Ford has apparently drawn inspiration from its earliest models when developing one of its newest, a simple folding vehicle intended for developing markets like Africa and China.
The latest patent filed by the company shows an as-yet unnamed vehicle with a remarkably similar design to the original Model A from 1903, the first car ever produced by Ford.
Powered by an eight horsepower engine and built on a basic wooden frame, the Model A was simple and utilitarian but proved a success and paved the way for the hugely influential Model T.
Simple, utilitarian vehicle
The new vehicle uses a similar design, with a basic and lightweight framework that can support either a combustion engine or an electric motor to send power to one or both axles.
Thanks to a modular design, the vehicle can be configured to carry up to as many as six passengers, but can be folded to a fraction of its size for easy storage.
Users can also add on floors, roof frames and pickup beds to further tailor its capabilities, and the vehicle has been designed specifically for use in either rough terrain or congested city areas.
Modular, folding design
Earlier this month, Formula One engineer Gordon Murray unveiled a similar vehicle called the Ox, a flat-pack plywood truck that can be assembled by anybody, with no technical knowledge required.
With room to transport eight oil drums, three standard pallets or up to ten people, six Ox kits, complete with engines, can be fitted into a standard 40ft shipping container.
