Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard
...The Model T is still a model of a durable, practical, efficient and affordable car - exactly the kind of car we need to reclaim here in the 21st century.
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The Model T also had an effect on world history, General Allenby (in charge of forces in the middle east in WW1) counted the model T as one of his 3 main advantages over his enemies.
The model T itself didn't last long overseas though - in Europe it failed due to the engine being too large (the HP tax), and elsewhere it rapidly became old fashioned. It was efficient in terms of being easy to fix and cheap to buy, in terms of fuel usage it was and is a pig but mileage travelled in those days was far lower.
The idea has been tried though, think of the "economy" cars of the world, e.g.
Trojan
Austin 7
Morris 8
Dixie Werk (Austin 7 under licence)
Bantam (Austin 7 US under licence)
Rosengart (Austin 7 France - you get the idea...)
2CV
Fiat Topolino
Fiat 500
BMC Mini
Subaru 360
Datsun 510
VW Beetle
Fiat 124/128
etc. right down to cars like the VW Up! (dare I say the Aygo
) - cheap to run and cheap to fix.