The Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford, has been an influential force in the auto market since its founding in 1903. Ford’s first factory was financed by twelve investors, among them John and Horace Dodge, who would later form the competing Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company. The Ford name now encompasses Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, and other well-known makes.

Early Ford models began with the Ford Model A in 1903, and continued through Models K and S in 1907. By 1906 Ford had become the top-selling automotive brand in America, though under 9,000 Ford vehicles were produced that year. The now instantly recognizable blue oval Ford trademark was first seen on Ford’s automobiles in 1907. The first Ford automobiles, through 1907, were actually priced higher than most competing models. This would change with the 1908 introduction of Ford’s now-famous Model T.

Henry Ford is widely known for his assembly line factories, which began with the Model T in 1908. While earlier models could only be produced at a rate of a few per day, in 1909 about 18,000 Model T automobiles were built in Ford’s factories. By 1912, the company was producing over 170,000 automobiles per year, which was then an unheard-of number in the automobile industry. By 1920, this number would increase to over one million automobiles. In part because of the efficient assembly-line process, the Model T only came in black until 1926; black was the only color to dry quickly enough for the assembly line process. Increased production allowed Ford to cut prices dramatically; in this era, a worker in Ford’s factories could buy a Ford with only four months’ pay. By 1920, half of all the cars on American roads were the Ford Model T; 15 million were produced between 1908 and 1927.

After retiring the Model T in 1927, Ford introduced the redesigned Model A. Ford was one of only a few auto companies to survive the Great Depression of the 1930s. Though there were over 200 car makers in the U.S. in 1920, only seventeen survived to 1940. The 1932 Ford, produced during the depression, is today considered one of the most popular cars in the first fifty years of the automobile. Called “Deuce” by fans, this is considered one of the first hot rod cars. Created from a redesign of the Model A, it was known for its powerful engine and art deco style, including pinstripes and chrome detailing. Popular with hot rodders and everyday drivers from the 1930s through the 1950s, today it is one of the most popular classic cars. Still, this was not enough to prevent a total revision for the 1933 model year. Though the 1933 and 1934 models initially sold better, today no other 1930s car is as popular as the ’32 Ford.

The Ford Motor Company has been behind many of the most recognizable cars on the road today. The Ford Mustang, released n 1964, has gone through five generations, and is still being produced today. Other popular Ford models, such as the Model T, the F-150 truck, and the Taurus, each enjoyed a lifespan of two decades or more. Ford is well-known within the world of classic cars, many of which are lovingly restored and taken on weekend drives by their owners.

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Category: Automotive
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