Model T owners celebrate its 100th anniversary

A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford continues building on its tradition with industry-leading, high-volume technologies including SYNC and EcoBoost engines, a new fuel-efficient powertrain lineup, a new small car for the world as well as America's most head-turning crossover and most-capable pickup.

"Henry Ford and his Model T helped reshape the landscape of America a century ago by making the automobile accessible to the average person," said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company executive chairman.

"My great-grandfather's dream was born from a true spirit of innovation that is very much alive today in everything that we do at Ford. And the best way for us to celebrate and honor the Model T is to continue to redefine his vision for this century by making the safest, highest quality and cleanest vehicles that are of great value," said Ford.

Ford will recognize this historic milestone during the next six months through a series of regional celebrations joined by thousands of Model T owners and global enthusiasts, including here at the world's largest gathering of Model Ts since they left the factory - "T Party 2008" in Richmond, Ind.

Ford, with support from the Ford Motor Company Fund, is the "T Party 2008" celebration's title sponsor for the week-long event that is hosted by the Model T Ford Club of America. Nearly 1,000 Model Ts, including vehicles from England, Norway, Australia and New Zealand and more than 20,000 Model T owners and enthusiasts are expected to participate.

"Celebrating a hundred years of the Model T is a great milestone for Ford Motor Company," said Edsel Ford, great-grandson of Henry Ford and member of the Board of Directors at Ford Motor Company. "No other vehicle has put its mark on the industry or world like the Model T, and true to my great-grandfather's vision, it was the simple, durable car that millions could afford and that many still treasure today."

Putting the World on Wheels - Then and Now:
The Model T chugged into history Oct. 1, 1908. Henry Ford called it the "universal car." It became the symbol of low-cost, reliable transportation that could get through when other vehicles and horse-drawn wagons were stuck in muddy roads. The Model T won the approval of millions of Americans, who affectionately dubbed it "Tin Lizzie."