"A brief history of the production of the Model T summarizes its spectacular achievement. Although the first car rolled out of the Highland Park factory in 1908, it was only after Ford started using assembly lines, five years later, that the effect of mass production on lowering costs became visible." This is a snippet from an essay The Coming of Mass Production by McGill-trained Witold Rybczynski in Our Lives and Times, an Illustrated History, JG Press 2003. This brilliant essay  also claims that the car gave unprecedented freedom to two groups, teenagers and women.  The automobile" is almost another character in the 1908-1913 letters. From what she writes, Margaret seems to have contempt for the new technology, but it's a case of 'methinks she doth protest too much'. The fact is: Margaret just can't stop talking about automobiles and automobile trips. The Nicholsons just didn't have the money for a car, (indeed, they have a fine carriage but no horse) so Margaret, who was always ready to explore new ideas, merely pretended she didn't want one to help her husband save face. That's what I think.

Here are some excerpts from the Woman and the Car by Dorothy Levitt,  1907.

"Motoring is a pastime for women; young, middle-aged and - if there are any- old. There may be pleasure in being whirled around the country by your friends and relatives, or in a car driven by your chauffeur; but the real, the intense pleasure comes only when you drive you own car."

The Car
There are scores of makes, good, bad and indifferent. I tried many cars and have come to the conclusion that the De Dion is the ideal, single cylinder car for a woman to drive. The single cylinder car is the most economical to run. The horse-power is usually 8 h.p. or less. As regards carriage work, the Victoria type of body has the most graceful lines. Such a car as I have described will cost, new, from 230 pounds. The price however is for the car itself, accessories bring up the cost.

Starting a Car:
In the front you will notice a handle. Push it inwards until you feel it fit into a notch, then pull it sharply, releasing your hold of the handle the minute you feel you have pulled it over the resisting point. On no account press down on the handle, always pull it upwards smartly. It if is pressed down the possibility of backfire is greater - and a broken arm may result. 
In changing speed always remember to throttle slightly. Never change from first to top speed without using the intermediate speed. The first speed on these little cars is 0-9 miles an hour, the second is 9-18 and the top is 18-28. I should advise you to thoroughly get used to the steering while on second speed. Bear in mind that when riding or driving a horse, it is only partly under  your control, as it has a brain..With a motor-car, you are on your own.

The Mirror
The mirror should be fairly large to be really useful and it is better to have one with a handle. Just before starting take the glass out of the little drawer and put it into the little flap pocket of the car. You will find it useful to  have handy,  not only for personal use, but to occasionally hold up to see what is behind you.

Motor Manners
Pedestrians, according to the law, practically own the highways. Dogs, chickens and other domestic animals at large are not pedestrians, and if one is driving at regular speed one is not responsible for their untimely end.
It is advisable to drive slowly through town and villages and especially school houses. Drive slowly past anyone driving or riding a horse and if a lady or child is on top, stop the engine. It is an act of courtesy. Do not fail to sound the hooter and slacken speed when coming to a cross road. Never take a sharp corner at full speed. Never drive the engine downhill. Do not leave the engine running when stopping outside a house.

What to Wear; An all important question is dress. With an open car, neatness and comfort are essential.  Under no circumstance wear lace or fluffy adjuncts to your toilet.  There is nothing like a thick frieze, homespun or tweed coat lined with fur.  Do not heed the cry, 'nothing like leather.' Leather coats do not wear gracefully. One of the  most important articles of wear is a scarf or muffler for the neck. Regarding gloves - never wear woolen gloves, but gloves made of good soft kid.  You will find room for these gloves in the little drawer under the seat of the car. It is not advisable to wear rings. Indispensable to the motorist is the 'overall,' this should be made of butcher blue linen in the same shape as an artist's overall.