How much horsepower did a Ford Model 48 have?
The Ford Model 48 commonly carried about 20 horsepower, with historical estimates typically ranging from 18 to 22 hp depending on year and market. There was no single standardized rating in Ford’s early era, so figures vary by source.
Context and history
The Ford Model 48 belongs to the company’s early runabout era, produced in the first years of the 20th century. In this period, horsepower ratings were not standardized across manufacturers or regions, and different catalogs or tests could yield slightly different figures for the same model. As a result, historians and collectors commonly cite a small range rather than a single fixed number for the Model 48.
Engine specifics
Before listing the core details, it helps to establish the typical characteristics associated with the Model 48’s power output.
- Estimated horsepower: approximately 18–22 hp, with about 20 hp being the most frequently cited figure
- Engine configuration: inline four-cylinder engine common to early Ford runabouts
- Drive layout: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, aligned with era conventions
Notes: These numbers come from historical catalogs, dealer literature, and later compilations by automotive historians. Exact horsepower ratings were not standardized the way they are for modern vehicles, so discrepancies can occur between sources.
Variations by year
Some Model 48 variants or regional releases could show modest differences in reported output, influenced by tuning, fuel quality, and testing methodology of the time. In practical terms, most owners experienced performance consistent with a modest, early-20th-century four-cylinder car rather than a high-performance vehicle.
Implications for performance and perception
With roughly 20 horsepower on tap, the Model 48 offered the early automotive public a straightforward driving experience: adequate for city and light rural use of its day, but far less sprightly than later mass-production cars. The focus of Ford’s early lineup was accessibility and reliability rather than top-end speed, and horsepower figures reflect that philosophy.
Summary
In short, the Ford Model 48 is widely cited as producing about 20 horsepower, with an approximate range of 18–22 hp across different versions and markets. This aligns with the era’s emphasis on robust, simple engineering rather than high-performance specs. For collectors and historians, the Model 48 remains a representative example of Ford’s early industrial approach and the evolving understanding of horsepower in the early automotive age.
