Edsel Bryant Ford was born in Detroit, MI on November 6 1893. He was the only child of Ford Motor Company’s creator Henry Ford and his wife Clara. Edsel showed he too had a strong interest for cars. In his teens, he began working on designs and sketches, eventually at the age of 16 he built his first speedster.
Edsel never attended college; instead, he began working for at the Ford Motor Company plant at the age of 19. However, the young man took to the design aspect rather than following in his father’s footsteps (Bonsall, 10). Edsel showed creativity with his designs and vision for the company. It is said that Edsel and his father often conflicted because of their differing personalities. Henry is noted as being mean spirited while Edsel …show more content…
During that time, he managed sales and foreign operations, as well as Ford Motor Company's wartime production as well as launching the Fordson tractor, a major advancement in farming. In 1919, Edsel took over as president of Ford Motor Company when his father resigned to due conflict with stockholders. However, during his time as president many of his decisions were overturned by his father, and without disagreement Edsel would oblige. He was president by title only, and that title held little weight (Bonsall, 11).
Unlike Henry, Edsel believed that the vehicles could be stylish as well as functional. In 1922, Ford Motor Company purchased Lincoln Motor Company for $8 million; this purchase grew to make Ford a common name in the luxury auto market (Senefsky, 151). In 1939, Edsel helped develop and launch the Lincoln Continental. It was said to have been the result of a design meant for his own personal use, but turned into what was known as “the most beautiful car ever made” (Goldsborough). Continental’s success led the company to create more “stylish” cars, like the Mercury and the Lincoln
Edsel never attended college; instead, he began working for at the Ford Motor Company plant at the age of 19. However, the young man took to the design aspect rather than following in his father’s footsteps (Bonsall, 10). Edsel showed creativity with his designs and vision for the company. It is said that Edsel and his father often conflicted because of their differing personalities. Henry is noted as being mean spirited while Edsel …show more content…
During that time, he managed sales and foreign operations, as well as Ford Motor Company's wartime production as well as launching the Fordson tractor, a major advancement in farming. In 1919, Edsel took over as president of Ford Motor Company when his father resigned to due conflict with stockholders. However, during his time as president many of his decisions were overturned by his father, and without disagreement Edsel would oblige. He was president by title only, and that title held little weight (Bonsall, 11).
Unlike Henry, Edsel believed that the vehicles could be stylish as well as functional. In 1922, Ford Motor Company purchased Lincoln Motor Company for $8 million; this purchase grew to make Ford a common name in the luxury auto market (Senefsky, 151). In 1939, Edsel helped develop and launch the Lincoln Continental. It was said to have been the result of a design meant for his own personal use, but turned into what was known as “the most beautiful car ever made” (Goldsborough). Continental’s success led the company to create more “stylish” cars, like the Mercury and the Lincoln