On November 13, Ford Motor Company celebrated the grand opening of its new archive facility, aptly named the “Ford Vault,” located in the suburbs of Detroit. Spanning an impressive 79,000 square feet, this expansive archive showcases approximately 150 vehicles produced by the automaker over the course of more than a century, illustrating its remarkable history.
This impressive collection brings together around 150 historic cars, concept vehicles, and race cars that were previously stored at various locations throughout southeastern Michigan. Both employees and visitors now have the opportunity to witness firsthand the rich legacy of one of the world’s most iconic automobile manufacturers.
Ted Ryan, the manager of Ford’s Archives and Brand Heritage department, expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, stating that it will serve as an excellent destination for visitors. During the unveiling ceremony, he noted, “This will be a great place for people to come and visit.”
Among the prized artifacts featured in the vault is a 1910 Model T, military vehicles from World War II, a Formula One race car, and a remarkable 10-cylinder Mustang. Ryan reminisced that about three years ago, former CEO Jim Farley encouraged the company to replicate the success of its international heritage collection by expanding its heritage fleet in the United States. Ultimately, Ford meticulously selected over 60 concept cars, around 50 race cars, and several dozen other vehicles, bringing the total collection to approximately 150 cars.
Previously scattered across multiple locations, these vehicles are now housed together within the “Ford Vault.” Notable items include a 1941 Ford GP, an early military vehicle that symbolizes Ford’s crucial role in American industrial production during the Second World War. Ryan noted that during the war, Ford produced around 282,000 units of the GPW model.
Another standout exhibit is the 1998 Stewart Formula One car, which reflects Ford’s long-standing support for motorsport. Other vehicles in the collection showcase the innovative designs crafted by Ford’s talented engineers. Ryan remarked, “Some of our incredibly talented engineers created a 10-cylinder engine, then thought to fit it into a Mustang while retaining the characteristic Mustang shape. It’s absolutely wild!”
Importantly, the “Ford Vault” is not merely a collection for the sake of collecting. Ryan emphasized that these artifacts also provide boundless inspiration for today’s designers and engineers, stating, “To look to the future, you must understand where you came from.” He highlighted how, by studying the unique aspects of early models like the Bronco and Mustang, designers can derive insights without having to reinvent the wheel.
Upon entering the exhibition hall, visitors are greeted by two Ford GTs and a 1910 Model T, followed by a lineup of vehicles spanning various periods in Ford’s history. Ryan explained, “It’s as if each car continues the narrative of the one before it. If someone is willing, they can spend a lot of time delving deeply into each vehicle’s significance and understanding Ford’s role in culture and society, as every story within it leads to more stories.”
Earlier this year, Ford also launched a free exhibition at Union Station in Washington, D.C., as part of the festivities celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The historical collection and exhibitions related to Ford automobiles extend across several countries worldwide. These include museums dedicated specifically to Ford vehicles as well as those housing classic cars, race cars, and antiques. One notable institution, the Den Hartogh Ford Museum in Hillegom, Netherlands, boasts a collection of approximately 206 Ford cars and trucks, featuring classic models from 1903 to 1948 and earning recognition as one of the foremost specialized Ford collections in the world.