The assignment of the contest was to "design a car for the 21st century that would offer affordable transportation and social impact in the way Henry Ford's original Model T did early in the 20th century."

Ford Model T concept by Trang Dong

The modern reinterpretations share a sleek styling and environmental-friendly powertrains and solutions.

The entries were judged on April 30 by Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director for design in the Americas, and Pat Schiavone, design director for North American cars.

The winning entry by Trang Dong features an electric powertrain with solar panels on the hood and active energy-capturing suspensions that contribute to recharge the batteries.

According to Horbury, Dong Trang's concept showcases some of the original Model T's innovative features such as the modular layout and the high ground clearance.

The seating layout features two back-to-back seat rows, with the rear one that can be folded away to provide a flat-bed with increased loading space.

All of the Model T entrants will be on display this summer at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. The winning Model T will be also displayed at Ford's headquarters in Dearborn.

(Source: Detroit Free Press, AutoWeek via Autoblog.com)