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Back in 1903, the automotive industry changed forever. Legendary Henry Ford began his own automotive company in Dearborn, Michigan. Now, 115 years later, Ford owns over 100 manufacturing facilities across the whole world, in over 30 world’s countries to be more precise. Over the years, the Blue Oval logo became one of the most famous logos on the planet. Ford’s logo can be easily compared to the likes of Nike, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Apple, Microsoft etc.
However, the iconic logo wasn’t the first company’s logo, no. On top of that, Blue Oval emblem comes with so many interesting stories. Some of those stories are urban legends, some are true. Ford logo became a synonym for reliability and we will try to bring you some interesting and cool facts about it.
Ford Logo Was Actually Henry Ford’s Signature?
No, not exactly. It is one of the most often questions people are asking. But if you think it is a script of the Henry Ford’s handwriting, you are wrong. The famous letters are created by the company’s first chief engineer Childe Harold Wills. Wills and Ford were good friends at that time and Henry needed a design for the business cards. Wills used the calligraphy from his own business cards and managed to stylize the letters.
The Famous “Blue Oval” Term Firstly Appeared in Books in 1907
Besides the famous look, Ford logo comes with a famous nickname. The term “Blue Oval” is another signature of the company. We don’t know when the famous term has gone viral, but it first appeared in books in 1907. Interestingly, the first use of this term had nothing to do with Ford. Whatsoever, Ford didn’t use the oval shape in the beginning at all.
When Did Blue Oval Logo Become Popular?
The answer is, in 1927. Ford already changed the company’s logo a couple of times since then. Before 1927, the Ford logo was blue and it was oval-shaped. However, we didn’t saw that combination at the same time in the same place. In 1927, the world had an opportunity to see the first blue oval logo, the predecessor of the today’s logo.
Things Could Have Gone Different Way
Back in 1966, Henry Ford came up with an idea to change the Ford logo. He hired well-known logo designer Paul Rand to create a brand new design. However, the final product was too radical for Henry Ford, so the old and much conventional emblem prevailed.
Harold Wills Used a Stencil When Designing Ford Logo?
This story is one of those “urban legends”. As we wrote, Henry Ford hired his friend and Ford’s first chief engineer/designer to come up with the very first Ford logo. Some stories are saying the Childe Harold Wills was using a stencil from his father, a stencil for creating business cards. False. The exact story says the Wills’ grandfather was using the stencil set that was based on the writing taught in schools. However, that story was totally made up as that kind of logo firstly appeared in 1927 and not in 1903.
Ford Had 8 Different Logos
It’s true. Most of the changes happened in the beginning, or in the first three decades to be exact. However, when the first Blue Oval emblem appeared, everything since then was a slight change. Over the years, Ford logo evolved to a sleeker and more modern design. The first emblem was a total departure from everything else. The emblem was a circle with the nouveau borders. The same emblem featured “Ford Motor Co. Detroit-Mich” text on it. Overall, Ford had eight different logos through history.
Emblem Color Change In 2003
The latest change happened in 2003 when Ford was celebrating the 100th anniversary. At first glance, the logo looks the same as the previous one. However, when you look closer at it, the whole logo is cleaner and sleeker. Most importantly, Ford painted the emblem in the Centennial Blue color. Moreover, 3D shading was better, silver edges became white. It is a logo that is still present and it is the best one so far, in our opinion.
Bonus: Why Ford Mustang Features a Different Logo?
You notice the Ford Mustang model comes with its own logo? Did you ever asked yourself “why”? Well, back in time, Ford created a so-called “Pony cars”. The cars with the large V8 engine and longer hoods. Some Mustangs did have Ford’s logo. However, this model was so popular that Blue Oval carmaker felt there is no need to put a company’s logo on it. Instead, Ford came up with the idea of galloping horse for Mustang model.
It is Mustang and it is a well-known thing the Ford was the creator of such an iconic model. Another interesting question is “Why is a horse on the logo running from left to right”? According to some reliable sources, Phil Clark the leader of designing team felt the galloping horse is running the opposite way because of the free spirit the car should represent. Some other sources are saying that it was just a simple problem with reversing and converting the logo. Less probable story.
Everyone is missing Fords best friends, Thomas Edison’s, initials in in the top half of the logo. T.e. Cover the lower half of the logo at the horizontal line in the “F”. You’ll see the T.e.
Is there any story behind the T.E. initials? Interesting theory we must admit.
All I know is that Ford and Thomas Edison where very good friends and both inventors. They had houses next door to each other in Florida and in New Jersey because they liked each other so much. To me it’s pretty obvious they are initials and are there for a reason.