Robert Seabeck (American, B. 1945) "1917 Model T Truck" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Paper painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Federated States of Micronesia 55c 1917 Model T Truck stamp issued June 4, 1996. In 1896 Henry Ford built his first car -- the Quadricycle. This unique vehicle featured a buggy-type chassis that rolled on bicycle-type tires and weighed only 500 pounds. Reaching a speed of 20 mph, the Quadricycle was powered by a four-horsepower, two-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled engine. It had two forward speeds but no brakes or reverse gear. Henry Ford went on to produce a long line of Ford automobiles. Ford's 1917 Model T truck featured a larger high-set radiator than previous models, as well as crowned fenders and nickel-plated hubcaps. The Tudor sedan was the first Model A built, and was introduced in 1928. This instantly popular automobile could reach a speed of 65 mph. One of Ford's first sporty cars was the 1932 V-8 Sport Roadster, which featured fold-down windshields. These tough cars also had anti-theft locks on the steering columns. In 1941, the Lincoln Continental became a separate model instead of a Zephyr series, and in 1953 the F-100 half-ton pickup -- with a 110-inch wheel base -- debuted. This rugged truck sold for $1,330. A personal luxury cruiser, the Thunderbird convertible was re-introduced as a four-seater in 1958. Today, the 1996 Mercury Sable embodies the essence of aerodynamic engineering and modern automobile design. Image Size: 7.5 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B15431)