What is the oldest Ford car called?
The oldest Ford car is the Quadricycle.
Ford’s earliest automobile predates the creation of the Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford built the four-wheeled Quadricycle in 1896 in Detroit, as part of his early experiments with gasoline-powered cars, before establishing the Ford Motor Company in 1903. This vehicle is widely regarded as Ford's first completed automobile and a foundational milestone in the company’s history.
Origins of Ford's earliest vehicle
Ford was an independent inventor pursuing automotive ideas before forming a company. The Quadricycle represented his first serious attempt at a practical automobile, using a small gasoline engine and chain drive to the rear wheels. Its development laid the groundwork for Ford's later innovations, including the move toward affordable mass production.
A forerunner to Ford's later production cars
Although it came before the company existed, the Quadricycle is counted as Ford’s first automobile because it was designed and built by Henry Ford and marked the start of his lifelong work in vehicle engineering. Production models would come later, beginning with the 1903 Model A under the Ford Motor Company banner.
Here are the essential facts about the Quadricycle, Ford's oldest car.
- Year built: 1896 in Detroit
- Builder: Henry Ford
- Vehicle type: Four-wheeled automobile with a simple carriage-like frame
- Engine: Small gasoline internal-combustion engine, approximately 4 horsepower
- Drive: Rear wheels powered by a chain drive
- Significance: Ford's first completed automobile, predating the Ford Motor Company's founding in 1903
- Legacy: A critical early step that influenced Ford's later emphasis on affordable, reliable cars
The Quadricycle is celebrated as Ford's first engineering milestone and a prelude to the mass-production era that would follow with the Model T and beyond.
From Quadricycle to Model T: shaping Ford's path
It is important to distinguish between prototypes and production models. The Quadricycle was a prototype built by Henry Ford, not a mass-produced vehicle. Ford's first production car was the Model A, introduced in 1903 after the company was founded, and the Model T, launched in 1908, would become the flagship for Ford’s affordable cars. The Quadricycle’s design ethos—simple, practical, and increasingly reliable—helped inform Ford's approach to later, more durable mass-market vehicles.
Some readers wonder whether the oldest Ford car is the Model A (1903) because it is the earliest Ford-branded production model. While that model is indeed Ford’s first production car, the Quadricycle remains the oldest Ford-built vehicle in history, predating the company itself and setting the stage for Ford’s long automotive run.
Summary
The Ford Quadricycle, built in 1896 by Henry Ford, stands as the oldest Ford car. It predates the Ford Motor Company and marks the starting point of Ford's enduring journey in automotive design and innovation, ultimately leading to landmark models like the Model T and the company's rise as a global manufacturer.
How much is a 1927 Model T worth today?
A 1927 Ford Model T's value varies widely, from approximately $5,500 to over $200,000, depending on condition, history, and features. For a typical, good-condition example, expect to pay around $11,900, but prices can range significantly. Factors like rarity, modifications, and the presence of an original or restored title affect the final price.
Factors that influence value
- Condition: A well-maintained, original, or professionally restored vehicle will command a higher price.
- Rarity: Less common body styles, such as a coupelet, can increase value.
- Modifications: Extensive modifications, like a modern V8 engine swap, can increase value for some buyers but may decrease it for those seeking originality.
- History: Vehicles with a documented history and original titles are worth more than those with accident damage or questionable titles.
- Mileage: While not as critical as condition for these classic cars, extremely low mileage can add value.
Examples of recent sales
- Highest recent sale: $203,500 (for a rare, well-maintained model)
- Lowest recent sale: $5,500 (for a project car needing extensive work)
- Typical good condition: Around $11,900
- Most recent auction sale: $22,000 on October 24, 2025
What is the old Ford car called?
Some classic old Ford car names include the Model T, Model A, Fairlane, Galaxie, Mustang, Bronco, Thunderbird, and Falcon. Other notable older models are the Pinto, Maverick, Escort, and Capri.
Popular and iconic models
- Model T: Introduced in 1908, known as the "Tin Lizzie" for making cars affordable.
- Mustang: A popular "pony car" introduced in 1964.
- Bronco: An off-road SUV produced from 1966 to 1996.
- Thunderbird: A line of luxury personal cars produced from the 1950s to the 2000s.
Other classic and notable names
- Fairlane: A full-size car produced from the 1950s to 1970s.
- Galaxie: A full-size car from the late 1950s to the 1970s.
- Falcon: A compact car produced from the 1960s to the 1970s.
- Pinto: A subcompact car from the 1970s and 1980s.
- Maverick: A compact car produced from 1970 to 1977.
- Escort: A compact car that had a long production run in many markets.
- Capri: A sports car known in Europe and North America, produced from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Other older models
- Custom: A model produced in the 1950s and 1970s.
- LTD: A full-size car often used in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Torino: A mid-size car produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Zephyr / Zodiac: Ford's European-market vehicles from the 1950s to the 1970s.
What was Ford's original car called?
1896 Ford Quadricycle Runabout
1896 Ford Quadricycle Runabout, First Car Built by Henry Ford. The Quadricycle was Henry Ford's first attempt to build a gasoline-powered automobile. It utilized commonly available materials: angle iron for the frame, a leather belt and chain drive for the transmission, and a buggy seat.
What are the oldest Ford models?
The original Ford Model A is the first car produced by the Ford Motor Company, beginning production in 1903.
