What Is Ford's History?

The First Ford internal combustion engine came to life on Henry Ford’s kitchen table in 1888. He founded the Ford Motor Company a few years later. And we’ve been innovating ever since.

Made in 1896, Henry Ford's first vehicle rode on four bicycle wheels and was powered by a four-horsepower engine. Instead of a steering wheel, the Quadricycle had a tiller. The gearbox had only two forward gears with no reverse. Seven years later in 1903 Ford Motor Company was formed.

In 1907 Ford introduced the Model T, putting the world on wheels with 15 million sold before ending its production in 1927. Skip forward to 2003 and Ford celebrated its 100th anniversary by offering limited edition vehicles, all of which like the Model T were offered in "any colour so long as it is black".

There have been many milestones in sales, technologies and vehicle anniversaries in the history of Ford. For more information visit Ford history for an interactive timeline.