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Which was first Ford Model A or T?

The original Ford Model A appeared before the Model T, with its debut in 1903, five years ahead of the Model T’s 1908 introduction. The Model A name would later be reused for a different car in 1927 that replaced the Model T.

Historical timeline and naming quirks

To understand which came first, it helps to separate two distinct uses of the Model A name and place the Model T in its broader context. The first Ford Model A appeared in 1903 and was produced into 1904. The Model T followed in 1908 and became Ford's mass-market workhorse until 1927. In 1927 Ford revived the Model A name for a different car intended to replace the Model T, which ran from 1927 to 1931.

Below is a concise timeline that shows the sequence of events and the naming changes.

1903: Ford introduces the original Model A, marking the first use of the Model A name for a Ford car.

1904: Production of the original Model A ends as Ford moves on to newer designs.

1908: Ford unveils the Model T, which becomes the company’s mass-market staple for decades.

1927: Ford ends Model T production and introduces a new Model A as its successor in the lineup.

1927–1931: Model A (the 1927 revival) is produced with more modern features than the Model T.

In summary, the earliest Ford Model A appeared well before the Model T. The Model T arrived in 1908 and dominated for nearly two decades, after which Ford reused the Model A name for a separate model that replaced the Model T.

Two distinct Model A generations

The Model A name has two unrelated uses in Ford's history: the 1903–1904 car and the 1927–1931 car that succeeded the Model T. They are distinct vehicles built more than two decades apart, and the 1927 Model A should not be confused with the 1903 Model A.

Summary

The first Ford Model A came before the Model T, debuting in 1903. The Model T followed in 1908 and remained in production until 1927. In 1927 Ford resurrected the Model A name for a new car that replaced the Model T, continuing in production until 1931. Understanding the two separate Model A generations helps prevent naming confusion when studying Ford’s early lineup.

Why was the first Ford called a Model T?

The Ford Model T was called the "Model T" because it was the 20th prototype vehicle, and "T" is the 20th letter of the alphabet. After a series of earlier prototypes, from Model A to Model S, Ford chose the letter "T" to mark the 20th and final design before mass production in 1908.

Alphabetical progression: Henry Ford and his team started with the Model A in 1903 and created subsequent models, moving through the alphabet.
Count of prototypes: By 1908, they had developed 19 prototypes before creating the 20th version, which became the Model T.
Naming convention: Ford named the successful 20th prototype the Model T, aligning with the alphabetical order.
Following models: When the time came for a successor, Ford started over with the Model A because he felt the new car was so different it represented a new beginning for the company.

What does the T in Model T stand for?

The "T" in Model T stands for the 20th prototype in Henry Ford's series of car designs that started with Model A in 1903. The company named the cars sequentially using letters of the alphabet, and "T" was the design chosen for production after 19 other models that were not mass-produced.

Alphabetical naming: Ford used a simple alphabetical naming system for his prototypes, moving from A, B, C, and so on.
20th prototype: The Model T was the 20th car design Ford and his engineers developed between 1903 and 1908.
Production model: Not all of the 20 models made it to full production. The Model T was the first model to be a commercial success on a mass scale.

Which came first, the Model A or the Model T?

The original Ford Model A came first in 1903. The famous Model T was introduced later, in 1908, and became a massive success. A new version of the Model A was introduced in 1927 as the successor to the Model T.

Original Model A: The very first car produced by the Ford Motor Company in 1903 was called the Model A.
Model T: Following several other models in the alphabet, the Model T was introduced in 1908 and was produced for 19 years.
New Model A: The Model T was eventually replaced by a completely new Model A, which debuted in December 1927.

What's the difference between a Model A and a Model T?

The main difference is that the Ford Model A was a more advanced and larger vehicle designed to replace the older Model T. Key improvements included four-wheel mechanical brakes, a three-speed transmission with synchronized gears, and a more powerful 404040 horsepower engine, compared to the Model T's rear-only brakes, two-speed planetary transmission, and 252525 horsepower engine. The Model A also had a sleeker, more modern design with a lower stance, a heavier frame, and a new radiator shell.
You can watch this video to see a visual comparison of the Model T and Model A: 59sCOPPER STATE TREASURESYouTube · Jan 17, 2022

Feature	Ford Model T	Ford Model A
Engine	202020 horsepower, 177177177 cubic inches	404040 horsepower, 200200200 cubic inches
Transmission	Two-speed planetary	Three-speed with syncro 2nd and 3rd gears
Brakes	Rear-wheel only	Four-wheel mechanical drum brakes
Size	Smaller, with a shorter wheelbase and length	Larger, with a longer wheelbase and overall length
Styling	Tall and upright "Tin Lizzie" look	Sleeker, lower, and more modern with a double-curved radiator shell
Fuel Tank	Under the seat	In the cowl
Door	Typically no driver's side door	Has a driver's side door

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.