Ford Model Cars

In 1911 UK assembly of the Ford Model T, began in a factory at Trafford Park, Manchester, previously used for tram construction. This was the first overseas Ford assembly plant, set up under the Henry Ford and Son (Fordson) title. Henry and Edsel had formed a separate company under this name as part of an ultimately successful effort to oust other shareholders in the Ford Motor Co. Initial assembly was of US chassis kits, delivered via the Manchester Ship Canal adjacent to the factory, with locally-made bodies fitted. By 1913 a new moving assembly line speeded up production, Ford prices dropped and 6,000 Model Ts were sold, giving Ford a 30% share of the UK market. For the 1917 season Ford modernised the appearance of the Model TrnThe inland location of the Trafford Park plant was not regarded as suitable for expansion, so in 1923 a new site was purchased next to a deep-water port on the River Thames, at Dagenham. In 1931 the Model A and AA entered production, but it sold poorly. A new small car was needed for the 1930s, the 933cc Model Y Ford Eight, launched in 1932. Eights continued in production as Anglias, up to the 1950s Popular. The Model C Ford Ten was the De luxe big brother to the Model Y, leading to the Prefect. Ford added large V8 cars in the 1930s presaging the postwar Pilot.