DEARBORN, Mich. — At Ford’s headquarters in Michigan, a unique opportunity has arisen for a select group of onlookers to feast their eyes on an array of historical Ford vehicles that rarely see the light of day.
Roughly 50 precious cars and trucks from Ford Motor Co.’s esteemed Heritage Fleet are currently showcased in Dearborn. Employees were treated to this spectacle on Tuesday, followed by the media on Wednesday. Adding to the excitement, these iconic automobiles will be displayed next month during “Bring Your Child to Work Day.”
Ted Ryan, the brand manager in charge of Ford’s Heritage, shared his enthusiasm for the event. “I’m thrilled to unveil these vehicles. Each one here has been preserved thanks to the dedication of a passionate Ford employee who understood its value,” Ryan explained.
While Ford already maintains Heritage Fleets in the U.K., Germany, and Australia, the initiative to create a U.S.-based collection was spearheaded over a year ago by Ford CEO Jim Farley, who tasked Ryan with this endeavor. The American fleet has grown robustly to 175 vehicles, with about 30% of these currently on display at the company’s world headquarters.
Among the highlights are a collection of high-performance Mustang models, a classic 1938 V-8 Ambulance, and a 2003 Model T-100 designed as a tribute to the original 1914 Model T.
Ryan expressed pride in curating the display of these treasured vehicles, marking the first time they have been assembled and presented together. But the importance of showcasing these historical gems extends beyond mere aesthetic appeal.
“These vehicles serve a purpose beyond a museum exhibit,” Ryan noted. “They are integral to various business functions, including engineering, product development, and communications. Each car or truck plays a vital role in driving our business strategy forward.”
“In essence,” he concluded, “we advance our future by drawing inspiration from our past.”