Page 98 - Inventions - A Visual Encyclopedia (DK - Smithsonian)

Henry Ford

The American industrialist Henry Ford A CAR FOR
EVERYBODY
made history by launching the affordable The speed of the

Ford Model T (see pp.92–93). By using production line meant that
a simple design and mass-producing this Ford could keep up with
demand. By 1914, Ford was
car in a giant factory, he turned the motor quarter of a million cars
rolling out more than a
GET MOVING for Ford, cars today might have been as rare as luxury yachts. every year—half of all
vehicle from a luxury item for the rich into
an everyday item for the masses. If it weren’t
cars made in the US.

▶ THE MODEL T
Metal tiller to Henry Ford stands next
steer the vehicle to one of his Model Ts,
c. 1920. Made of lightweight
steel, this car was robust
Bicycle wheel
and easy to maintain.

Ford’s
Quadricycle, 1896
Wooden frame
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Ford’s first car—the simple, cheap Quadricycle of
1896—was little more than a gasoline engine mounted
on four bicycle wheels. This single-seater had twin drive ASSEMBLY LINE
belts (see p.90) that could be operated using a floor- Ford factory manager Charles Sorensen introduced
mounted clutch. His idea was to build a car that could the assembly line in 1913. Each car was dragged
be manufactured quickly and in large numbers by along rails by a chain and each worker added a
laborers, not carefully crafted by skilled coach builders.
part—the same one each time. This nonstop
process churned out a new car every 10 seconds.

LIFE STORY
1863 1876 1879 1896

Son of William and He dismantles and rebuilds a Ford leaves home to become an Ford makes
Mary, Henry Ford is born pocket watch given to him by apprentice machinist in Detroit, the Quadricycle,
on July 30 in Wayne his father. The young Ford starts where he learns to handle and test-drives
County, Michigan. repairing watches for others. steam engines. it in Detroit.

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