Early automobiles - Car Finland 1920s

The automobile was first invented and perfected in Germany and France in the late 1890s. Americans quickly came to dominate the automotive industry after WWI. Throughout this initial era, the development of automotive technology was rapid. Hundreds of small manufacturers competing to gain the world's attention. Key developments included the electric ignition system, independent suspension, and four-wheel brakes. Transmissions and throttle controls were widely adopted and safety glass also made its debut. Henry Ford perfected mass-production techniques, and Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler emerged as the “Big Three” auto companies by the 1920s. Car manufacturers received enormous orders from the military during World War II, and afterward automobile production in the United States, Europe, and Japan soared.

The Ford Model T, also known as the Tin Lizzie, was a car produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927. It is considered one of the most important automobiles in history, revolutionising transportation and mass production. The Model T was the first affordable car for the average American. It was designed to be simple, reliable and easy to maintain. The car had a 2.9-litre, four-cylinder engine that produced 20 horsepower. It could reach a top speed of about 45 miles per hour. One of the key innovations of the Model T was the use of interchangeable parts, which allowed for efficient mass production. Ford introduced the assembly line, reducing the time it took to build a car from 12 hours to just 93 minutes. This made the Model T more affordable and accessible to the general public. The Model T was available in several body styles, including two-seater runabouts, four-seater tourers and sedans. It became immensely popular and quickly dominated the car market. By 1914 Ford was producing more than 300,000 Model Ts a year, accounting for half of all cars in the United States. The Model T had a significant impact on society and the economy. It provided affordable transportation for the masses, allowing people to travel longer distances and explore new opportunities. It also played a role in rural development by connecting isolated areas to urban centres. Over time, however, the Model T faced increasing competition from other car manufacturers offering more advanced features and designs. In 1927 Ford discontinued production of the Model T and introduced the Model A as its successor. Despite its eventual obsolescence, the Ford Model T remains an iconic symbol of the early automotive industry and a testament to Henry Ford's vision of making cars accessible to everyone.