1896 Ford Quadricycle Runabout, First Car Built by Henry Ford
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The Quadricycle was Henry Ford's first attempt to build a gasoline-powered automobile. It utilized commonly available materials: angle iron for the frame, a leather belt and chain drive for the transmission, and a buggy seat. Ford had to devise his own ignition system. He sold his Quadricycle for $200, then used the money to build his second car. …
The Quadricycle was Henry Ford's first attempt to build a gasoline-powered automobile. It utilized commonly available materials: angle iron for the frame, a leather belt and chain drive for the transmission, and a buggy seat. Ford had to devise his own ignition system. He sold his Quadricycle for $200, then used the money to build his second car.
The Quadricycle was Henry Ford's first attempt at building a gasoline-powered automobile. It is as simple as Ford could make it and utilizes commonly available materials. The frame is made from angle iron, the transmission is a combination of leather belt and chain drive, the seat is from a buggy. The two-cylinder engine is based on a Kane-Pennington design described in the January 9, 1896, issue of American Machinist magazine. The details of the engine were incomplete and Ford had to devise his own ignition system. Originally the engine was air cooled, but it ran too hot and Ford added water jackets to the cylinders. Ford sold the Quadricycle in late 1896 for $200, which he spent on building his second car. In 1904, with Ford Motor Company becoming successful, he bought the little vehicle back for $65. Engine: Kane-Pennington-Ford, inline 2-cylinder, atmospheric intake valves, overhead exhaust valves, 59 cu. in., 4 hp (est.)
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1896
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
00.2.93
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Henry and Clara Ford.
Material
Steel
Wood (Plant Material)
Rubber (Material)
Cloth
Glass (Material)
Technique
Handmade
Color
Black (Color)
Green
Dimensions
Height: 45 in
Width: 45.5 in
Length: 78.5 in
Inscriptions
imprinted on the bicycle lamp: SOLAR metal plate on back of seat reads: U.S. & FOREIGN / PATENTS PENDING / ON THE WORKING / PART & DESIGN / OF THIS MACHINE Oilers with text on glass: DETROIT OIL CUP PAT'D APRIL 9 1879
Specifications
Make & Model: 1896 Ford Quadricycle runabout
Maker: Henry Ford, Detroit, Michigan, with David Bell, James Bishop, George Cato, and Edward Huff
Engine: inline-2, F-head valves, 59 cubic inches
Transmission: 2-speed manual
Height: 45 inches
Wheelbase: 49 inches
Width: 45.5 inches
Overall length: 78.5 inches
Weight: 500 pounds
Horsepower: 4 at 500 revolutions per minute (estimated)
Pounds per horsepower: 125
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