The 1903 Ford Model A was the first car built by Ford Motor Company. Not to be confused with another model with the same name from 1927, the 1903 Ford Model A was the genesis of Ford's heritage.
Company founder Henry Ford could only afford to build three units of the Model A. This particular example shown, a red Rear Entry Tonneau body type Model A, car No. 3 and chassis No. 30 is the sole survivor of the trio and is the oldest surviving Ford known.
The car was purchased by Henry Ford's great-grandson and Ford's executive chairman Bill Ford from an auction house in October.
“The timing was perfect to bring this key part of Ford heritage back to the family as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of my great-grandfather’s birth and his vision to improve people’s lives by making cars affordable for the average family,” said Bill Ford. “His vision to build cars that are reasonably priced, reliable and efficient still resonates and defines our vision today as well.”
Historical records showed that this particular unit is Car No.3, chassis No. 30.
The car was bought initially by Herbert L. McNary, a butter maker from Britt, Iowa. Records show that McNary put down a $170 deposit on the $850 car.
Harry E. Burd, a collector, was the next owner. His research led him to believe this example was car No. 3 and chassis No. 30. He sold it in 1961 to a Swiss Ford dealer, who displayed the Model A in Cologne, Germany, at Ford’s European Center.
Burd then bought back the Model A in 2001. It was purchased by John O’Quinn in 2007, who was the final owner before Bill Ford.
The 1903 Ford Model A had a two-cylinder engine producing 8 horsepower and displacing 100 cubic inches. It could reach 48 km/h on smooth roads.
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