Early Ford Trucks

25 artifacts in this set

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Trucks have been a regular part of Ford Motor Company's lineup since 1917. The earliest models were utilitarian with chassis and bodies based on the company's automobiles. But their low cost and reliable service made Ford trucks popular with farmers and business owners, and with municipal and military operators too. Over time, Ford trucks evolved into distinct products with a look and a following all their own.

Detailed Description

Henry Ford Driving Detroit Automobile Company Truck, circa 1900

Photographic print

In a sense, "Ford trucks" predate Ford Motor Company's founding in 1903. Henry Ford established his first car company, the Detroit Automobile Company, four years earlier. This delivery van was its first product. The venture was not successful. Detroit Automobile Company built no more than 20 vehicles before going out of business in January 1901.