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In the beginning was the Ford car and the Ford car was right. Right in design and right in construction- a motor car to satisfactorily meet all the demands of the people for service and pleasure- the car for the multitudes.
With a keen far-sightedness that read the call of future years, Henry Ford foresaw that the motor car was the coming utility and designed and builded accordingly: a motor car so simple in mechanical construction that anybody and everybody could successfully operate it; so strong in construction that it would traverse all sorts of road conditions; so flexible that it would meet with satisfactory service the many and various demands of all lines of human activity- to be in very fact the Universal Car.
Ford Production
Simplicity in Operation
The Ford Enclosed Cars
Some Interesting Figures
Ford Production
Ford cars have been, are now, and will continue to be constructed of the highest quality of Vanadium Steel- specifically Ford heat-treated- the Ford Chassis being beyond all question the highest quality motor car in the world. If proof is asked, the answer is made by more than 2,250,000 satisfied Ford users throughout the world.
There are more than 2,250,000 Ford cars now in service.
One-half of all cars on American roads are Ford cars.
And while there are nearly two hundred different makers of motor cars in America, the Ford factory produces more than one-half of the entire aggregate output.
Thus while all the other motor car factories combined are producing one motor car, the great Ford organization alone of itself, in the same length of time, turns out one completed car.
The ratio of production is better than one to one comparing the Ford output with the aggregate production of the nearly two hundred other factories, one to one against nearly two hundred.
These few facts most fully establish the superior practical merits of the Ford car. It wouldn't be so universally in demand if it were not so universally good
- The biggest shoe factory in the United States produces less than one-fortieth of the entire shoe product of this country.
- The greatest American flour mill turns out less than one twentieth of the flour used by the American people.
- The largest manufacturer of clothing in the United States does not make one-tenth of the clothing required by the people of America .
But the Ford factory builds more than one half of all the motor cars used on this continent.
This is a business condition absolutely without precedent or parallel anywhere.
This would not be so, could not be so, if the Ford car had not proven, by all the tests that time and the greatest number and variety of uses and abuses can impose, its superior worth. It has delivered to users what they demanded in a motor car.
It has established its superior merits in the most practical manner-not by any exceptional schemes of selling nor by extravagant advertising nor any sort of commercial combinations.
The demand is unprecedented because the value is unequaled.
From any and every angle, there is only one reason why the Ford car so far outsells all other cars: It is a better car.
Simplicity in Operation
The Ford car must be judged independently of its price. It is astonishingly low in price-and suprisingly high in value-because it is produced upon a scale so gigantic, so efficient and so economic, as to reduce the cost of manufacturing and distributing to the minimum.
When we were building only a few thousand cars yearly, our costs of production and distribution were nearly twice what they are now.
With our present volume exceeding the combined production of all other automobile concerns in America, we are able to produce a better car at practically half the cost.
It was only a few years ago that we bought but a few thousand tons of steel. Today the Ford Motor Company is one of the largest consumers of steel in the world-considerably over 400,000 tons-and don't forget, we buy at bottom prices.
And by this same big buying power has the cost of the entire range of materials that go into the construction of Ford cars been correspondingly reduced.
By reason of our immense volume of production we have been enabled to so organize our factory, our branch assembly plants, our entire construction methods, and have made possible the specialization of labor and the use of labor-saving machines to such an extent, that our producing costs have been brought down to the lowest possible figures.
In factories where only a small number of cars are produced, or simply assembled, many operations cost from three to four times that of similar operations in our Ford factories.
In addition to these unequaled economies, let it be remembered that our entire efforts are concentrated upon the making of just one car, the world-famous Model T.
The chassis of all Ford cars are the same only the bodies are different. This concentrated effort produces only the few hundred parts of one model and so escapes the costly mistakes and expenses which inevitably follow the scattering of efforts in the production of thousands of parts for many or yearly models. We thus effect a tremendous economy in buying, manufacturing and selling besides in the after service that follows the sales.
Large production makes our selling prices small.
And because of this fact, you must not, you cannot, judge the Ford car by its low price- but rather by its exceptionally high merit and the position it occupies with more than 2,250,000 owners.
Commonplace simplicity marks the greatness of the Ford.
- Simple in design-anyone can quickly understand it.
- Simple in construction-and every part a bulwark of strength.
- Simple in operation-anyone can operate it.
- Simple to maintain-anyone can care for it.
There is nothing incorporated in its construction that is not absolutely necessary for safety, comfort, durability and economy.
Built with four simple units; power plant (motor), frame, the front running gear, and the rear running gear-each of which may be easily removed and replaced, separately-and all the parts of which are easily accessible for cleaning and repairing.
The one great distinctive feature of the Ford car is its marvelous motor-surely one, if not the greatest of triumphs mechanical genius has won-and the triumph lies in its wonderful power and simplicity. This Model T Ford motor has no equal for reliability, as most forcibly illustrated in the fact that on December 10, 1915, the million mark was passed and not an important change had been made since the first one was built in 1908-more than 2,000,000 motors consecutively-and coming through every day in thousands without a single mechanical change. Ford Model T motor is a practically perfect motor.
While its four cylinders are rated to produce twenty horsepower, the fact is that the Ford has more power per pound of car and piston displacement than any other automobile made. In climbing hills, the Ford holds the world's record, made at Algonquin, Illinois, June 12, 1912.
The magneto of the Ford car is unique, not other motor car having similar equipment. It is and integral part of the motor, being attached to and made a part of the flywheel. It is simplicity itself-no brushes, no commutators, no batteries, no dry cells and yet its action is positive and reliable. It is a certain factor in the ease of operation and an economy in the maintenance of the car.
The Ford carries a double brake system, making the assurance of safety doubly sure, and like every other part of the Ford, it is simple to understand and sure in operation. A foot pedal controls the service brake, while the emergency brake which acts upon the rear wheel drums is controlled by a lever.
Ford springs are another feature of special merit, combining the strongest practical value in construction and securing the easiest possible riding qualities, affording a marked contrast, a striking advantage by comparison with the cumbersome, heavy and complicated spring construction of most other cars.
Here's another practical merit in the Ford favor-it is the lightest weight car built, considering its power-and you know that light weight is an essential both for economy to manufacture, in maintenance and comfort in riding. The Ford weighs several hundred pounds less than the ordinary car of equal power and carrying capacity. It puts more tire surface on the ground per pound of car. Then too, its light weight is a big safety factor.
Light weight reduces the cost of up-keep because it reduces the wear and tear on tires, by giving more miles per gallon of gasoline-and by lessening the strain upon the car itself. Again, tires for Ford cars are comparatively inexpensive, because large size is not required-they give the maximum service because the car is light. The owners of Ford cars have the least troubles with tire and other expenses-something worth thinking about in buying a motor car.
The Ford car is made light in weight by being scientifically designed and built of Ford heat-treated Vanadium steel. Vanadium Steel is steel that has been treated with Vanadium-a semi-rare mineral, which washes the molten steel of its impurities, bringing the molecules closer together, giving them greater adhesiveness and making the resultant product infinitely tougher and stronger. Although Vanadium is the highest-priced steel used in automobile construction, it does not increase the cost of the Ford car materially, because on account of its extreme strength we use proportionately less of it and the car is also made lighter.
At the expense of several hundred thousand dollars, and a great deal of valuable time, Mr. Ford worked out the formulas by which Ford Vanadium Steel is produced and heat treated. Certain kinds of Vanadium steel are used in a limited way by other makers of motor cars-but Ford Vanadium is Ford Steel. And in the process of heat-treatment it is tempered by formulas and processes entirely our own to the degree of toughness or hardness needed for each particular part.
By all counts the Ford is the most economical. It costs less to operate than any other car. Many Ford owners drive their cars at a cost of less than two cents a mile-and all agree that the Ford's cost of maintenance is lowest.
A guarantee of a car's worth is of value only insofar as the maker is financially and morally responsible-based on past reputation and the likelihood of continuing successfully in business.
The Ford Motor Company this year will do a business of considerab1y over $300,000,000.00-entirely upon its own resources-no notes, no bond issues, no mortgages, no combinations, no watered stock, no monopoly.
The Ford car has back of it the biggest financial responsibility in the automobile world.
And in the matter of service Ford leads. Ford repairs are to be had in practically every town or city in the country. More than 10,000 Ford agents are required, under their contracts with the company, to carry a complete assortment of Ford repair parts. The dollar value of these agency parts stocks at the present time is considerably more than $12,000,000.00.
You can never get very far away from Ford service. And you will find it quick, economical and courteous.
With your car will come a booklet, the Ford Parts Price List, in which are priced in plain figures all the parts of the Ford car. These prices are based upon the cost of each part in the completed car-so that you might buy it part by part at nearly the actual cost of the assembled machine. The price list protects you against excessive repair charges, which in all cases are kept down to the lowest point. Ford service spells economy and time-saving for Ford Owners.
The Ford Enclosed Cars
More and more the demand for the enclosed motor car increases. Motor cars are driven every day of the year regardless of weather conditions. So it is only natural that personal comfort should call, in wintry and inclement weather, for the protection and conveniences of the enclosed car. We have met this demand with a completeness which has been endorsed by a continually increasing demand for both of our enclosed cars, detailed descriptions of which follow:
THE SEDAN is a very handsome enclosed car. It is splendidly upholstered with a fine quality of heavy whipcord cloth in the latest of plait folds, a vast improvement over the old style "tuft" upholstering. Large plate glass windows, with silk curtains in rear and rear sides. The back seat accommodates three persons most comfortably. The seat for the driver is stationary, the other front seat is hinged so that it can be thrown forward out of the way when necessary. Heavy plate glass sliding panels in the front side windows and doors with the latest air and water protectors, so that when the car is closed it is both dust- and water-proof; with windows lowered it is as airy as an open car. Latest type ventilating windshield. A most dependable family car-for shopping, the theatre, social functions of all sorts, taking the children to school, general touring-the Sedan fills the demand in all sorts of weather. For women who enjoy driving, the Ford sedan is especially attractive, having the luxury and exclusiveness of the electric car, with and equal ease of control. Coupled with that established reliability and dependable strength in construction, which assures safety and durability, is the added pleasure of certain economy in operation and maintenance. Illustrated pages 8 and 16.
THE COUPE is a very desirable car for two passengers-with room for three. The body is and improved idea in motor car body-building. The top being of metal and permanent. It is beautifully finished, and presents a strikingly attractive appearance. The interior is quite roomy with a big seat with high back all deeply upholstered, making for the most enjoyable riding every day of the year. The large plate glass windows in doors and sides drop completely into the sash and with the quickly removable window pillars give all the delights of the open car while the top protects from heat and dust. In inclement and wintry weather it is instantly converted into a neat enclosed car, well lighted, cozy, warm, luxurious. At the same time the spacious side windows and the large rear window keep the driver well informed as to passing traffic. The doors are liberal in size, making entrance and exit pleasant. Latest type of ventilating windshield. In all the Ford Coupe is a thoroughly modern motor car in appearance and equipment with Ford durability and economy in purchase price an operation. Illustrated pages 6 and 17.
Some Interesting Figures
The production record of the Ford Motor Company since its organization June 16, 1903, is one of phenomenal growth eclipsing all achievements of the industrial world. Surely such figures could only be made possible through a product so valuable and widely serviceable as to be an almost common necessity:
In 1903-4, to Sept.30, there were made and sold.......1,708 Ford cars;
In 1905, the Company built and sold.........................1,695 Ford cars;
In 1906, there were made and sold a total of..............1,599 Ford cars;
In 1907, the total of cars made and sold was..............8,423 Ford cars;
In 1908, the production and sales reached..................6,398 Ford cars;
In 1909, the phenomenal growth began with.............10,607 Ford cars;
In 1910, the production jumped to a total of............18,664 Ford cars;
In 1911, there were made and sold a total of.............34,528 Ford cars;
In 1912, production more than doubled, with............78,440 Ford cars;
In 1913,a new high mark was reached with.............168,220 Ford cars;
1914 saw an even greater triumph achieved by.........248,307 Ford cars;
While 1915 crowned all efforts with a total of.........308,213 Ford cars;
In 1916 the volume of production reached...............533,921 Ford cars;
In 1917 the record was raised to..............................785,432 Ford cars;
For 1918 the estimated production is for..................900,000 Ford cars;
As a more practical illustration of what it means to produce 900,000 Ford cars in one year, and also as an evidence of the buying power of the Ford Motor Company with "spot cash" payments, the following items speak for economy in manufacturing:
Over 400,000 tons of steel are required for the cars.
126,000,000 square feet of rubber cloth material for tops.
3,600,000 each of wheels and tires.
4,500,000 lamps.
15,884,414 feet of Vanadium steel shafting and axles.
4,938,000 square feet of plate glass for windshields.
109,484,404 feet of copper tubing for the radiators.
12,900,000 pounds of steel for Ford magnetos.
30,838 miles of wiring used in magnetos.
7,836,593 square feet of galvanized metal for gasoline tanks.
55,000 horsepower developed by gas-steam engines and generators.
69,959,951 square feet of sheet metal for guards and fenders.
27,940,382 feet of tubular radius rods.
156,546 freight cars to handle material and product in addition to 79,534,404 pounds of material in less than carload shipments.
Approximately $10,000,000 profits are shared annually with employees.
During 1916, more than 200,000 persons visited the Ford factory at Detroit, and were conducted through the big plant. 1917 will see a large increase, as in the month of August 43,219 visitors, from all section of the country, paid us the courtesy of coming to see the home of "The Universal Car."
Average number of persons engaged in making and selling Ford cars in 1917 totaled about 100,000-supporting a city of half a million people counting five to the family.
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