Ford Model T Van

Key facts

Year

1914
Country

Great Britain, United States
Capacity

2,898cc
Cylinders

4 cylinder
Valves

Side valve
Output

20bhp at 1,600rpm
Performance

40mph
Price new

£130
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

Ford Motor Company Ltd, Manchester

The Ford Model T is widely regarded as the car that brought motoring to the masses. Ford’s mass-production methods reduced costs which in turn lowered retail prices. The Model T chassis was easily adapted for a variety of different bodies and was ideal for use as a small commercial vehicle. Motorised delivery vans sped up deliveries and did away with the need to feed and stable horses.

Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 with a British factory being opened at Trafford Park, Manchester in 1911. A delivery van version was successfully marketed in Britain in 1912 but disappointing sales in the USA led to its withdrawal a year later. The Ford Model T van was re-introduced to the UK market in late 1914. As well as complete vans, the chassis was also available to dealers for the fitting of custom-made bodies.