Jul 31, 2008

Modern Model Ts?

If there is one car model that epitomizes the “old car,” it is the Ford Model T. So it comes as a bit of a surprise that the Henry Ford Museum is displaying new Model T “concepts” created by students from College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit. Eleven clay models representing Model Ts of the future will be on display throughout the summer.

Challenged by Ford Motor Company to channel the spirit of Henry Ford, nearly a dozen students who are enrolled in the CCS Transportation Design program worked with Ford designers, historians and futurists for 16 weeks, forming concepts that add style, affordability and improved sustainability to the rudimentary “Tin Lizzie.” The students created Model Ts for the future that are more aerodynamic in shape (not a difficult feat), weigh less and use eco-friendly materials. Dang Tran of Cicero, N.Y., won the design competition based on the concept that best embodied the spirit, innovation and sociological impact equal to that of the original Model T. Tran’s model will also be displayed at Ford World Headquarters this fall after its run at the Henry Ford Museum is over.