Ford Model T reinvented for centenary

This year, as part of the iconic Model T's 100th anniversary, Ford held a competition to design a modern-day interpretation of the original and this week the winner was revealed.

Top honours went to the Aachen University's Institute of Automotive Engineering, the only European university to take part in the competition.

The Model T was arguably the car that started mass production of vehicles as we know it and Ford's challenge to the universities was to deliver an innovative concept that embodies the spirit of the original, though suitable for sale in 2015.

Ford stipulated that the concept must be simple, lightweight, practical and durable. Carrying at least two passengers, the car must also be capable of travelling at least 125 miles and be priced no more than $7,000.

Aachen's winning entry takes the form of an unusual pick-up shape, not unlike some of the original Model T variants.

The driver sits in the centre, with a passenger on each side, which reduces the cost of converting the vehicle for left- and right-hand drive markets.

Utilising a simple petrol engine, the concept weighs just 800kg and costs $6,780, though the university also comments on the possibility of electric or hybrid powertrain options, which would add weight and cost.

It's unclear at this stage if Ford is seriously considering such a simple, low-cost car for global sale, but Aachen was rewarded with $25,000 for its efforts.

Shane O' Donoghue