where did the ford logo come from

The instantly recognizable Ford logo is one of the most iconic symbols in the automotive industry. For more than 100 years, the blue oval has represented Ford Motor Company and its numerous vehicles, from the Model T to the present day Mustang. But where did the logo come from? The answer will take us back to the beginnings of the company, as well as a brief detour to another era.

Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. The American inventor and entrepreneur was a pioneer in the automobile industry, introducing the first assembly line and the Model T, which revolutionized transportation across the world. In addition to this remarkable achievement, Ford also put his stamp on the fledgling company with a unique visual identity.

The original Ford logo was inspired by Henry Ford's coat of arms. It featured a red shield with white diamonds and lettering, surrounded by an olive branch on either side. While the logo was seen on some early promotional material, it didn't become the official logo until 1912 when, after several iterations, it adopted its current form: the famous blue oval.

The iconic logo was designed by Childe Harold Wills, an early partner of Henry Ford, who was tasked with creating a symbol that would come to represent the company. After several attempts, Wills decided to go with an oval shape, which he believed was strong enough to effectively convey the message of Ford’s products. He then added the words “Ford Motor Company” in light blue lettering, surrounded by a dark blue background.

The logo quickly became a symbol of the company, a visual reminder of its commitment to innovation and quality. Its simple but powerful design made it recognizable from afar, and it was soon adopted by other Ford subsidiaries around the world. Today, the logo is ubiquitous, appearing on everything from Ford vehicles to online marketing campaigns.

Throughout its history, the Ford logo has been updated several times to reflect changes in technology, design and the automotive industry. In 2003, the logo was redesigned to add the iconic “FORD” name in capital letters, and the oval was given a glossy finish. This was followed by a 2009 update, which changed the logo to a simpler yet bolder version.

The Ford logo is a true icon of the automotive industry, a symbol of the company’s commitment to innovation and quality. At the same time, it is also a reminder of the hard work and dedication of Henry Ford and Childe Harold Wills, whose vision still resonates today.