For close to a year now, I’ve used my 1939 Ford Sedan as my daily driver. Other than my wife’s family truckster, the ‘39 is my newest car and I use it for going to work every morning, trips to the doctor’s office, grocery store excursions, etc… If I gotta go somewhere, my ‘39 Ford takes me.
Some of you Fordophiles already know about the Soybean Ford of 1941, but for those who think I’m joking, here’s the skinny: In 1941 Henry Ford was looking for alternatives to steel for car bodies, which was getting on shorter supply as the war in Europe was heating up. He also understood that plastics could be more energy absorbing than metal, rust free, and weighed 30% less, so there was an aspect of additional safety, practicality, and fuel economy. Probably the largest factor in Henry’s pursuit of soybean plastics was his desire to marry agriculture and industry together- He thought of supporting farmers (who bought his Fordson tractors) as them being able to ‘grow’ the materials for his cars.
This one is a long time favorite of mine. It’s a Ford promotional film focused on the concept of the new for 1949 Ford. Everything about it is just down right dreamy – the narration, the imagery, and the very idea of selling cars through glorifying the process of concepting. Simply glorious.
It’s been widely documented that Henry Ford opposed America’s entry into World War II. Some folks claim that the reasoning behind Ford’s decision was simply because he was a pacifist. Others believe the notion that Ford had darker beliefs and had aligned himself more with the Axis train of thought. Personally, I’ve always felt that actions speak louder than words… and no one can question Ford Motor Company’s contribution to the American War Machine.
My last post didn’t start out so hot, but ended with a bang due to great user contributions. One of those contributors, “Harms Way,” stumbled upon some pretty incredible photography of Henry Ford’s funeral. At first glance, theses photos of Henry’s open casket seem a bit morbid… And maybe they are, but they are history as well and I feel compelled to share them.
