MTFCA Forum

Below is a link to odds and ends collected over the years for anyone interested. The file includes information about Henry Ford’s first automobile company endeavor, the Detroit Automobile Company, founded in 1899. Included is an 1899news story in which the reporter gives first hand impressions while riding in one of the DAC automobiles, with Henry Ford driving. Also included are two photos of what may be early DAC cars (courtesy of THF, all rights apply), drawings and other information.

While history reports Henry Ford was responsible for two failed companies before his “last chance” creation of Ford Motor Company, I believe the reality is DAC transformed into The Henry Ford Company, with many of the same investors. One interesting note, the DAC information reports twenty cars were produced. I believe the two cars shown in black and white photos, labeled as Henry Ford’s 2nd and 3rd cars, may be at The Henry Ford, off display, but that’s just a guess. I reserve the right to be wrong......

Link to my dropbox file:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ee3duxox1evy6 ... ..pdf?dl=0

Wonderful stuff Rob! I always enjoy seeing these things again and refreshing my memory. Early Ford history has got to be one of the greatest success stories in human history!

Thanks Wayne.

This file contains a magazine description of DAC’s automobiles for 1900. It includes drawings of several body styles, all on one chassis (sound familiar?). An excerpt of the description of the car and drivetrain follow, along with a link to the entire file:


https://www.dropbox.com/s/a2txav0xx9b68 ... n.pdf?dl=0


This excerpt details several unique features for a 1900 car, including direct drive and a way of starting the machine from the seat:

Hi, Rob. As always, I enjoy reading your posts. This clears up a question I've in my mine for along time as to whether Mr. Ford was involved with one or two companies before Ford Motor Co. Thank you. Bob