Who designed the Ford Model A?
Two different Ford cars carried the Model A badge: the 1903 Model A and the later 1927 Model A. The 1903 version was designed by Henry Ford and his early design team, while the more famous 1927 Model A was designed under the direction of Ford's chief designer, József (Joseph) Galambos, with input from Ford’s design studio and leadership.
Two generations, two design stories
The Model A name has a long history at Ford, and the two eras reflect distinct design approaches—from early mass-production experimentation to a broader, stylistically modernized lineup in the late 1920s.
Design of the 1903 Ford Model A
The 1903 Model A marked Ford's early foray into mass-produced automobiles. Design work was undertaken by Henry Ford and a small team within the fledgling company, laying the groundwork for Ford's later production philosophy.
- Henry Ford — founder and lead designer for the 1903 Model A, supported by Ford's early engineering staff
The 1903 Model A represents Ford's initial design efforts, driven by Henry Ford's engineering instincts and a nascent design process that would evolve in the years ahead.
Design of the 1927 Ford Model A
The 1927 Model A was developed after Ford retooled for a new era of automobile styling and engineering. Joseph Galambos, Ford's chief designer, led the project in the company’s Dearborn studios, with collaboration from Ford leadership and broader design staff.
- József (Joseph) Galambos — Ford's chief designer, led the 1927 Model A’s styling and engineering team
- Ford design studio and leadership — provided collaboration and direction during the project
Galambos's leadership is widely cited in historical sources as the principal design driver of the 1927 Model A, representing a key shift toward modern styling for Ford.
Why the Model A matters today
The Model A's evolution illustrates Ford's response to changing markets: revising design language, offering a broader range of body styles, and modernizing the car’s look and feel to appeal to late-1920s buyers.
Summary
In short, there are two design lineages for the Ford Model A: the 1903 model designed by Henry Ford and his early team, and the 1927 model designed under Joseph Galambos, Ford's chief designer, with support from Ford's design organization. This distinction underscores how the Model A name spans different eras and design philosophies.
