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Why was it called the Model A?

Two distinct Ford cars carried the Model A name, and the designation was chosen to signal a new generation and to fit Ford’s early, alphabet-based naming approach rather than to describe a specific feature. In short, Model A marked a new era in Ford’s lineup rather than a single technical attribute.

The Model A heritage in Ford’s early lineup

The question spans Ford’s founding era and a later shift after the Model T. To understand why the name “Model A” appeared, it helps to look at Ford’s naming practices and the company’s timeline.

The 1903 Ford Model A: Ford’s first production car

After the company’s formation, Ford introduced its first production car under the Model A designation. The name was used as a simple, sequential label to identify Ford’s initial mass-produced model rather than to convey a particular market feature. In other words, the “A” signified the beginning of Ford’s model-letter era rather than a descriptor of the car itself.

Before listing the details, note that the 1903 Model A is best understood as a starting point in Ford’s early naming system. The label helped organize a growing lineup and establish a naming convention for future designs.

First production model in Ford’s early production history

Established a simple, alphabet-based naming convention for subsequent models

Named for sequence rather than feature-specific branding

Conclusion: For the 1903 Model A, the name functioned as a practical, organizational marker in Ford’s budding lineup rather than a description of the car’s characteristics.

The 1927 Ford Model A: A new generation after the Model T

Decades later, Ford revived the Model A as the successor to the Model T. In this era, naming the car Model A carried a signaling purpose: it marked a clean break from the antiquated Model T and introduced a modern generation of design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Before listing the reasons the name was chosen, it’s useful to set the context: by 1927, Ford was aiming to present a fresh, competitive image to a mass market, and a simple alphabetic label helped convey that shift.

Presented as the modern successor to the Model T, signaling a new generation

Used an alphabetic designation to denote a new era in Ford’s lineup

Supported by updated styling, engineering, and production techniques intended to redefine Ford’s image

Conclusion: The Model A of 1927 served as a branding and strategic refresh—an intentional break from the Model T era and a statement of modernization—rather than a label tied to a specific technical feature.

Etymology, myths, and what historians say

There isn’t a single, definitive official explanation published by Ford for every nuance of the naming. In public histories, the consensus is that the letter A was used as part of a broader, evolving practice of naming models with letters to indicate generations. The 1927 revival was intentionally symbolic—a fresh start after decades of Model T production—while the 1903 model used the designation to identify Ford’s first production car within its own early naming system.

Common misconceptions

Some anecdotes attribute hidden meanings to the letter “A” (for “advanced,” or “America,” or other words). Most historians and Ford archives emphasize practicality: the letters served to distinguish generations and simplify branding during growth and modernization, rather than to encode a specific feature or marketing gimmick.

Impact on Ford’s branding and legacy

Whether interpreting the 1903 or 1927 Model A, the broader takeaway is consistent: the Model A naming helped Ford signal a clear break with the past, set a simple, scalable naming convention, and position the brand for a broader, mass-market era of automotive design.

Summary

The Model A name appears in Ford’s history as a practical branding choice linked to generation signaling rather than a precise technical descriptor. The 1903 Model A was Ford’s first production car, establishing an alphabet-style naming approach. The 1927 Model A reasserted the practice as a modern successor to the Model T, signaling a new generation and a shift toward contemporary design and engineering. Taken together, the two uses of Model A illustrate how naming can function as a strategic indicator of a company’s evolution, more than as a literal specification of a vehicle’s features.

Why did Ford call it the Model T?

Ford called it the Model T because it was the twentieth prototype from the company, and 'T' is the 20th letter of the alphabet. The company had conceived of 20 different versions of cars between 1903 and 1908, though not all were produced, and the Model T was the one that finally went into production.

Alphabetical naming: Ford used an alphabetical system to name its cars, beginning with the Model A in 1903.
Series of prototypes: By the time the Model T was introduced in 1908, Ford and his team had developed 20 different models. The Model T was the final version in that series.
A new beginning: Years later, when the Model T was discontinued, Ford named the next car the Model A, starting the alphabet over to signify a complete rebirth for the company's new model.

Why did they call it a Model A?

As for the name, Henry Ford said that the car was so new and different that they would “wipe the slate clean and start all over again with Model A.” Introduced to the public in December 1927, the 1928 Model A was an immediate sensation.

Was the Model A before the Model T?

The Ford Model T came first, with its first production run in 1908. The Model A came later in two different versions: the original 1903 Model A was the very first car produced by Ford, and the more well-known second-generation Model A replaced the Model T and debuted in late 1927.

The first Model A (1903-1904): This was the first car produced by the Ford Motor Company, with sales starting in July 1903.
The Model T (1908-1927): The first Model T rolled off the assembly line in September 1908 and is considered the first mass-produced and affordable automobile.
The second Model A (1927-1931): This was a completely new design that was introduced as the successor to the Model T. It was first produced in October 1927 and publicly introduced in December 1927.

What is the difference between the Ford Model A and Model T?

The Ford Model A was a significant upgrade over the Model T, featuring a larger and more powerful engine, a three-speed transmission, four-wheel brakes, and a more modern, larger body with more color options. While the Model T was known for its simplicity and affordability, the Model A represented a leap in performance and features, a necessary evolution to stay competitive in the automotive market of the late 1920s.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the Model T and Model A: 58sPaul ShinnYouTube · Oct 28, 2020

Feature	Ford Model T	Ford Model A
Engine	177 cubic inch, 20 horsepower	201 cubic inch, 40 horsepower
Transmission	2-speed, planetary gears	3-speed with syncro in 2nd and 3rd gears
Brakes	Rear-wheel only	Four-wheel mechanical drum brakes
Size	Smaller with a 100-inch wheelbase	Larger with a 103.5-inch wheelbase
Fuel Tank	Under the seat	In the cowl, allowing for better hill-climbing
Driver's Door	Typically no driver's side door	Included a driver's side door
Ignition	Magneto ignition	Distributor ignition
Styling	Basic, echoed motorized carriages of its time	Sleeker, more modern design with more color choices

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.