Henry Ford’s dream was always to give the world an affordable and reliable car, something he achieved with the introduction of the Ford Model T back in 1908, which was reliable and fairly inexpensive but still not the prize he had in mind. Ford had been trying to streamline car production for years, even with the T’s predecessor the Model N that was assembled in a very basic and crude linear ‘step-by-step’ process. Ford took this system and refined it for the Model T, dividing up the manufacturing process into 84 steps, or production procedures, then also introduced machines to press out body panels and parts faster and neater than any man. Ford then drew inspiration from a Chicago meat packing plant and how they managed the animal carcasses, which led him to introduce the first ever moving chassis production line on the 1st December 1913. This system worked so well that Ford was able to produce his 10-millionth Ford on the 4th of June 1924.

What about the effect on price? Let’s take the Model T two-seat Runabout: in 1910 it was advertised at $900 but by 1927, the final year of production, the showroom sticker showed $360. I think Henry Ford achieved what he set out to do – in today’s highly competitive world of mass-produced automobiles, it is hard to grasp that the basic principle is the same as Ford introduced 100 years ago. But as for the economies of scale and the effect on pricing, Ol’ Henry was the only chap to ever get that right! WH

FMM took part in the biennial Cape Classic Car Show, held on November 3 at the Jan Burger Sports Complex in Parow. With temperatures in the mid-20s and only a mild breeze blowing, exhibitors and spectators had a sunny day hot – a welcome start to summer and the usual calendar of car shows.

Curator Wayne Harley was on hand with some of the workshop staff and the cars on show were a trio of Fords – 1932 Model 40 pick-up, 1934 Model 40 Roadster and 1937 Model 28 Club Coupé. MM

Image reference: http://4c.alfaromeo.com/

Is this a classic in the making? That’s the question put forward by Alfa Romeo when the newest addition to the Alfa family, the 4C, became the latest model from the brand to conquer the Nürburgring’s infamous Nordschleife with a time of 8min04sec. The time, attained by driver, journalist and Green Hell expert Horst von Saurma set a record for production cars with engines under 184 kW (250 HP). The 4C makes its local début in early 2014 with the arrival of the numbered Limited Edition, which numerous carbon fibre parts to distinguish it from its regular cousin and all units allocated to South Africa have already been pre-sold. The regular 4C will then become available locally towards the end of January from selected Alfa Romeo outlets. Pricing has not been announced.