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- Centennial celebrations for the Ford Model T will draw to a close on Thanksgiving with a special parade unit in the 2008 America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in Detroit on Nov. 27.
- The Ford Model T debuted on Oct. 1, 1908, and thanks to Henry Ford’s vision, put the world on wheels. More than 15 million units of this car were built and sold in the 19 years Ford produced Model T. Production ended on May 26, 1927.
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1, 2008 – Come November, “T” doesn’t just stand for Thanksgiving or turkey but instead for the “Tin Lizzie,” as the Ford Model T will wrap up months of centennial celebrations with a premiere appearance in America’s Thanksgiving Parade® this year.
In honor of this historic milestone, Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services are sponsoring a unique parade unit that will feature 19 Model Ts, representing the 19 years that the iconic Tin Lizzie was in production.
“It’s only fitting that the vehicle credited for putting the world on wheels will culminate its 100th anniversary celebration on the streets near its birthplace as part of America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We’re honored to join thousands of families who will be watching the parade this Thanksgiving in celebrating the legacy of Henry Ford and the spirit of innovation created by the Model T that is still alive in Ford Motor Company today.”
Held each Thanksgiving Day on the legendary Woodward Avenue in Detroit, America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has kicked off the holiday season for millions of families for 83 years, complete with a rich tradition of hand-made floats and entertainment befitting the Motown tradition.
This year’s parade – slated for Nov. 27 – will begin at 9:00 a.m. The first 60 minutes of the 3-hour parade will be nationally televised on NBC/WDIV Detroit.
Putting the World on Wheels – Then and Now
The Model T chugged into history Oct. 1, 1908. Henry Ford called it the “universal car.” It became the symbol of low-cost, reliable transportation that could get through when other vehicles and horse-drawn wagons were stuck in muddy roads. The Model T won the approval of millions of Americans, who affectionately dubbed it “Tin Lizzie.”
The first Model Ts sold for $825 (for a two-door roadster) – an unexpected bargain compared to other cars. But even more remarkable is that during its 19 years of production, Ford continued to steadily lower its price, thanks to manufacturing efficiencies including the moving assembly line introduced in 1913.
In addition to its affordability, Model T stands out as the industry’s truly the first global car. By 1921, it accounted for almost 57 percent of the world’s automobile production. More than 15 million Model Ts were sold when production ended on May 26, 1927.
A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford continues building on its tradition with industry-leading, high-volume technologies including SYNC and EcoBoost engines, a new fuel-efficient powertrain lineup, a new small car for the world as well as America’s most head-turning crossover and most-capable pickup.
Celebrating an Icon
During the past six months Ford recognized the historic milestone through a series of regional celebrations joined by thousands of Model T owners and global enthusiasts, including hosting the world’s largest gathering of Model Ts since they had left the factory in July, at the “T Party 2008” in Richmond, Ind.
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Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit our website at www.ford.com.