The Ford Model T is one of the most iconic and influential cars in automotive history. First produced in 1908, the Model T pioneered the concept of assembly line mass production, making cars affordable and accessible to the average American. Over its 19-year production run, over 15 million Model Ts were built, completely transforming the landscape of American society. One of the most distinctive features of the early Model Ts was their color – the famous “any color you want, as long as it’s black.” But black paint was not the only color option when the Model T first debuted. Understanding the evolution of Model T colors provides insight into Henry Ford’s vision, production innovations, and marketing savvy in the early days of the automobile.
The Birth of the Model T
Henry Ford first unveiled the Model T in October 1908 at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan. The first 12,000 Model Ts produced came in a variety of colors including red, blue, grey, and green. However, there were several practical reasons Henry Ford and his engineers settled on Japan black lacquer as the official color starting in 1914.
Reasons for Switching to Black
- Quick Drying Lacquer – The black Japan lacquer paint dried fastest, allowing Ford’s moving assembly line to operate at maximum efficiency.
- Durability – The baked-on black lacquer was very durable and resisted chipping.
- Cost – Black Japan lacquer was cheaper than colored lacquers or enamel paints.
- Standardization – A single color simplified production and purchasing of components.
The black color was a crucial element that allowed Ford to achieve high volume production and keep costs low. As Ford wrote in his autobiography, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.”
Model T Colors Before 1914
Though black was the predominant color, archived documents and photographs show Model Ts in an array of different hues in the early years before the color standardization in 1914:
| Color | Year(s) Available |
|---|---|
| Red | 1908-1913 |
| Gray | 1909-1912 |
| Blue | 1910-1913 |
| Green | 1910-1914 |
| Brown | 1910-1913 |
| Maroon | 1911-1914 |
| Cream | 1912-1913 |
Since batch painting was done by hand in those early years, the quality and shades could vary widely. And as demand rapidly grew, Ford needed a color that could be sprayed on using mass production techniques.
Special Order Colors
Even after 1914, customers could still special order Model Ts in colors other than black from the factory. However, this was an expensive option costing $30-$50 extra depending on the year. Some of the special order colors available include:
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Gray
- Purple
- Yellow
- Brown
- Maroon
- Orange
Surviving registry documents show a wide array of special order colors on Model Ts over the years beyond the standard black. Ford archives list over 50 shades ranging from common colors like blue, gray, and red, to more exotic hues like beige, plum, and poppy red.
Reasons for Color Standardization
There were several key factors that drove Henry Ford’s decision to settle on Japan black lacquer as the single color for Model Ts starting in 1914:
Production Efficiency
The black Japan lacquer dried much faster than other colored lacquers or enamel paints. This allowed the assembly line to operate at maximum speed. The faster drying paint meant cars did not need to sit around drying as long before they could be assembled and finished.
Cost Savings
Enamel car paints were expensive at the time. Japan black lacquer was a more economical alternative. By standardizing on a single color, Ford was able to order paint in bulk and negotiate discounted rates from Dupont, saving costs.
Durability
The baked-on Japan lacquer created a very hard, durable finish that resisted chipping and stood up well to exposure. The porcelain-like finish maintained its shiny black appearance even after years of wear.
Simplicity
With only one color to work with, production and purchasing were vastly simplified compared to managing multiple colors. Ford only had to stock parts and components in black, cutting down on inventory issues.
Evolution of Model T Paint Formulas
While Japan black lacquer was the basis for Model T paint from 1914 onwards, the exact chemical formula evolved over time:
1914-1919
The paint consisted of a black Japan lacquer blended with carbon black pigment to make it more opaque. This was baked on at high heat for maximum durability.
1920-1923
To further reduce costs, a new formula was introduced that mixed Japan lacquer with lampblack made from burnt grease and oils. This lowered the cost but was not quite as durable as the earlier paint.
1924-1925
In 1924, as production reached record levels, a new proprietary DuPont black pyroxylin paint was adopted. This synthetic paint helped streamline mass production.
End of Model T Paint Era
By the mid-1920s, consumer tastes began shifting away from the all-black utilitarian look. In 1926, Ford phased out the Model T after over 15 million units produced. The introduction of the succeeding Model A coincided with a wider range of color options returning. This brief era of Model T black ushered in modern automotive mass production.
Conclusion
The black paint of the early Ford Model T holds an iconic place in automotive history. What started as a practical production decision by Henry Ford soon became a distinctive design statement. The period of standardized black paint from 1914-1925 represents the pinnacle of the Model T’s manufacturing efficiency and commercial success. Yet the rich variety of colors on early Model Ts shows that even this famously inflexible car could accommodate some customization. As the Model T transformed the way America moved, the glossy black coat it wore would forever symbolize the dawn of the automobile age.