SAAC Forum

Off Topic Area => The Lounge => Topic started by: FL SAAC on June 04, 2022, 06:31:07 PM

Title: On a day like today Henry Ford June 4, 1896
Post by: FL SAAC on June 04, 2022, 06:31:07 PM
The world we know would not exist if not for this day in history.

At approximately 4:00 a.m. on June 4, 1896, in the shed behind his home on Bagley Avenue in Detroit, Henry Ford unveiled the "Quadricycle," the first automobile he ever designed or drove.

The Quadricycle had two driving speeds, no reverse, no brakes, rudimentary steering ability and a doorbell button as a horn, and it could reach about 20 miles per hour.

Aside from one breakdown on Washington Boulevard due to a faulty spring, the first drive was a success and Ford was on his way to becoming one of the most formidable success stories in American business history.
Title: Re: On a day like today Henry Ford June 4, 1896
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on June 04, 2022, 07:56:48 PM
Complete with an ICE of his own design and construction. Today the industry is facing the same problems he had in 1914 with his first EV.

Within a year, I hope, we shall begin the manufacture of an electric automobile. I don't like to talk about things which are a year ahead, but I am willing to tell you something of my plans.

The fact is that Mr. Edison and I have been working for some years on an electric automobile which would be cheap and practicable. Cars have been built for experimental purposes, and we are satisfied now that the way is clear to success. The problem so far has been to build a storage battery of light weight which would operate for long distances without recharging. Mr. Edison has been experimenting with such a battery for some time.

https://www.wired.com/2010/06/henry-ford-thomas-edison-ev/

Clara Ford drove a $3,800 1914 Detroit Electric - a Model T was $440. https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/artifact/209957/#slide=gs-214235