Any Colour As Long As It's Black - Designing the Model T Ford 1906-1908

Unlike previous histories, Duncan takes a different tack in this book, covering the development of the Model T from a design and engineering standpoint. A specific element is covered in each chapter, from the chassis, to engine, transmission, electrics and more, detailing how each differed from accepted automobile manufacture of the time, and in turn played a part in the car's success. Duncan acknowledges that while Henry Ford wasn't particularly "hands-on" in the T's development (many engineering problems were resolved by the brilliant Charles Sorenson), he had a firm idea of what the T needed to be a success in the mass-market culture that was to come. The contribution of the Model N, a model largely forgotten today, is also credited as the first place that many of the Model T's "revolutionary" ideas were first applied.

Chapter by chapter, Duncan - who owns a 1918 Model T himself - looks at the chassis, engine, transmission, electrics and more, explaining how each component differed from accepted automobile practice of the time, some in design, some in construction, and others in ways that would benefit Ford's future vision of large scale, production line assembly. While it does contain a lot of valid and interesting information, the book suffers from the lack of photos and the poor quality hand drawn renderings of most of the mechanical components. While this may have been due to funding as much as anything else, one suspects that better quality diagrams, and/or photos of the components discussed, could have made this book a whole lot better. If you think you know the man, Henry Ford, and the impact of his car, the Model T, on society, any colour. . . . may well offer you a new insight into both.

Any Colour As Long As It's Black - Designing the Model T Ford 1906-1908
by John Duncan
Published by Exisle Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-877427-15-1
RRP: $29.95 (hardcover)

Now available from most good retailers.