How much would a Model T cost in todays money?
In today’s dollars, the Model T would translate to roughly $25,000–$30,000 for the original 1908 price of about $850, and about $4,000–$5,000 for the later $260 Runabout price in 1925. These inflation-adjusted figures help place the car’s historical affordability in a modern context.
Model T price history
Below are the most commonly cited price points from the Model T era, illustrating the trend from early pricing to substantial discounts as mass production took hold.
- 1908: Price announced at about $850, the starting point for Ford’s mass-market car.
- 1910s–early 1920s: Prices gradually declined as assembly-line efficiency increased, with commonly cited ranges around $525–$575 by mid-decade.
- 1924–1925: Base Runabout price fell to about $260–$275, making it the cheapest Ford model.
These marks show how Ford repeatedly drove down the sticker price while expanding output and options, culminating in a price point that aimed to reach a broad audience.
Present-day equivalents
To compare across eras, economists usually adjust for inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Here are the inflation-adjusted equivalents for the most famous price points.
- 1908 price of $850 ≈ $25,000–$30,000 in 2024 dollars.
- 1925 price of $260 ≈ $4,000–$5,000 in 2024 dollars.
Note that the exact figure depends on the inflation measure and the endpoint year. Using the CPI-U series, these are representative ranges rather than precise values.
Context and interpretation
What these adjustments reveal is the evolution of affordability and the car market. The Model T began as a relatively expensive purchase for many families in 1908 but became a symbol of affordability through the 1910s and 1920s as Ford refined production. In modern terms, the corresponding present-day price bands map to a mid-range used car or a budget new vehicle, underscoring how much the economics of car ownership have shifted since the early 20th century.
Inflation methodology
For readers interested in methodology: the CPI-U is the most common yardstick for consumer inflation in the United States. GDP deflator can yield different multipliers. The ranges above reflect CPI-based inflation adjustments and are intended as approximate comparisons rather than precise measures for any single year.
Summary
The Ford Model T started at about $850 in 1908, dropping to about $260 by 1925. In today's money, that first price equates to roughly $25,000–$30,000, while the later price translates to around $4,000–$5,000. Taken together, the numbers illustrate a rapid shift toward mass affordability that defined the early automotive era, and they offer a frame for understanding how far car prices—and consumer buying power—have come since then.
How much did a Model T cost in 1915?
Touring car prices started at $440, while coupelets were priced starting at $590. Ford Motor Company built some 308,000 Model T automobiles in 1915.
How much is a 1920 Ford Model T worth?
The value of a 1920 Ford Model T can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,820 for a 1920 Ford Model T in good condition with average spec.
How much did a Ford Model T cost in 1924?
$290
In December of 1924 the Model T reached a low price of $290 in an effort to be affordable for the average factory worker or school teacher who earned about $400 a year. By 1925, one half of all the cars in the world were Model T's. The later Model T's were sold as a very basic car available only in black.
How much is a 1925 Model T worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,117 for a 1925 Ford Model T in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1925 Ford Model T? The highest selling price of a 1925 Ford Model T at auction over the last three years was $24,081.
