The Driving Experience

Driving a Model T: A Unique Experience

Driving a Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, offers a glimpse into the early days of motoring. Unlike modern vehicles, the Model T’s controls are unconventional and require a steep learning curve for those accustomed to contemporary cars. Here’s what it’s like to drive one:

Starting the Engine

  1. Crank Start: Early Model Ts require manual cranking to start the engine. This involves inserting a hand crank into the front of the vehicle and turning it with force. To avoid injury, the crank must be carefully handled to prevent “kickback,” a sudden and forceful reversal of the crank.
  2. Ignition Timing: The driver must adjust the spark advance lever on the steering column to set the timing correctly for starting.

The Controls

The Model T lacks a traditional clutch, gear shifter, or gas pedal arrangement. Instead, it uses a combination of foot pedals, levers, and switches:

  1. Pedals:
    • Left Pedal: This controls the planetary transmission. Pressing it all the way down engages low gear, while releasing it engages high gear. Halfway engages neutral.
    • Middle Pedal: This is the reverse gear pedal. Pressing it allows the car to move backward.
    • Right Pedal: This is the brake pedal, which operates a transmission brake rather than braking at the wheels.
  2. Throttle and Spark Advance:
    • The steering column has two levers: the right lever adjusts the throttle (similar to an accelerator), and the left lever adjusts the spark timing.
  3. Hand Lever:
    • The large lever to the driver’s left serves multiple purposes. In its upright position, it engages the parking brake and neutral gear. Pushing it forward releases the brake and engages high gear.

Driving

  1. Accelerating: Adjust the throttle lever on the steering column to increase or decrease engine speed.
  2. Shifting Gears: To move from a stop, press the left pedal fully for low gear. Once the vehicle gains momentum, release the pedal to shift into high gear.
  3. Braking: To slow down, reduce the throttle and press the right pedal to engage the transmission brake. Drivers must anticipate stops early, as braking effectiveness is limited compared to modern hydraulic systems.

Challenges

  • Steering: The Model T’s steering is direct and unassisted, requiring significant effort at low speeds.
  • Suspension: Riding on leaf springs, the car’s suspension offers a bumpy ride, especially on uneven roads.
  • Learning Curve: Coordinating the pedals, hand lever, and throttle requires practice. Missteps, such as engaging the wrong gear, can be jarring.

The Experience

Driving a Model T is as much about the journey as the destination. The mechanical simplicity and direct interaction with the car give drivers a sense of connection with the machine. With a top speed of around 45 mph, it’s an adventure that forces you to slow down, take in your surroundings, and appreciate the ingenuity of early automotive engineering.

Driving require a mental shift before attempting. Issues:

  • Emergency stops: Stopping is slow and the driver must remember to use the rightmost pedal.  
  • Confusion: Reverse and forward mix-up is scary.
  • Other drivers: My Model T is frequently not seen by cross traffic or the vastly underestimate my speed.
  • Pedestrians: Do not recognize that the Model T has poor braking.
  • Lack of turn signals: Use hand signals and expect communication difficulties.
  • Dim stop light: Not too much of a problem as stopping distance is long.
  • Dim headlights: The Model T driver will be blinded by opposing traffic.

Summary: Driving a Model T requires an attentive and perhaps a young brain.  Model T clubs are looking for people that are up to the challenge.

For enthusiasts, mastering the Model T is a badge of honor—a nod to the roots of modern driving.