If you want a capable car that can cope very well in off-roading conditions, as unlikely as it may sound, the Ford Model T seems like a good candidate.
If you wait long enough, everything comes back in style, and even though the Model T’s looks won’t probably (ever) make a comeback in the modern era of motoring, its mechanical capabilities undoubtedly can reteach car makers one or two things (about chassis flexing, at least).
Pitted against a ramp travel index (RTI) – a contraption created in order to measure and compare suspension flex and chassis limits – the 100-year-old automobile managed to hold its own, surprising everyone with its “capabilities”.
According to Hot Rod, the 1916 Ford arrived at the Flex for Food event in Wichita, Kansas, to outshine anyone by driving 103 inches up the 20-degree ramp. That adds up to a grand score of 1,030 – an incredible achievement considering most stock SUVs have an RTI value of 450 – 500, whilst only heavily modified off-roaders have the ability to exceed 1000.
To put matters in perspective, the American magazine goes on saying that a JK Wrangler Rubicon two-seater scores 769. Impressive? Certainly yes, but considering the weren’t many roads back in 1916, Ford had to build cars that could come with the harsh terrain. Nevertheless, we wouldn’t try open the Model T’s door while it’s up on the RTI.