When the 1923 Ford Model T first came out, it had a 2.9l four-cylinder engine producing about 20 horsepower (14.72kW) and had a top speed of about 70kmh.
But it is fair to say, based on today’s comparisons, it was pretty drafty — heating came in the form of a heavy woollen coat — and having conversations with passengers while driving down the road was more like a shouting contest.
A century later, the latest Ford is a relatively silent, fully electric Mustang Mach-E, with battery powered motors producing 258kW which can shoot the car from 0-100 in about 3.7 seconds, and to a top speed of up to 200kmh.
It can easily travel from Dunedin to Queenstown on a single charge, and there are many slick features, including customisable ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel (no woolly gloves needed), wireless charging, and a 15.5-inch touchscreen that allows for easy access to an array of apps and features.
It also has standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode.
The two cars will be among about 100 Fords which will be in Dunedin today — one from each year of production between 1923 and 2023 — to celebrate the centenary of Dunedin City Motors.
Dunedin City Motors chief executive Robert Bain said it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the progress of Ford manufacturing over the decades.
"We’ve got one for every year except the war years — I suppose that’s understandable.
"There will be cars that your mum had, your grandmum had and your greatgranddad had.
"There will be a car for everyone to have a look at and reminisce over.
"The interest around this rally has been huge and people are coming from all over the country to see it. It’s pretty unique."
The cars will be travelling down Victoria Rd in chronological order at 9.30am today, along the Esplanade to Forbury Rd, then along Bay View Rd and down Andersons Bay Rd to the Dunedin City Motors dealership where the cars can be viewed between 11am and 2pm.
