Ford Family Reunites with 1903 Model A
The return of a 1903 Model A, considered the oldest surviving Ford vehicle, kicks off a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of company founder Henry Ford’s birth. Executive Chairman Bill Ford recently purchased this key artifact of Ford heritage at an auction. “[My great-grandfather’s] vision to build cars that are reasonably priced, reliable and efficient still resonates and defines our vision as well.” said Bill Ford.
Visit the Henry Ford 150 Years site.
A Manufacturing Revolution Dawns
One hundred years ago, building automobiles was a slow process, as workers moved from car to car. Building a car using “station assembly” took more than 12 man-hours! But Model Ts were selling so fast that Henry Ford had to find a way to speed up production, which resulted in the Moving Assembly Line, a revolutionary innovation.
Read how Henry Ford changed the world.
Five-Dollar Day Jump Starts the Middle Class
In 1914, Ford Motor Company announced plans to double worker’s pay and shorten the workday. Instead of $2.34 for nine hours, most workers would then make $5.00 for eight hours. (During the first year alone, this decision would end up costing Henry Ford $10 million.) But the day after the announcement, 10,000 people flocked to Highland Park clamoring for jobs that would allow them to enter the middle class – and buy the very cars they’d labored to build.
Read how Henry Ford became a hero to millions of workers.
Pony Car Outpaces the Herd for 50 Years
In 1964, Ford Motor Company unveiled its sporty new Mustang — and a revived racing program. Before long, Shelby GT350 Mustangs dominated on the racetrack. On the street, performance junkies coveted the Boss 302. Several generations later, Ford Motor Company is planning a 50th Anniversary edition of its famous pony car.
Read more about the redesigned Mustang reveal coming in April 2014.
A busy calendar of events leads up to Henry Ford’s 150th birthday on July 30, 2013. You can help us celebrate Ford’s legacy by participating in a variety of fun-filled and informative activities.
See the Henry Ford 150 Celebration events calendar.
Ford Motor Company Lincoln Motor Company
Ford Motor Company Lincoln Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company Lincoln Motor Company