1896 Ford Quadricycle Runabout, First Car Built by Henry Ford

The Quadricycle was Henry Ford's first attempt at building a gasoline-powered automobile. It is as simple as Ford could make it and utilizes commonly available materials. The frame is made from angle iron, the transmission is a combination of leather belt and chain drive, the seat is from a buggy. The two-cylinder engine is based on a Kane-Pennington design described in the January 9, 1896, issue of American Machinist magazine. The details of the engine were incomplete and Ford had to devise his own ignition system. Originally the engine was air cooled, but it ran too hot and Ford added water jackets to the cylinders. Ford sold the Quadricycle in late 1896 for $200, which he spent on building his second car. In 1904, with Ford Motor Company becoming successful, he bought the little vehicle back for $65. Engine: Kane-Pennington-Ford, inline 2-cylinder, atmospheric intake valves, overhead exhaust valves, 59 cu. in., 4 hp (est.)