 1904, Ford had manufactured over 2000 vehicles.

Despite the thriving sales of passenger cars, Henry Ford ventured into the commercial vehicle sector in the early 1900s. His first effort, the 1905 Ford Delivery Car, was built on the Model C platform. Priced at $950, it failed to attract significant interest, with fewer than a dozen units produced before it was discontinued.

Ford's initial foray into cargo vehicles was the 1905 Delivery Car, constructed on a Model C chassis. Only a limited number were produced before the model was phased out. The Delivery Car resurfaced in 1912, this time built on a Model T chassis, as depicted here.

In 1907, Ford introduced its second commercial vehicle, the Ford Delivery Van, based on the four-cylinder Model N from the previous year. However, it shared the same fate as its predecessor, with minimal sales and a short production run.

Despite these setbacks, Henry Ford remained determined to carve out a unique space for his company in the automotive industry. His persistence paid off with the creation of the Model T, a vehicle that would achieve legendary status and redefine success in the automotive world.

Launched in October 1908 as a 1909 model, the iconic Model T wasn't groundbreaking in design, drawing heavily from the earlier Model N. However, its straightforward and dependable construction, available in various body styles for two to five passengers, resonated strongly with consumers. Ford streamlined its operations by discontinuing four other car models to focus solely on the Model T, boosting production efficiency and cementing Henry Ford's legacy as an automotive pioneer.

Another pivotal event in 1908 was the founding of General Motors by William C. Durant, a move that would eventually position GM as Ford's primary competitor and leave a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

In 1910, Henry Ford relocated Model T production from the Piquette Avenue plant in Detroit to a significantly larger facility in Highland Park. This expansion was soon followed by the addition of plants in Kansas City, Missouri; Long Island City, New York; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1912, Ford revisited the commercial vehicle market with two light-duty models. One was the Commercial Roadster, essentially a Model T Runabout featuring a detachable rumble seat that could be swapped for an aftermarket commercial body.

The second offering was the Model T Delivery Car. Although it garnered more interest than Ford's earlier commercial vehicles, sales were still insufficient to persuade Henry Ford to fully commit to this market niche.

In 1913, the Model T revolutionized automotive manufacturing as the first car produced on a moving assembly line. This innovation drastically cut production costs and enabled Ford to meet rising demand. That same year, new plants opened in Chicago, Illinois, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Although Ford wouldn't introduce station wagons for several years, precursors like the Depot Hack emerged. These vehicles, designed to transport passengers to and from train stations, were constructed by third-party suppliers. This particular model is built on a 1914 Model T chassis.

The 1910s brought further enhancements to the Model T. Discover how Ford evolved this truck in the following section.

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1914 and 1915 Ford Trucks

In 1914 and 1915, Ford continued its truck production while expanding in other areas. That year, Ford launched its groundbreaking $5 per day wage program, doubling the industry standard. This initiative enabled assembly-line workers to afford the vehicles they built, boosting sales significantly. The surge in demand led Ford to open seven additional assembly plants.

The versatile Ford Model T chassis was adapted for numerous purposes, including this 1914 model transformed into a hook-and-ladder fire truck. At the time, Model Ts were equipped with a 177-cubic-inch four-cylinder engine delivering 20 horsepower. The most affordable civilian Model T, a two-passenger runabout, was priced at $440, while a chassis (excluding the passenger compartment, trunk, and rear fenders) cost $410.

In 1914, Ford introduced a $50 rebate for new-car buyers. This was also the first year the Model T was exclusively available in black.

Ford achieved a significant milestone in late 1915, producing its one-millionth vehicle. That same year, nine new assembly plants opened, followed by three more the next year. This rapid expansion enabled the company to manufacture its two-millionth vehicle just 18 months later.

With a deep connection to farming, Henry Ford began developing Model T-based tractors in the mid-1910s. Plowing required the engine to endure heavy loads, necessitating additional cooling, provided by a large cylindrical tank beside the hood. Another tank held fuel, and the frame rails were modified for increased ground clearance.

A 1915 photograph captures one of Ford's prototype tractors positioned next to a Model T from the same era.

The latter half of the decade saw major transformations for the Ford Model T. Learn about the evolution of this iconic Ford truck in the next section.

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1917-1919 Ford Trucks

After years of observing Model T cars being adapted into trucks, Henry Ford decided to enter the truck market officially. On July 27, 1917, he launched the one-ton-rated Ford Model TT chassis. Customers could now choose between a standard Model T chassis for lighter tasks or the more robust Model TT for heavier-duty applications.

1917 was a landmark year for two additional reasons: the debut of the Fordson tractor and the birth of Henry Ford II, Henry's first grandson. Known later as HFII, he was the son of Edsel, born to Henry and Clara Ford in 1893.

In 1917, Model Ts underwent a notable change as brass radiators were replaced with painted steel ones. Like the rest of the vehicle, these radiators were available in any color—provided it was black.

A paddy wagon built on the Model T framework showcases a unique tire design from the 1910s. While most vehicles of that era used pneumatic tires, trucks often had solid rubber tires on the rear to support heavier loads. However, these tires delivered an extremely rough ride. To mitigate this, some tires were designed with holes running through the sidewalls, allowing the tread to flex slightly. Observe how the rear tires are slightly compressed at the bottom.

In 1918, Edsel Ford assumed the role of president at Ford Motor Company after his father stepped down. Despite this change, Henry Ford continued to wield significant influence over the company's operations.

Around the same period, several Ford factories were repurposed to manufacture war supplies. The company produced Model T ambulances for deployment in France and established a new facility dedicated to constructing Eagle Boats, which were used for submarine detection.

In 1917, Ford introduced its first chassis specifically designed for trucks. While it retained Model T mechanical components, it was engineered for a one-ton capacity. This model featured a reinforced frame, a worm-gear differential, and solid rubber rear tires for enhanced durability.

In 1918, the price of a one-ton truck chassis was $600, a notable increase compared to the standard Model T chassis, which was priced at only $325.

Ford equipped this late-1910s Model T with a cargo box for internal company use. Several external suppliers also provided comparable modifications.

The conclusion of World War I on November 11, 1918, contributed to making 1919 a highly successful year for Ford Motor Company. This year marked the production of the three-millionth Model T and the birth of Edsel Ford's second son, Benson.

In 1919, construction began on the vast Rouge River complex, which would later evolve into a nearly self-sufficient megafactory. Ford ended the 1910s as the nation's clear sales leader, manufacturing nearly half of all vehicles sold that year.

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