Ford Model T: WWI hero

Many vehicles were used in the First World War, but the American-made Ford Model T played a pivotal role, helping the Allied forces save lives and ultimately win the conflict.

As we celebrate the 111th anniversary of World War I, let’s look at an unlikely hero.

Finest hour

According to the website of the National Museum of the United States Air Force (which you can check, here), Ford Model T vehicles were the company’s choice “because of their low cost and ease of repair.”

On that note, Ford Model T ambulances — which were considerably lightweight — were regarded as “well-suited for use on the muddy and shell-torn roads in forward combat areas.”

Should the ambulance get stuck in a hole, the National Museum of the United States Air Force noted that “a group of soldiers could lift one without much difficulty.”

That said, it is noted on the website that some 4,362 Model T ambulances had been shipped into the battlefield by November of 1918.

Ford Model T ambulance specifications

The mil-spec Ford Model T ambulance used in the first world conflict was rudimentary.

Powering the vehicle is a four-cylinder engine that made up to 20 horsepower. The powerplant had no self-starter and had to be cranked by hand.

It was mated to what the National Museum of the United States Air Force described as an early form of automatic transmission, which could have helped the Allied powers better ferry wounded soldiers to safety, as drivers can focus more on the obstacles and challenges that lay ahead, as the gear changes are done autonomously.

Parts of the body were made out of wood, which was both light and easy to source. It also had canvas “pockets,” which covered the litter handles that stuck beyond the tailgate.

Inside, four seated patients can be accommodated, while two more can sit beside the driver.

Other Ford vehicles in service

Like their predecessor, some other vehicles from Ford’s more modern lineup work to serve a higher purpose. Here are a few examples:

Ford Transit: medical frontliner transport at the time of COVID-19

In March 2020, Ford Philippines rolled out several Transit vans, which transported medical and healthcare frontliners during the enhanced community quarantine that saw the suspension of public transportation in Luzon.

The local wing of the Blue Oval brand partnered with Lifeline 16-911 for a lendout of the discontinued Ford Transit vans for the entire duration of the quarantine period to transport medical frontliners to Lifeline’s various points of dispatch aka LIFEPODS.

Ford Philippines has also lent another Transit van to the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City for the duration of the quarantine period to shuttle medical workers from various pick-up points in the city to the hospital and then back to designated drop-off points.

Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E: to serve and protect

In the United States, Ford’s electrified models continue to help those who are part of the “thin blue line.”

The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro Special Service Vehicle (SSV) is touted as the first purpose-built, zero-emissions law enforcement pickup truck. It can generate up to 580 horsepower with 1,050 Newton-meters.

As for the Mustang Mach-E — which by the way will head to the country soon — is an all-wheel-drive electric sport utility vehicle (with the extended-range battery), according to the American carmaker, had the fastest overall average of zero to 60 miles per hour and zero (mph) to 100 mph, and the fastest single lap time of all police vehicles tested by the Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation Program in 2024.

With report from Carmudi Philippines

Also read: 

Interesting police cars from around the world

Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4: rugged, refined

Brands that might benefit from the new PH-US trade deal

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