Henry Ford's big mistake and the cancellation of the Model T

[@ronrussell5676]

The first few years of production, the Model T was available in other colors, as you show in the beginning of your video. Also, the last two years had some color options other than black, probably because Ford was beginning to feel pressure from the competition. In 1927, Model T sales dropped of tremendously, and that summer, Henry decided to end production of the car. Other cars from Chevy, Dodge, Essex, Willys etc had become so much better than the Model T that Ford couldn't sell them even for $260 (base price for the T roadster). People didn't want to chug along at 25-30 mph when other traffic was moving at 35-40 mph. Ford probably should have retired the T much earlier, perhaps after it's peak year of 1923, but Ford believed "the only thing wrong with the Ford car is that we can't make them fast enough".

[@carhistorian]

That is very true. He was a stubborn man. However car enthusiasts did benefit from his pride because it allowed for other brands of cars to be established.

[@billyjoejimbob56]

Give Edsel Ford some credit... It took him years to win his father's support for the 1928 Model A. It was a huge step forward at the time, much more refined than any update of the Model-T could have been. Still, the latest offerings from Chevrolet and Dodge were very competitive.

[@carhistorian]

Agreed. I should have mentioned Edsel.

[@jaswmclark]

Durrig WWII Henry, going senile, wanted to stop all production and retool his factories to start producing the Model "T" again, To save the company the navy released Henry 2nd to take over snd save the company. The last Volkswagen bug was a far different car from the first, as a result of continuous changes and improvements.

[@carhistorian]

Wow. I did not know that Henry did that. Honestly though I am not surprised.

[@paulnicholson1906]

The Model T will go 30 mph easily enough and even today when you look at the trip info most people's speed even with a new car is only 25. For everyday driving a T is plenty good enough so maybe Henry wasn't off base with his stubbornness. OK, I do like heat, AC and electric windows etc.😀

[@carhistorian]

I can live without electric windows but I certainly like being able to drive at least 55 mph.

[@paulnicholson1906]

@@carhistorian me too but even being able to go fast our average speed in normal driving, unless you drive on the Interstate a lot, is much lower.

[@carhistorian]

That is true.

[@erikbarrett8523]

It was not a mistake. In fact is was long overdue.

[@carhistorian]

Henry Ford had a problem with pride that nearly led to the demise of his own company.