1909 PRE-PRODUCTION T FORD

by BOB TREVAN
(LISMORE N.S.W.AUSTRALIA)

1909 PREPRODUCTION T FORD

The T Model Ford was release in late 1908. Cars manufactured after engine #2500 were called production cars due to the many mechanical items changed in the car after this number.
The cars manufactured prior to thi snumber were called the "Pre-production cars" and required a separate spare parts section in Ford's parts replacement book.

This car was one of the pre-production cars with engine number 2436 and having all the unique features that go with this model.
Records show that this car came from Ford's North America, Dearborn assembly line (not Canada).

Ford Mo.Co. history indicates that Ford Canada had already been making RH drive T's and designated to be the manufacturing plant for all cars to the RH drive British colonies.
Why this car was programmed to be assembled in North America in LH configuration for export to Australia, one will never know.

Was Henry going to use this car to try and convert Australia to steer from the left and drive on the right side of the roadway (as Henry had basically done in America) or was it for the Ford Rep that was coming to Australia at that time to drive?