Ford

Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903 by Henry Ford in Detroit, revolutionized global auto manufacturing. Its legacy includes pioneering mass production techniques and labor innovations that shaped the modern industrial era.

• 1903: Officially incorporated in a converted Detroit factory.
• 1908: Introduced the Model T—the first truly affordable car.
• 1913 - 1914: Launched the moving assembly line and implemented the $5 workday and 8-hour shift—transforming productivity and labor standards.
• 1927 - 1932: Transitioned from the Model T to Model A; introduced the flathead V‑8 engine for performance accessibility.
• 1956: Became a publicly traded company, joining the NYSE.
• 1980s - 1990s: Under CEO Donald E. Petersen, Ford improved product quality and launched the Taurus and Sable, surpassing GM and Chrysler in performance metrics.

Lincoln

Founded in 1917 by Henry Leland—naming it after his admiration for Abraham Lincoln - the brand initially built Liberty aircraft engines during WWI, later evolving into a symbol of American luxury

• 1917 - 1920: Began producing Liberty V12 engines and in 1920 retooled for automobiles; produced the first car, the Model L.
• 1922: Acquired by Ford and placed under Edsel Ford’s leadership.
• 1936: Launched the streamlined Lincoln Zephyr, marking a shift toward modern luxury.
• 1939: Introduced the Lincoln Continental, setting the stage for the personal luxury sedan segment.

Mercury

Founded in 1917 by Henry Leland—naming it after his admiration for Abraham Lincoln - the brand initially built Liberty aircraft engines during WWI, later evolving into a symbol of American luxury

• 1917 - 1920: Began producing Liberty V12 engines and in 1920 retooled for automobiles; produced the first car, the Model L.
• 1922: Acquired by Ford and placed under Edsel Ford’s leadership.
• 1936: Launched the streamlined Lincoln Zephyr, marking a shift toward modern luxury.
• 1939: Introduced the Lincoln Continental, setting the stage for the personal luxury sedan segment.

Mustang

Founded in 1917 by Henry Leland—naming it after his admiration for Abraham Lincoln - the brand initially built Liberty aircraft engines during WWI, later evolving into a symbol of American luxury

• 1917 - 1920: Began producing Liberty V12 engines and in 1920 retooled for automobiles; produced the first car, the Model L.
• 1922: Acquired by Ford and placed under Edsel Ford’s leadership.
• 1936: Launched the streamlined Lincoln Zephyr, marking a shift toward modern luxury.
• 1939: Introduced the Lincoln Continental, setting the stage for the personal luxury sedan segment.

Bronco

Founded in 1917 by Henry Leland—naming it after his admiration for Abraham Lincoln - the brand initially built Liberty aircraft engines during WWI, later evolving into a symbol of American luxury

• 1917 - 1920: Began producing Liberty V12 engines and in 1920 retooled for automobiles; produced the first car, the Model L.
• 1922: Acquired by Ford and placed under Edsel Ford’s leadership.
• 1936: Launched the streamlined Lincoln Zephyr, marking a shift toward modern luxury.
• 1939: Introduced the Lincoln Continental, setting the stage for the personal luxury sedan segment.

Edsel – A Rare Ford Offshoot (1958–1960)

The Edsel division, launched by Ford in 1957 and active during the 1958–1960 model years, was named in tribute to Edsel Ford, Henry Ford’s son. It was introduced as a mid-priced brand designed to bridge the gap between basic Ford models and the luxury of Lincoln–Mercury. In many ways, Edsel represented Ford’s most ambitious—and costly—endeavor to expand market share.

• E‑Day” Launch (Sept 4, 1957): The brand made its debut amid heavy publicity and secrecy, backed by star-studded promotion.
• Bold Design: Edsel cars featured a distinctive “horse‑collar” vertical grille and futuristic features like TeleTouch push‑button transmission at the steering wheel—innovations that were ahead of their time, but polarizing.
• Market Misfires: Launched into a recession and suffering from confusing pricing and lackluster build quality, Edsel failed to resonate with buyers despite significant marketing investment. It’s estimated Ford lost over $250 million at the time (equivalent to billions today).
• Brief Lifespan: Despite a promise of seven-model lineups, the brand sold only around 110,000 units before being discontinued in late 1959; operations wrapped up by November.
• Collectible Legacy: Today, Edsel is a coveted collector’s brand—marked by its rarity and bold, if flawed, vision. Some years and models, such as the 1960 Villager wagon or convertible variants, are especially prized.