The Ford Model T was invented and rolled out for masses more than hundred years ago and was in the production line from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. Even after so many years the Model T can put a lot of present day hi-tech cars to shame with its tactics and one such incident proves it. Recently, at the Flex for Food event in Wichita, Kansas, a 1916 Ford Model T put up an unbelievable show that stunned the crowd.
The 100 year old car took on a 20-degree ramp and floored a Ramp travel index (RTI) score of 1040. In the realm of the off-roading, RTI is a way of calculating a vehicle’s ability to flex its suspension. The flexing quality is also known as axle articulation. Axle articulation is vertical wheel travel that allows a vehicle keep all four tires in contact with the ground on uneven terrains. This property provides better stability and allows the vehicle to maintain traction. A high RTI or good axle articulation is essential for good off road performance on severe routes. The RTI rating is used mainly in the off-roading industry to test and describe chassis limits of modified vehicles.
The score is deduced by driving a single front wheel of a vehicle up a 20-degree ramp. This action makes the front and rear suspension articulate in two different directions. Once the vehicle is no longer able to climb the ramp with all four tires on the ground, a measurement is taken along the ramp’s deck to see how far the vehicle has driven up the ramp.
At the event, the Model T pull up to 103 inches up on the 20-degree ramp making the 1000+ score. Many vehicles struggle to get to a score of 1000, and here the 100-year old Ford Model T scored 1040. To put things in perspective, the two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon scores 769, and the four-door Rubicon scores 724. Interestingly, most of the preferred 4×4 vehicles are positioned between 350 and 500 RTI score.
Here is a video of the 1916 Ford Model T in flex action!
via hotrod
That was an amazing site to see!
The Flex 4 Food is a yearly event put on by the Christian Off-Road Association in Wichita, a benefit to help fight hunger in the area. When Pigs Fly is the primary sponsor with a lot of help from Off Road Motorsports, Case New Holland, Chick Fil A , The Wichita Area Jeeples and Wichita 4×4 Club. This was the 7th year of the event.
More info can be found in the club’s facebook group or at http://www.christianoffroad.com