LEGO Icons 1913 Ford Model T Developed with Ford Archives

Ford Archives detailed how LEGO Icons created the 1913 Ford Model T set (11376). Explore the history, design process and March 1, 2026 release.

It began in the spring of 2025 as a “secret project.” The LEGO Icons team was developing a new set based on the 1913 Ford Model T and turned to the Ford Archives for guidance. The goal was not merely to capture a familiar silhouette, but to recreate, in miniature form, one of the most consequential automobiles of the twentieth century with historical precision.

Ford archivists reviewed renderings and design illustrations in several iterations. The adjustments were subtle rather than dramatic: refining the angle of the fenders, confirming that the Ford script appeared without quotation marks, and ensuring the presence of a single rear lantern. These details may seem minor, yet they define authenticity. The model was overseen by Senior Model Designer Ann Healy, who carefully refined the design throughout the process.

In the summer, the collaboration moved to Billund. Ford archivist Ted Ryan brought original 1913 artifacts — photographs, documents, and period brochures — to LEGO’s headquarters. Among them were instructional materials for the Model T. At a time when driving was far from a universal skill, such manuals were essential. Surviving 1913 “Instruction Book for Ford Model T Cars” editions confirm that Ford provided detailed explanations on starting and operating the vehicle.

By 1913, the Model T had already become an industrial landmark. Powered by a 2.9-liter four-cylinder engine producing about 20 horsepower, capable of reaching approximately 40–45 miles per hour, and equipped with a planetary transmission, it embodied mechanical simplicity and durability. That same year, more than 170,000 units were produced — a period closely associated with the introduction of the moving assembly line at Highland Park, a development that reshaped automotive manufacturing.

Discussions in Billund also touched on the remarkable versatility of the so-called “Tin Lizzie.” Historical records show that owners frequently adapted the Model T for diverse purposes: converting it for agricultural work, fitting snow and track kits for winter travel, or using its engine in stationary applications, including saw rigs. This adaptability became central to the car’s legacy.

Brickmaster Jamie Berard, known for his long tenure at LEGO and appearances on LEGO Masters, also reviewed the project materials. His involvement underscored that this release was treated not simply as another licensed model, but as a historically grounded recreation.

According to published information, the LEGO Icons Ford Model T (11376) consists of 1,060 pieces and becomes available beginning March 1, 2026. In automotive history, 1913 marks the rise of mass production; in LEGO’s portfolio, it represents another example of how research, archival collaboration, and design precision converge in brick form.