Henry Ford

Henry Ford built the Quadricycle in 1896 while he was working at the Edison Illuminating Company. The car was first tested on Woodward Avenue in Detroit by Charles King, and Oliver Barthes, while Henry followed behind on his bicycle. Henry Ford drove his Quadricycle himself after the initial test of his cohorts on the project.

Ford started the Detroit Automobile Company on August 5, 1899 to sell his vehicle. Mechanical problems caused enough set backs that investors were reluctant to invest, and the company was dissolved in January of 1901.

With the expertise of Harold Wills, Ford formed the Henry Ford Company in 1902. Ford and the investors did not get along, and he was asked to leave in December on 1902. Harold Wills left with him. Henry Leland was called to appraise the building for liquidation, but Leland had his own automobile design and the factory went on to build his car as the Cadillac Motor Company.

On June 16, 1903, Henry Ford started the Ford Motor Company.

1896 Ford Quadricycle

This is the 1896 Ford Quadricycle, the first car Henry Ford ever built, or drove.

June 4, 1896

1902 Ford 999 Race Car

On June 19, 1903, just weeks before the introduction of the first Ford production car, Barney Oldfield drove the Ford 999 to a record of 59.6 mph.

Barney Oldfield

Flamboyant Barney Oldfield earned the nickname Daredevil Promoter. He captured the popular imagination with flashy outfits and stunt style driving and brought fame to the companies he represented with his driving. Oldfield was also featured in at least seven movies.

Steam Locomotive 999

The Empire State Express Steam Locomotive 999 was the inspiration for the name of the 999 Ford Racer. Although today there are varied reports as to the top speed this train reached, during it's day, it was reported to have broken the land speed record at 112.5 mph.

This train was known as the fastest thing on wheels for a decade, making appearances at major events for promotional purposes. In 1933 the 999 was at the Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago. The 999 was retired in 1952, and now resides at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Ford Factory

Henry Ford and Harold Wills

Harold Wills designed all the Ford automobiles built until the two men parted ways in 1919. Harold Wills would go on to start Wills Sainte Claire Motor Company.

Harold and Mabel Wills

1903 Fordmobile Ad

The main competitor Ford would aim at when he began selling his vehicle was Oldsmobile. Olds was the largest manufacture of automobiles, cranking thousands of curved dash Oldsmobiles on their assembly line. This strategy was reflected in the earliest of Ford advertising. Ford marketed his first cars as the Fordmobile.

1903 Ford Model A

The Model A 2-seater runabout, introduced in July of 1903, was the first production vehicle produced by Ford Motor Company. It was capable of a top speed of 30 mph, and weighed about 1,250 pounds. The price was $850.00 for the base runabout, or $950.00 when ordered with the detachable rear tonneau.

1903 model production numbers according to Ford was 670 units for the model year. The Model A production total for 1903, 1904 was 1,708.

Selden Patent

George Selden designed his first gasoline powered automobile in 1877. In 1895 as more inventors were entering into the auto industry, Selden decided to patent his automobile to protect his interest. All manufacturers that wanted to build automobiles would be bound by law to pay royalties for permission to build their cars. This decision would make millions for Selden, and place him as a very powerful man in the auto industry.

A brass plate like the one shown here would be affixed to the vehicle to show authenticity of a legal production car. Many of the older brochures you will find on AutomotiveTimelines have the Selden Patent authorization statement printed in them. Ford, and many other builders refused to pay the fees, and the legal battles over the Selden Patent would carry on for a decade.