Ford, an Automotive Empire!

Henry Ford is a name everyone knows. Passionate about mechanics, he built his first steam engine at the age of 15. The following year, he left the family home for Detroit to become a mechanic. He was hired by Thomas Edison and climbed the ranks of his friend’s company. At the same time, he continued building various engines at home. At 30, he assembled his first automobile. He then decided to leave his job to found his own company, the Ford Motor Company.

Henry Ford quickly wanted to make what was then a luxury object reserved for the elite accessible to everyone. His bold gamble became reality in 1908 with the Ford Model T. In addition to revolutionizing the automotive world, he transformed industry by developing assembly-line production — a technique still used today more than a century later. A Model T rolled off the production line every 10 seconds! In less than 20 years, the Ford Motor Company produced more than 10 million cars. 

When Henry Ford died in 1947, he left control of his company to his son, who continued to successfully develop the brand. In 1967, Ford Europe was born in Germany. The European division developed models tailored to the specific market of the Old Continent — such as the Capri, Escort, Fiesta, and Sierra, among the best-known. Across the Atlantic, Ford was a hit with the Bronco, Crown Victoria, Mustang, F-Series, and Explorer. The American manufacturer managed to expand internationally thanks to subsidiaries that adapted to each market (Australia, South America, Asia). This explains the worldwide success of the automotive giant, while some brands remain limited to one continent. 

The 1960s also marked the beginning of the Ford group’s investment in motorsports, driven in particular by Carroll Shelby. First in GT racing, with a historic victory against the mighty Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, then in rallying and single-seaters (IndyCar and Formula 1). The brand tried almost every motorsport discipline and can be found in Baja, drift, drag racing, and even the Dakar in recent years! 

Ford continues to stand strong against major automotive groups that own several brands, and it still sells several million vehicles. In 2024, it was the world’s 8th-largest carmaker, and one of the most recognized brands across the globe. A manufacturer that keeps innovating and captivating. 

The passion Ford enthusiasts have for the Blue Oval is astonishing. In the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Mexico — “Fordist” clubs are everywhere! In 2019, Ford organized a gathering in Belgium to celebrate 55 years of the Mustang and set a record: 1,326 Mustangs in one place! Even crazier, in 2021, Ford made the dream of thousands of car lovers come true by releasing a perfume that smells… like gasoline! “Mach-Eau” became reality, although it was unfortunately never marketed. Fords are everywhere, even in video games! The Blue Oval is the only brand to have an entire video game series dedicated solely to its models. Also, the Ford Model T is the second best-selling car in history, just behind the Beetle. Meanwhile, the F-Series pickup is the best-selling model in the United States, with more than 40 million units sold across several generations. 

Ford at OttOmobile — Miniatures to Relive the Legend!  

Since 2012, OttOmobile has been offering 1:18 scale miniature cars of the Ford brand. The Escort, then the Fiesta and the Capri delighted collectors of resin scale models. Later, rally fans were thrilled by the arrival of the famous RS200.  

The collection has expanded and diversified over time. 1:12 scale miniatures have also been released, including the legendary Mustang and Escort, which had never before been reproduced at this scale. 

In total, more than 60 Ford models exist as miniatures at OttOmobile, covering more than six decades of vehicles from the American manufacturer. The range goes from the Capri to the Mustang Mach-E, one of the brand’s best-selling electric models. There’s something for every taste! 

This weekend, take advantage of the Ford offer: buy 1 model, get the 2nd at 50% off! (valid only on selected models in the shop)