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Ford is giving the public a glimpse of motoring from 100 years ago when the oldest Ford car in Australia goes on show at the Queensland All Ford Day being held in Brisbane this weekend.
The discovery of the car, a Model A – the 31st car built out of Henry Ford’s first factory in Detroit in 1903 -- comes as Ford Motor Company celebrates its 100th birthday worldwide.

When Henry Ford founded the company in 1903, he hoped to contribute to people’s lives in every corner of the globe by improving transportation.

Henry would be delighted to know that one of the first Ford cars ever built has ended up in the far-flung locale of Australia – a journey for the car of some 16,000 kms from its original Detroit home in the United States. Today, there are over three million Ford cars on the road in Australia alone.

“It is a real coup that we should have such a significant vehicle in Ford history right here in Brisbane,” said Queensland All Ford Day organiser, Eddie Rygier. “It is not only the age of the vehicle that makes it significant, but also its pristine condition.”

The engine, the wooden-framed body, and glass-side curtains -- even its muffler -- are original. Not bad for a car that celebrated its 100th birthday in August this year!

The car features kerosene headlights, a bench seat for two open to the weather, with the 8 horsepower engine, luggage and tool compartments mounted across the back, and 72 inch spoke wheels. Its original purchase price was $600 with optional ‘extras’ of headlights $9.60 and extra seating for two (mounted over the rear section) for $80.

The Model A will be on display to the general public from 8.30am to 2.30pm this Sunday, 14th September at the Kedron Sports Club, 6th Avenue, Kedron as part of the Queensland All Ford Day.

The owner of the car, Mr Francis Ransley, from Wynyard in Tasmania, will be there to answer any questions and to demonstrate the 100-year-old technology.

The car is registered and drivable, with a top speed of just 40km/hr! This contrasts with Ford's latest technology on display in the just released iconic muscle car, the Falcon GT, powered by a 389 horsepower engine.

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*Retired.