World's Oldest Ford Vehicle Returns Home to Kick Off Henry Ford
150th Celebration in 2013
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- Oldest surviving Ford production car, a 1903 Model A, recently
purchased at auction by Bill Ford;
car unveiled as part of an employee event to kick off the
150th anniversary celebration of Henry Ford's birth in
2013
- Community picnic, special program at Maker Faire are key events
leading up to the 150th birthday of Henry Ford on
July 30, 2013
- New dedicated website, www.henryford150.com, launches to host
an interactive timeline of Ford's life, a calendar of activities
and information, and efforts to preserve Ford's legacy
A key part of Ford Motor Company's heritage returns home as a
Model A built in 1903 is again with the Ford family, kicking off
the yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of the
birth of company founder Henry Ford.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121211/DE27141 )
Considered the oldest surviving Ford vehicle, the 1903 Model A
was unveiled today to Ford Motor Company employees by Executive
Chairman Bill Ford, who purchased
the vehicle at an auction in October.
"The timing was perfect to bring this key part of Ford heritage
back to the family as we celebrate the 150th anniversary
of my great-grandfather's birth and his vision to improve people's
lives by making cars affordable for the average family," said
Bill Ford. "His vision to build cars
that are reasonably priced, reliable and efficient still resonates
and defines our vision today as well."
MotorCities National Heritage Area and the Henry Ford Heritage
Association teamed up with more than 30 Henry Ford-related
collaborators to coordinate the yearlong celebration of events.
These activities, highlighting Ford's legacy, contributions and
influence, include tours, educational programming, dramatic
re-enactments, lectures, integration and special events at auto
shows and more.
A dedicated website, www.henryford150.com, also is launching
today that includes an interactive timeline of Ford's life, tours,
a calendar of 2013 events and information about efforts to preserve
Henry Ford's heritage.
Henry Ford's 150th legacy will be celebrated in 2013
through a variety of events. Some of these include:
- Coming Together: A Celebration of Henry Ford –
July 27, 2013, The Henry Ford Estate
Fair Lane, Dearborn, Mich. This
free community event will bring Henry Ford to "life" and feature
many of his little-known interests and contributions.
- Maker Faire – July 27-28,
The Henry Ford, Dearborn, Mich. A
two-day, family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and
resourcefulness. This year's celebration of the Maker movement will
include a special program to recognize innovators.
- Discovering Henry Ford shows at The Henry Ford –
April-December. A presenter-facilitated multimedia program using a
large touch screen monitor to access digital assets (movies,
photos) in themed 20-minute shows (Henry Ford the Tinkerer, Henry
Ford and the Model T).
- Henry's T – Dramatic presentation at Greenfield Village
– May-August. Visitors will meet Henry Ford in this interactive
15-minute play and hear how he was inspired to build the world's
universal car. Guests also will find out why the Model T was so
revolutionary and how Henry Ford's visionary thinking and hard work
enabled him to put the world on wheels.
The role of the Model A
The Model A returning home
played a pivotal role in Ford Motor Company history.
In July 1903, Henry Ford faced a
daunting situation: The company's cash balance stood at less than
$250. A much-needed cash infusion
arrived on July 13, 1903: One full
payment and two deposits totaling $1,320 for three Model A cars kept Ford Motor
Company afloat.
The car revealed today is a red 1903 Model A Rear Entry Tonneau.
It is believed to be car No. 3, chassis No. 30, and the lone
survivor of the group of three Model A cars sold on that day.
The vehicle was auctioned through RM Auctions in October in
Hershey, Pa.
"The Model A helped keep our company going during a difficult
time and enabled my great-grandfather to continue pursuing his
vision of putting the world on wheels," said Bill Ford. "We look forward to carrying that
same spirit of innovation forward as we develop new technologies
for safer, cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles."
For additional information, go to
http://media.ford.com/mini_sites/10031/HenryFord150.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
(NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or
distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 172,000
employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands
include Ford and Lincoln. The
company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit
Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products
worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.
Henry Ford 150th
Celebration
For more
on the yearlong celebration of Henry Ford's 150th
birthday, check out www.henryford150.com, a special website
featuring plenty of unique content.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company