The sturdy, low-priced, Model T Ford, introduced in 1908 and
produced until 1927 with very few changes, brought ownership of
an automobile within reach of the average citizen, transforming
the auto from a luxury item to a neccesity. Henry Ford's success
continued to grow, and by 1921 the Model T accounted for 60 percent
of all new cars sold worldwide.
However, Ford Dealers, company managers, and even Henry's son Edsel -
now president of Ford Motors - felt it was time to offer a completely
new model. Because Ford's nearest competitor, Chevrolet, was only able
to sell one car for every thirteen Fords produced, Henry refused to
even consider replacing his beloved Model T. Chevrolet and other makes
steadily took new car sales away from Ford and by 1927, after sales
plummeted, the Model T was discontinued.