How fast could the Ford Model A go?
The Ford Model A refers to two distinct cars Ford produced early in its history. The late-1920s Model A could reach about 65 mph (105 km/h) in optimal conditions, while the 1903–04 Model A was far slower, typically achieving roughly 25–35 mph, depending on gearing and road conditions.
Two eras, two speeds
Here are the two generations most commonly discussed when people ask how fast a Model A could go.
- Ford Model A (1927–1931): Top speed around 65 mph (about 105 km/h) under favorable test conditions; powered by a 40-horsepower inline-four with a three-speed manual gearbox.
- Ford Model A (1903–1904): Top speed typically in the mid-20s to low-30s mph range, limited by smaller engines, crude suspension, and primitive tires and roads.
These figures reflect factory specifications and typical road-test results from the era. Real-world speeds could vary with load, tire condition, gearing, and road quality.
Engineering and design factors that governed top speed
Many variables shaped how fast each Model A could travel, from engine output to chassis design and tires. The section below breaks down the key factors.
Power output and gearing
The 1927 Model A used a 40-horsepower engine with a three-speed manual transmission. Its final-drive ratios and overall gearing were tuned for everyday driving rather than sprinting, yielding a practical top speed near 65 mph.
Tires, weight, and road conditions
Early cars faced limited tire technology and rough roads, which constrained achievable speeds and safe handling. The lighter, simpler 1903 Model A was more susceptible to rough surfaces and mechanical limits, keeping its top speeds lower than the 1927 model.
Summary
The Ford Model A’s speed depends on the generation. The early 1903–04 model typically reached the mid-20s to low-30s mph, while the late-1920s Model A could reach about 65 mph in optimal conditions. In all cases, actual speed depended on gearing, weight, tires, and road quality.
What is the top speed of a Ford Model A?
The top speed of a stock Ford Model A is around 65 mph. While it can reach this speed, its comfortable cruising speed is lower, often cited as between 40-50 mph.
- Top Speed: A well-maintained Model A is capable of a top speed of approximately 65 mph.
- Cruising Speed: The car performs best at speeds between 40 and 50 mph.
- Engine: This performance comes from a 40-horsepower, 201 cubic inch inline-4 engine.
- Note: Driving at the top speed for sustained periods is not recommended due to the engine's lubrication system, which is not pressurized and can be stressed at high speeds.
What car went 310 mph?
Ford GT
Ford GT Guinness World Record Holder: 310.8 MPH!
Has any car gone 400 mph?
No production car has officially gone 400 mph, but several vehicles have exceeded 300 mph. While some have unofficially or theoretically reached 400 mph, the challenges of aerodynamics, power, and braking make it extremely difficult. The ThrustSSC holds the absolute land speed record at over 760 mph, but it is not a production car and uses a jet engine.
This video explains the difference between a land speed record car and a production car: 56sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Oct 3, 2025
Production cars
- Closest to the record: The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the first production car to break the 300 mph barrier.
- Theoretical possibility: Some engineers claim that the YangWang U9 could theoretically reach 400 mph, but it has a lot of "asterisks" and is not a road-legal car.
- Other contenders: Companies like Hennessey and SSC are also working on cars that might be able to break the 400 mph barrier in the future.
Other vehicles
- Mickey Thompson's Challenger 1: In 1960, Mickey Thompson unofficially hit 406.60 mph, but the record was not verified because the car failed to back up the run.
- ThrustSSC: The current land speed record holder for any land vehicle, it broke the sound barrier at over 760 mph in 1997 but is not a production car.
This video shows the history of Mickey Thompson's attempt to break the 400 mph barrier: 59sMotorTrend ChannelYouTube · Jun 23, 2020
Has any car hit 700 mph?
Thrust SSC holds the world land speed record, set on 15 October 1997, and piloted by Andy Green, when it achieved a speed of 1,228 km/h (763 mph) and it became the first and only land vehicle to officially break the sound barrier.
