Model T Day

Model T Day is a holiday dedicated to the world’s first mass-produced car, created by Henry Ford. He famously “put America on wheels” by making a passenger car affordable, thanks to various smart decisions. On October 1st, we show our appreciation for all those involved!

History

In 1908, owning a car was a luxury for the wealthy due to its high cost. This spurred Henry Ford and his team to take action. They gathered engineers and technicians to study the issue in depth. Finally, in the fall of 1908 (the holiday coincides with the launch of the Model T), the general public was introduced to a left-hand drive car with a closed four-cylinder engine, a vanadium steel body, and an impeccable design. It was renowned for its reliability and robustness, leading the Ford Motor Company to build a new factory to mass-produce the model. This is where the use of conveyor belts in manufacturing was first introduced.

Although it is unknown who officially designated October 1st as Model T Day, it has since become a part of American culture! The date marks the day when the general population gained access to personal vehicles and transportation.

Interesting Facts

• The Model T was notoriously difficult to drive, making its popularity even more impressive. It had three pedals (brake and gear shift), the engine was started manually, and the spark plugs had to be lit by hand. There were no sensors—the driver had to intuitively manage oil and gasoline levels.
• The first models came in various colors—gray, blue, green, red, etc.—before production shifted exclusively to black due to assembly line delays.
• Henry Ford didn’t need to run an advertising campaign—the car’s success spoke for itself.
• Poland built an armored version of the Model T.

How to Take Part

Learn about the sensational Model T and its incredible history. Share what you learn with children and teenagers. Many enthusiasts create car miniatures from various materials—watch tutorials and try making your own!

When is Model T Day in 2025?

Model T Day is observed on October 1 each year.

Observations