On October 1, 1908, the original Ford Model T was built at the Piquette plant, in Michigan. This vehicle revolutionized the auto industry, becoming the first production car that was both affordable and low-maintenance.
Initially, the Model T retailed for $825, a price that kept melting steadily through the years. Why? Because Ford had found a revolutionary technique to reduce manufacturing costs: assembly line production instead of individual hand crafting.
A total of over 15 million Model Ts have been sold worldwide. Its versatility, reliability and low cost made it a true legend.
A full century later, Ford wants to resurrect this icon with the help of students. Five universities were given a challenge: to design what a 21st-century Model T would look like. Each school has a $75,000 budget provided by the automaker. They must come up with sketches, scale models and potentially an operational full-size prototype.
The rules are clear: teams have to create a vehicle that's simple, dependable and lightweight while accommodating at least two passengers and offering a range of at least 200 kilometers. In addition, the final product cannot exceed a $7,000 US retail price.
Students must submit their work by September 1. Ford will select two winners out of the five schools and award them a $25,000 prize.
This contest is part of the Model T's centennial celebrations. A special gathering with over 200 vintage models will be held on September 5 in Dearborn, Michigan.
photo:Ford
Initially, the Model T retailed for $825, a price that kept melting steadily through the years. Why? Because Ford had found a revolutionary technique to reduce manufacturing costs: assembly line production instead of individual hand crafting.
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A total of over 15 million Model Ts have been sold worldwide. Its versatility, reliability and low cost made it a true legend.
A full century later, Ford wants to resurrect this icon with the help of students. Five universities were given a challenge: to design what a 21st-century Model T would look like. Each school has a $75,000 budget provided by the automaker. They must come up with sketches, scale models and potentially an operational full-size prototype.
The rules are clear: teams have to create a vehicle that's simple, dependable and lightweight while accommodating at least two passengers and offering a range of at least 200 kilometers. In addition, the final product cannot exceed a $7,000 US retail price.
Students must submit their work by September 1. Ford will select two winners out of the five schools and award them a $25,000 prize.
This contest is part of the Model T's centennial celebrations. A special gathering with over 200 vintage models will be held on September 5 in Dearborn, Michigan.
photo:Ford