Ford Quadricycle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ford Quadricycle |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Henry Ford |
| Also called | The horseless carriage |
| Production | 1896–1901 Ford sold his first Quadricycle for $200 in 1896 to Charles Ainsley. He later built two more Quadricycles: one in 1899, and another in 1901. He eventually bought his first one back for $60. (according to Ford Museum records) |
| Designer | Henry Ford |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-seat roadster |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2-cylinder |
| Transmission | 2-speed (no reverse) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 49 in (1,200 mm) |
| Weight | 500 lb (230 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Ford Model A (1903–1904) |
The Ford Quadricycle was the very first car built by Henry Ford. It was a simple vehicle made from a basic frame, a small gas engine, and four bicycle wheels. This car was a big step in the history of automobiles!
Contents
Henry Ford's First Car
In the 1890s, cars were a brand new idea. People called them "horseless carriages" because they didn't need horses to move. There wasn't a clear idea yet of what a car should look like or how it should work. Most early car builders were inventors, not business people. They used their imagination and whatever parts they could find.
Henry Ford was one of these inventors. He worked for over two years to build his first experimental car. He was 32 years old when he finished it.
Building the Quadricycle
On June 4, 1896, Henry Ford finished his first car in a small workshop. This workshop was behind his home in Detroit, Michigan. The car ran on pure ethanol, a type of fuel.
Ford named his creation the "Quadricycle." He chose this name because it had four bicycle tires. It also got its name from how the engine powered the back wheels. This successful little car later led to the creation of the Henry Ford Company. After that, the famous Ford Motor Company was started in 1903.
How the Quadricycle Worked
The Quadricycle had a two-cylinder engine. This engine could produce 4 horsepower, which is not much compared to cars today! A chain helped to drive the car forward.
The car's transmission had only two gears. The first gear could go up to 10 mph (16 km/h). The second gear could reach 20 mph (32 km/h). It did not have a reverse gear, so you couldn't back up! The car was steered with a tiller, which is like a handle, not a steering wheel. It had wire wheels and a small 3 US gal (11 L) fuel tank under the seat.
Henry Ford test drove the Quadricycle on June 4, 1896. He reached a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). Ford later became one of the richest people in the world because of his car company.
Where is it Now?
Today, the original Ford Quadricycle is kept at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. It is a very important part of car history!
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