Ford Australia is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The company was founded on 31 March, 1925, in Geelong, Victoria, marking a significant step for Ford as a global car maker.
To celebrate this milestone, a special event called "History in the Making" will be held in Melbourne on 4 April. Fans can explore Ford's journey through the online Ford Heritage Vault, which now features thousands of brochures and images from the company's archives.
Ford Australia's story began in 1923 when North American executives visited Australia to find the most suitable spot for their operations. Geelong was chosen for its seaport, railway connections, land availability, and workforce. The first car built in the Geelong factory was the famous Model T Ford, known for being affordable and reliable. It cost £185 back then, which is $18,542 today.
As part of the celebration, Ford will showcase its heritage fleet, featuring iconic vehicles like the 1960 XK Falcon and the first Ford ute, the 1934 Coupe-Utility. The event will also highlight Ford's current lineup, including electric and hybrid models like the Mustang Mach-E EV and Ford Ranger PHEV. Ford is also supporting All Ford Day in Geelong on 6 April, which is expected to be a major event.
Ford has a deep connection with the Geelong community. Geelong is where the world’s first coupe-ute was invented in 1934, and Ford has supported the Geelong Football Club for over 100 years. Ford's facilities in Geelong and Melbourne remain central to its operations, including research and development.
The Ford Heritage Vault allows fans to relive Australian automotive history. It contains over 19,000 digital images, such as brochures and images, showcasing Ford's vehicles from different decades. Highlights include the 1934 Coupe-Utility, colorful XR6 and XR8 models from the 2000s, and the luxurious Ford LTD from the 1980s. This online archive ensures Ford's rich history is accessible to everyone.
