1896 Ford Quadricycle Quadricycle

When Henry Ford built his first gasoline powered automobile, he made it as simple as he could, and utilized commonly available materials. It was given the name 'Quadricycle' and had a frame made from angle iron, and a seat from a buggy. The transmission was a combination of leather belt and chain drive. The two-cylinder engine was based on a design Ford found in the January 9, 1896 issue of American Machinist magazine. The unit was originally air-cooled, but it ran too hot and Ford had to add water jackets to the cylinders.

The Quadricycle was an evolution, going through three stages of development and modifications. As first built, most of the car's frame was wood. The name 'Quadricycle' was appropriate, as all four wheels were bicycle wheels. The Quadricycle was sold in 1896 for the sum of $200. In 1904 he bought the vehicle back for $65. Shortly thereafter, he replaced the wooden water tanks with a copper one mounted under the seat. Currently, this is the form the Quadricycle is in today.

The Quadricycle was built by Henry Ford, with assistance from friends Jim Bishop, George Cato, Edward (Spider) Huff, and David Bell.

This example is a replica made by George DeAngelis, a Ford employee, in 1963.