History

Edsel Ford (1894-1943)

Edsel Ford developed a passion for art at a very early age. His father, Henry Ford, encouraged that passion, building Edsel a private art studio above the garage of Edsel’s childhood home in Detroit, MI.

It was from that studio, that Edsel began his automotive drawings — the beginning of what would eventually become a tremendous asset to The Ford Motor Company, as Edsel later  introduced the Model A, Mercury and Continental automobiles, reflecting his design genius.

Edsel Ford held the position of president of The Ford Motor Company from 1919, to his untimely passing at age 49, in 1943. To this day, Edsel remains the longest running president in the history of The Ford Motor Company.

After Edsel’s passing, The Ford Motor Company released the “Edsel” automobile, as a tribute to his many contributions to the company and to the public.

At A Glimpse 

· Edsel Ford was the son of the “Man of the Millennium”, Henry Ford.

· Helped design & introduced the Mercury and Continental automobiles.

· President of The Ford Motor Company from 1919-1943.

· Chairman of the Detroit Institute of Arts and a founding patron of the New York Museum of Modern Art.

· Supporter of Charles Lindbergh’s famous transatlantic flight, and Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s north & south pole flights.

· November 6, 1893: Edsel Bryant Ford was born.

· August 1, 1916: Edsel Ford married Eleanor Lowthian Clay.

· January 1, 1919: Edsel Ford became president of Ford Motor Company.

· September 17, 1919: Henry & Edsel became sole owners of Ford Motor Company.

· May 26, 1943: Edsel Ford died.

 

 

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