Ford has been in the business of making cars since 1903, but some things aren’t widely known about the iconic automobile company. That’s not strange, as, with automobiles, people would rather focus more on the content than the container. Hence, an average Ford enthusiast wouldn’t care as much about the company’s past as they would about the power and performance of the latest Mustangs, F-series, or the highly anticipated EV, Mach-E.
A largely successful company, however, it hasn't been a completely smooth ride for Ford. From Henry Ford’s failed attempts at starting the company, to the negative effects of the world wars and the challenging rivalry of the muscle cars amongst others, Ford has had some eventful period as an automobile company. Drawn from the past to the present, here are some things you didn’t know about Ford.
10 Built Planes
No, it’s not an error. You read that right, Ford built planes. In 1929, Ford acquired the Stout Metal Airplane Company, an American aircraft manufacturing company founded by William Bushnell Stout. Ford had initially invested in the aircraft company before the complete takeover.
In 1926, the company produced the Ford Trimotor. The Trimotor is a three-engine transport aircraft designed for use by civil aviation as well as in the military. A total of 199 Trimotors were built by Ford.
9 Company Is Controlled By Ford’s Family
Practically anyone could rise to a top-level at Ford Motor Company. However, the controlling power in the company is strictly reserved for the Ford family. The company with its world Headquarters located in Dearborn, Michigan, has the Ford family having 2% equity and a massive 40% voting power in it.
As of 2019, its total equity was valued at $33.23 billion. Also, William Clay Ford Jr., who is Henry Ford’s great-grandson, is the company’s current executive chairman.
8 Once Put A Car On Empire State Building
Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in America. Before 1970, at 1,454 feet tall (including the antenna), Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world. For this feat, it became quite symbolic and popular.
In 1965, for exhibition, Ford placed a Mustang on the observation floor of the Empire State Building. To achieve this, the car was lifted to the building’s roof through the elevator in four separate pieces. These pieces were reassembled on the roof and photographed using a chopper. Ford repeated this feat in 2015.
7 Built A City
Henry Ford’s dream wasn’t limited to mass-produced automobiles, as he also nurtured and later built an “ideal city,” the Fordlandia. Situated in a Brazilian jungle, Fordlandia is a plantation city with a small factory that was created in 1927 for the cultivation and processing of rubber.
With the Fordlandia, Ford hoped he’ll be able to have a lifetime supply of all his rubber needs while creating one of the most ideal ecosystems in the Amazon jungle. Fordlandia never produced rubber, as things deteriorated due to social and biological failure.
6 Henry Ford Worked For Thomas Edison
Regarded as the greatest American inventor, Thomas Edison is widely known for his contribution to the discovery of early versions of the electric light bulb, amongst his other inventions. In 1880, he created the Edison Illuminating Company in New York City.
Subsequently, Henry Ford joined the Edison Illuminating Company at age 16. Ford grew in ranks and later became the chief engineer at the company. At his new role, Ford was tasked with keeping the city constantly supplied with uninterrupted electricity.
5 First-Ever Ford Vehicle Still Exists
On the 13th of July 1903, Ford received three orders for the Model A. These orders got the ball rolling for the production of its first set of mass-produced automobiles. Herbert L. McNary, a creamery worker in Iowa, had his order amongst the three.
Years later, Harry Burd, an Iowa collector, bought the automobile from McNary’s family. Burd got the car restored and sold it in 1961. Eventually, William Clay Ford Jr., the current Executive Chairman at Ford bought the Model A through an auction.
4 Started Cadillac
Founded on the 22nd of August 1902, Cadillac Motor Car Division is a Michigan based American automobile manufacturing company owned by General Motors. Cadillac specializes in building luxury vehicles and mainly serves the Canadian, Chinese, and American markets.
Cadillac’s history dates back to Henry Ford’s first attempt at launching a car manufacturing company. To this effect, he launched the Henry Ford Company in 1901. However, after a disagreement with his cofounders, Ford left with his naming rights. The company he left behind became Cadillac.
3 Owns Brazilian SUV Company, Troller
After holding initial talks with Troller, a Brazilian off-road vehicle firm, in November 2016, Ford Motor Company in 2017 finally decided it’ll acquire the Brazilian company. Founded in 1995 by Rogerio Farias, Troller vehicles started gaining prominence with the introduction of its flagship product, the Troller T4 SUV.
As at the time it acquired Troller, Ford was the fourth largest automobile company in Brazil and this relatively strong market share aided Dearborn’s quick decision, with the hope of capitalizing and increasing its hold on the Brazilian market.
2 Built Military Cars Used During The World War
Henry Ford was opposed to world war. He tried to broker peace, even traveling to Europe’s war front onboard the Peace Ship with other peace leaders for negotiations. It was all a futile effort as they were subjected to ridicule. Ford got ill and returned home.
However, when the U.S. joined the war, Ford became a major supplier of their weapons. Also, the Nazis engaged Ford’s German subsidiary in the production of military vehicles and other war equipment.
1 Introduced Seat Belt Reminder Light In 1965
In 1956, Ford introduced several features in its Lifeguard safety package which includes a standard deep-dish steering wheel and optional padded dash. In that same year, Ford introduced the rear seat belts – the first time it was used in a car.
The year 1957 also witnessed the addition of a couple of innovative features to Ford’s products. These include putting retractable hardtop on its mass-produced six-seater car and the introduction of child-proof door locks. Subsequently, in 1965, Ford added a seat belt reminder light to its cars.