Despite its initial humble appearance,the Model T became the most influential car of the 20th century. Priced so that the average American could afford it, the Model T was sold from 1908 until 1927.
Many also may know Henry Ford's Model T by its nickname, the "Tin Lizzie," but you may not know why the Model T is called the Tin Lizzie and how it got its nickname.
A 1922 Car Race
In the early 1900s, car dealers would try to create publicity for their new automobiles by hosting car races. In 1922a championship race was held in Pikes Peak, Colorado. Entered as one of the contestants was Noel Bullock and his Model T, named "Old Liz."
Since Old Liz looked the worse for wear, as it was unpainted and lacked a hood, many spectators compared Old Liz to a tin can. By the start of the race, the car had the new nickname of "Tin Lizzie."
But to everyone's surprise, Tin Lizzie won the race. Having beaten even the most expensive other cars available at the time, Tin Lizzie proved both the durability and speed of the Model T.
Tin Lizzie's surprise win was reported in newspapers across the country, leading to the use of the nickname "Tin Lizzie" for all Model T cars. The car also had a couple of other nicknames—"Leaping Lena" and "flivver"—but it was the Tin Lizzie moniker that stuck.
Rise to Fame
Henry Ford's Model T cars opened up the roads for the American middle class. The car was affordable because of Ford's simple but ingenious use of the assembly line, which increased productivity. Because of this increase in productivity, the price dropped from $850 in 1908 to less than $300 in 1925.
The Model T was named the most influential car of the 20th century as it became a symbol of America's modernization. Ford built 15 million Model T cars between 1918 and 1927, representingas much as 40 percent of all car sales in the United States, depending on the year.
Black is the color associated with the Tin Lizzie—and that was the only color available from 1913 to 1925—but initially, black was not available. Early buyers had a choice of gray, blue, green, or red.
The Model T was available in three styles; all mounted on a 100-inch-wheelbase chassis:
- The five-seat touring car
- The two-seat runabout
- The seven-seat town car
Modern Usage
"Tin Lizzie" is still most associated with the Model T, but theterm is used colloquiallytoday to describe a small, cheap car that looks like it is in a beat-up condition. But keep in mind that looks can be deceiving.To "go the way of the Tin Lizzie" is a phrase that refers to something outdated that has been replaced by a newer and better product, or even a belief or behavior.
FAQs
The car's nickname, “Tin Lizzie” originated from two sources. “Tin” referred to the car's lightweight, durable metal construction, as it was one of the first mass-produced vehicles made mostly of steel, which was considered a novelty at the time. The term “Lizzie” was a popular slang nickname for a horse or mule.
What is Tin Lizzie slang for? ›
tin lizzie in American English
noun. old-fashioned slang. a small, cheap automobile in run-down condition, esp. a Model T Ford.
What is Tin Lizzie a nickname for? ›
from Tin Lizzie, nickname for the Model T Ford automobile. First Known Use.
What kind of car is a tin lizzy? ›
The Model T was colloquially known as the "Tin Lizzie". The Ford Model T was named the most influential car of the 20th century in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, ahead of the BMC Mini, Citroën DS, and Volkswagen Beetle.
What did the T in Model T stand for? ›
What does the T in Model T stand for? The T in Model T was just a letter designating the prototype in the series of cars produced by Ford Motor Company. Ford began using Model A in 1903 and moved through the alphabet until the success of the Model T was achieved.
How many Model T Fords still exist? ›
In addition to production in Detroit, Ford assembled Model Ts in locations across the world including Trafford Park, Manchester. Approxmately 100,000 Model Ts survive today of which it is estimated that 600 are English built.
How much did the Model T weigh? ›
The car had a speed of about 40 miles per hour; carried 10 gallons of gas or enough for 225 miles; tires 30 x 3 1/2; 100-inch wheelbase and weighed 1,200 pounds. Images from the Collections of The Henry Ford: 1) P.
What is the nickname for the Model T? ›
The vehicle also became famous for its unique nickname—Tin Lizzie.
Why was the Model T called a Flivver? ›
A New York Evening Sun columnist wrote the following poem showing excitement for the future flying Fords. The heavens in a Ford. The name of the aircraft, "flivver", originated from a slang word in the early twentieth century designating an inexpensive car.
How much did the Model T cost in 1908? ›
Henry Ford's revolutionary advancements in assembly-line automobile manufacturing made the Model T the first car to be affordable for a majority of Americans. In 1908, the Model T sold for $850 while competing cars often cost $2000-$3000.
Henry Ford's son Edsel drove the car off the line, accompanied by his father, Martin, and Sorensen. The car has always remained in the possession of Ford Motor Company or The Henry Ford.
Why is Elizabeth called Lizzie? ›
Lizzie or Lizzy is a nickname for Elizabeth or Elisabet, often given as an independent name in the United States, especially in the late 19th century. Lizzie can also be the shortened version of Lizeth, Lissette or Lizette.
Why was Model T called Tin Lizzie? ›
The car's nickname, “Tin Lizzie” originated from two sources. “Tin” referred to the car's lightweight, durable metal construction, as it was one of the first mass-produced vehicles made mostly of steel, which was considered a novelty at the time. The term “Lizzie” was a popular slang nickname for a horse or mule.
What is the most expensive Model T? ›
Q: What was the most expensive Ford Model T ever sold? A: The highest recorded sale was $246,400 for a 1908 Ford Model-T Touring on Mar 3 2022. Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Ford Model T? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $1,120 for a 1925 Ford Model T Torpedo on Apr 26 2024.
Which came first Model A or Model T? ›
The Ford Model A was the second biggest success for the Ford Motor Company after its more famous predecessor, the Model T. First sold on December 2, 1927 it replaced the Model T which had been in production for 18 years. The new Model A was designated a 1928-year model and was available in four standard colors.
Why did they call themselves Thin Lizzy? ›
The name came from a robot character in The Dandy called Tin Lizzie, which they adjusted to Thin Lizzy as a playful reference to the local Dublin accent, in which "thin" would be pronounced as "t'in". For some of their early gigs, the band were mistakenly promoted as "Tin Lizzy" or "Tin Lizzie".
What is a Tin Lizzie in the 1920s? ›
A 1922 Car Race
Entered as one of the contestants was Noel Bullock and his Model T, named "Old Liz." Since Old Liz looked the worse for wear, as it was unpainted and lacked a hood, many spectators compared Old Liz to a tin can. By the start of the race, the car had the new nickname of "Tin Lizzie."
What was the nickname of the Model T? ›
The vehicle also became famous for its unique nickname—Tin Lizzie.
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