12. Ford Model T
Produced from 1908 to 1927, the Model T stands as the cornerstone of the American automotive industry. Priced affordably for the mass market, it played a pivotal role in shaping car culture and popularizing road trips. According to Hagerty, “Understanding our roots is crucial, especially in American motoring, and that’s where the Model T comes in.” Featuring a temperamental hand-crank engine and a rudimentary two-speed transmission (excluding reverse gear), driving the Model T is no easy feat, even if you manage to find one. However, rest assured that reaching a speed of 27 mph in this iconic vehicle is an exhilarating experience like no other.
Here’s the provided information presented in a table format:
Overview
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1908–1927 |
| Assembly | List |
| Designer | Childe Harold Wills, main-engineer Joseph A. Galamb and Eugene Farkas |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Economy car |
| Body style | List |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | – 177 C.I.D. (2.9 L) 20 hp I4 |
| Transmission | – 2-speed planetary gear |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 100.0 in (2,540 mm) |
| Length | 134 in (3,404 mm) |
| Width | 1,676 mm (66.0 in) (1912 roadster) |
| Height | 1,860 mm (73.2 in) (1912 roadster) |
| Curb weight | 1,200–1,650 lb (540–750 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Model N (1906–1908) |
| Successor | Ford Model A (1927–31) |
13. VW Beetle
A symbol of counter-culture, the vintage VW Beetle epitomizes simplicity and enjoyment – the essence of great motoring. According to Hagerty, “In addition to its effortless driving, the Beetle’s charming exterior draws attention wherever you go, and it seems everyone has a personal Beetle story to tell.” This isn’t the vehicle for those seeking anonymity. If you’re eager to experience it firsthand, old Beetles are readily available through platforms like eBay and classified ads.
Here’s the provided information presented in a table format:
Overview
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen |
| Also called | – Volkswagen Super Beetle |
| – Volkswagen 1200/1300/1302/1303/1500 | |
| – Käfer, Carocha, Coccinelle, Fusca, Vocho | |
| Production | 1938–2003: 21,529,464 |
| Assembly | – Germany: Emden; Hanover; Ingolstadt; Osnabrück; Wolfsburg (Wolfsburg Volkswagen Plant) |
| – Australia: Melbourne (Volkswagen Australia) | |
| – Belgium: Brussels (Audi Brussels) | |
| – Brazil: São Bernardo do Campo (Volkswagen do Brasil) | |
| – Chile: Arica | |
| – Finland: Heinola | |
| – Indonesia: Jakarta (VW Indosentosa Trada) | |
| – Ireland: Dublin | |
| – Malaysia: Shah Alam | |
| – Mexico: Puebla (Volkswagen de México) | |
| – New Zealand: Auckland | |
| – Nigeria: Lagos | |
| – Philippines: Manila | |
| – South Africa: Uitenhage | |
| – Thailand: Bangkok (Yontrakit Motors) | |
| – Venezuela: Valencia | |
| – Yugoslavia: Sarajevo (TAS) | |
| Designer | Ferdinand Porsche |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | – Compact car |
| – Economy car | |
| Body style | – 2-door saloon |
| – 2-door convertible | |
| Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | – Petrol: |
| – 1100 cc H4 | |
| – 1200 cc H4 | |
| – 1300 cc H4 | |
| – 1500 cc H4 | |
| – 1600 cc H4 (flex-fuel) | |
| Transmission | – 4-speed manual transaxle |
| – 4-speed Saxomat semi-automatic | |
| – 3-speed Autostick semi-automatic | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Length | 4,079 mm (160.6 in) |
| Width | 1,539 mm (60.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 800–840 kg (1,760–1,850 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | – Volkswagen Golf Mk1 |
| – Volkswagen Gol (G1) | |
| – Volkswagen New Beetle |