Ford Model T in the Mud during the New York-Seattle Transcontinental Race, 1909

Ford Motor Company promoted the Model T's reliability by entering two of the cars in the 1909 Transcontinental Race between New York and Seattle. It was a demanding race over rough country at a time when roads were nearly non-existent. After 23 days, one of the Model Ts reached Seattle first but was disqualified due to repairs made en route.