What is the oldest Ford?

The oldest Ford in history is the Quadricycle, Henry Ford’s first vehicle built in 1896. If you mean the oldest Ford car produced for sale, that distinction goes to the 1903 Ford Model A. Ford Motor Company itself was founded in 1903, marking the transition from experimentation to a formal automobile business.

The earliest Ford: the Quadricycle

In 1896, Ford constructed the Quadricycle in a Detroit workshop as his first tangible automobile project. This crude, four-wheeled gasoline-powered vehicle demonstrated Ford’s engineering approach and kickstarted a career that would eventually transform the global auto industry.

What it signified for Ford

Although not a commercial product, the Quadricycle proved Ford could turn ideas into operable machines. It set in motion the long arc from experimental tinkering to a company focused on mass-produced, affordable cars.

From prototype to company: key early milestones

Below are the pivotal moments that chart Ford's path from inventor to mass-producer.

• 1896: Henry Ford builds the Quadricycle, Ford's first vehicle.


• 1903: Ford Motor Company is founded by Henry Ford and a group of investors.


• 1903: The Model A is introduced as Ford's first production car (produced 1903–1904).


• 1908: The Model T debuts and becomes the symbol of affordable, mass-produced personal transport.

These early steps established Ford's approach to engineering, manufacturing, and marketing that would reshape the auto industry.

Oldest production Ford model

For production cars, the title goes to the 1903 Ford Model A, Ford’s first model built for sale. It began Ford's tradition of iterative design and streamlined manufacturing that would lead to later successes.

About the Model A (1903)

The 1903 Model A represented Ford's first foray into mass production. It established a chassis-based approach and a focus on reliability and affordability that would define Ford's strategy for years to come, culminating in the Model T.

Summary

In short: the oldest Ford is the Quadricycle (1896), the oldest production Ford is the Model A (1903), and Ford Motor Company itself was founded in 1903. These early milestones set the course for Ford's evolution into a global automotive powerhouse.

What was the very first Ford car made?

The first car built by Henry Ford was the Quadricycle in 1896. However, the first car to be sold by the Ford Motor Company was the Model A in 1903. The Quadricycle was a personal project, while the Model A was the first vehicle produced and sold by his newly formed company.
 
Henry Ford's first car: The Quadricycle (1896)

• What it was: A four-wheeled vehicle with a gas-powered engine mounted on a frame with bicycle wheels, hence its name. 
• Key features: It had a simple frame, a two-forward-gear transmission, and a buggy seat. Instead of a steering wheel, it used a tiller. 
• Its significance: It represented Ford's first successful attempt at building a gasoline-powered automobile and was built while he was chief engineer at the Edison Illuminating Company. 

The Ford Motor Company's first car: The Model A (1903)

• What it was: The first car to be mass-produced and sold by the Ford Motor Company. 
• Key features: This Model A was a two-cylinder car that was conventional for the time. It was different from the much later, more famous Model A that was introduced in 1927 to replace the Model T. 
• Its significance: The sale of the first Model A on July 15, 1903, marked the official launch of the Ford Motor Company and the beginning of its commercial success. 

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 

Was the Model A or T first?

The original Ford Model A came first in 1903. The more famous and long-running Model T was introduced later in 1908. A new Model A was then released in 1927 as the successor to the Model T, which can cause confusion between the two models.
 

• First Model A (1903): The very first car produced by the Ford Motor Company was a Model A, which was sold until 1904. 
• Model T (1908): Following a series of other models, Henry Ford introduced the Model T, which became a massive success and was produced until 1927. 
• New Model A (1927): When production of the Model T ended, Ford started the alphabet over for the new model, calling it the Model A to represent a rebirth for the company. This second Model A was produced until 1932. 

Which is the oldest Ford?

The original Ford Model A is the first car produced by the Ford Motor Company, beginning production in 1903.