PRESERVING A LEGACY: Ford’s Heritage Fleet and its Historic Journey
May 13, 2025
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
For nearly 130 years, Ford Motor Company has had incredible influence in the automotive world, delivering groundbreaking vehicles, securing legendary racing victories, executing unforgettable public relations stunts and unveiling some of the most visionary concept cars.
At the request of Ford CEO Jim Farley, Ted Ryan, Ford’s heritage brand manager and archivist, recently established the North American Heritage Fleet. This collection preserves the rich history of the company, key innovations, design breakthroughs and legendary racing milestones. Beyond chronicling Ford’s impact on popular culture, the fleet also serves as a source of inspiration for the team as they shape the next generation of Ford vehicles.
Ryan noted that while Ford maintained individual collections in England, Australia and Germany – totaling over 300 vehicles – North America lacked its own dedicated collection. As a result, many historically significant vehicles slipped through the cracks, often finding refuge with engineers and program managers who recognized their importance and took it upon themselves to safeguard them.
To build the Heritage Fleet, Ryan and his team established a system to ensure a clear and consistent rationale for selecting each vehicle. He explained that the criteria included “Ford First” innovations, cultural significance, long-standing nameplates, regional impact and racing heritage, ensuring that each car chosen played a meaningful role in Ford’s history.
Once the project was complete, Ryan had cataloged nearly 500 significant vehicles as part of Ford’s Heritage Fleet, organized into four key collections: the Archives Collection, Product Development Fleet, Communications Fleet and Ford Performance Fleet.
“Our Heritage Fleet isn’t a museum; it’s a wellspring of ideas for our designers and engineers,” said Ryan. “By studying the iconic designs, ingenious engineering solutions, and enduring values embodied in these vehicles, they can unlock new possibilities and create vehicles that not only meet the demands of tomorrow but also carry the spirit of Ford’s remarkable past into the future.”
The Archives Collection features historic gems like a 1914 Model T replica built for Ford’s centennial celebration and an early Lightning pickup once driven by former President Joe Biden. The Product Development Fleet showcases influential prototypes, including concept Broncos and the F-150 Atlas concept, which laid the groundwork for the aluminum-bodied 2014 F-150.
The Communications Fleet includes standout models such as the Mustang displayed atop the Empire State Building for the Mustang’s 50th anniversary and the milestone 10-millionth Mustang. Meanwhile, the Ford Performance Fleet is packed with legendary machines, including the 2004 and 2017 Ford GT, along with an impressive lineup of Mustang GT350s, GT500s and King of the Road editions.
Ultimately, the Ford Heritage Fleet serves as a tribute to countless individuals whose passion, ingenuity and dedication brought these remarkable vehicles to life. Located at the Dearborn-based headquarters in Michigan, the Heritage Fleet preserves the vision and craftsmanship that have shaped Ford’s legacy, ensuring that the spirit of innovation continues to drive the company’s future.
Photos courtesy of Ford