Do any Model Ts still exist?
Yes — thousands of Model T cars still exist today, preserved in museums, owned by private collectors, and some are still driven in organized tours and parades. The Model T, produced by Ford from 1908 to 1927, remains a defining symbol of early automotive history and mass production.
The enduring survivors: a quick snapshot
The Model T’s lasting presence isn’t accidental. Its combination of rugged simplicity, ease of repair, and a vast ecosystem of parts and knowledge has kept many examples on the road or on display for more than a century. Ford produced more than 15 million Model Ts, a figure that underscores how widespread these cars once were—and how many have survived the years.
Iconic design, rugged simplicity
Designed to be affordable and easy to fix, the Model T used straightforward mechanicals and readily available components. That forgiving engineering has helped generations of owners keep their cars drivable or presentable long after the last factory assembly line shut down.
Production legacy and numbers
Between 1908 and 1927, Ford produced over 15 million Model Ts across a range of variants. While only a fraction remain, the surviving fleet still numbers in the thousands worldwide, with dense concentrations in North America and Europe.
Where Model Ts can be found today
These categories cover the common places where you can see or encounter Model Ts today, whether in person or through online collections.
- Museums and permanent collections
- Private collectors and automotive clubs
- Restoration shops and ongoing maintenance networks
- Public displays at historic sites and in film/television productions
There is also a thriving network of museums and collections that actively preserve and interpret the Model T era. The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, is one of the best-known repositories of early automotive history and typically features Model T examples in its extensive displays.
Seeing a Model T often depends on timing and location. If you’re curious, check with major automotive museums, regional historical centers, and local car clubs for current exhibits, tours, or upcoming events where Model Ts are showcased.
How enthusiasts keep Model Ts on the road
Before listing, it’s helpful to understand the community and practical work that sustains these cars. Enthusiasts, restorers, and clubs collaborate to maintain, repair, and celebrate the Model T era.
- Restoration and maintenance: skilled craftsmen repair wood, brass, and iron components; engines can run on gasoline or ethanol blends; many parts are reproduced or salvaged from other early Fords.
- Parts and sourcing: a robust aftermarket network provides wheels, carburetors, ignition components, and body panels tailored to Model Ts.
- Community and education: clubs offer tours, parades, and “drivable” events that keep the cars visible and actively used by new generations of fans.
These efforts help ensure that both unrestored and fully restored Model Ts remain part of the living history of transportation for years to come.
Summary
Model Ts are far from extinct. With production ending in 1927 after more than 15 million built, thousands of these cars survive in museums, private collections, and on the road in organized drives. Their enduring appeal is sustained by museums, clubs, restoration shops, and a global community of enthusiasts who keep the legend—and the machines—moving forward.
