The cars we drive today have come a long way from where they began. On September 27, 1908, the first Model T was constructed by innovator Henry Ford. Furthermore, his car design was the first to be manufactured on a massive scale.
Henry Ford accepted the introduction of assembly line production and interchangeable parts. In fact, the engine for the first Model T included a flex fuel design that could function with different types of fuel such as gasoline, ethanol and grain alcohol. Many of today’s fuel efficient cars feature a flex fuel engine.
Ford also built manufacturing plants on nearly every continent, which brought the vehicle to countries all over the world. The car manufacturer’s intention was to create a means of transportation for every family that could be taken care of by the individual owner. Henry Ford’s plan included selling his car affordably, so most people could own one.
Often, the old cars included hand crank starter engines in which a handle was used to start the vehicle. However, by 1919 most cars came equipped with electric starters. Today, we have cars that can be started with a button on a handheld key fob ensuring a warm vehicle on cold days.
Car design began to change in 1924 when the market reached its capacity. In order to keep sales high, the head of General Motors had the idea of encouraging car owners to replace their cars with updated models. The addition of frequent body style changes caused car manufacturers to include a body-on-frame design.
During the 1930s, Chrysler created aerodynamic styling. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t quite ready for the modern design, and the car company changed the look of their new model to fit the times.
Other countries such as France and Italy were also busy updating the style of their old cars. Italy became known for speed with its authority in Motorsport, which encouraged the formation of car companies like Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari.
Today’s cars feature aerodynamic styling, new materials and extra safety elements. Furthermore, the automobiles of today offer smooth shifting transmissions, responsive acceleration and luxurious interiors.
Contemporary car manufacturers are also adding today’s technology into new automobiles with equipment such as navigation devices, rear backup cameras and entertainment packages for the kids. What began as a simple way to travel has become a modern marvel.
The old cars of yesterday have encouraged the designs of today with better fuel economy, higher safety standards and spectacular form. We can’t wait to see the cars of tomorrow.
Filed under: Car Design Has Changed
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