The Model T's Mechanical Advantages and its Competition
As Rudyard Kipling’s poem denotes, the Model T was forgiving when it came to the abuse forced upon it during war. The Model T was an “exasperating puzzle” of mechanics and power, yet it was tough and durable. The Model T was always up for the challenge, and in this case “better than a Packard.” Packard was one of the Model T’s “rivals.” It was most famously used as a truck, and known for its power and engine size, however it was not as simple to use or fix as the Model T was.
The Model T was one of the first vehicles to have replaceable and interchangeable parts. This meant that the Model T could be fixed on the go, by anyone, anywhere. This perhaps started the era of private mechanic work outside of the automobile manufacturing business. Nevertheless, the Model T was built to withstand time.
Below is a depiction of a Model T ambulance that has slid off the road. This picture tells the story of two American men who were ambulance drivers with the French Army on the Balkan Front. The caption written below the image states “Brennan’s little adventure near Benitza. After a wheel had been replaced and a few things straightened, the Ford ran as well as ever.” Even by today’s standards this is an incredible story in itself, I sure don’t know of anyone who has drove their car down a ditch and drove it back up and on to their destination. This story perfectly depicts the attitude of soldiers towards the Model T. Soldiers were impressed at the durability, easy mechanics and incredible utility the Model T provided.
Compared to its rivals the Model T still possessed advantages. The Packard, as hinted at above, possessed a much stronger engine, however, its heavy frame made it susceptible to sinking in sand and mud. The Packard weighed almost 3 tons, not including men or supplies. Nevertheless, it was more efficient when it came to carrying space, as seen in the picture below. The Model T’s wooden frame and light four-cylinder engine, kept it light and ultimately above ground.
