Daventry, UK, Dec. 7, 2022 – Ford’s new online Heritage Vault now offers a more comprehensive digital archive collection following the addition of more than 1,600 new photos showing every car produced in the U.K.
Following the opening of the vault earlier in 2022 which saw unprecedented web traffic from around the world, Ford’s new UK upload includes the Anglia to Zodiac and everything in between including Transit, Consul, Escort, Fiesta, Thames van, and more.
Ford created the Heritage Vault (https://fordheritagevault.com) for journalists and car enthusiasts, making it easy to discover the company’s rich heritage from anywhere in the world. The searchable artifacts are downloadable for personal use, free of charge, for the first time as one of the auto industry’s most comprehensive online databases.
Throughout 2022, Ford has made almost 10,000 curated Ford and Lincoln photographs and product brochures from the first century of the company’s history available to the public online for the first time – and the site is currently seeing around 3,000 downloads per day.
“We’re opening up in a way we’ve never done before,” said Ted Ryan, Ford archive and heritage brand manager. “Making our archives accessible for everyone online is a real passion project for me and the team. Looking back through Ford’s history not only helps to educate, but can serve as inspiration as we accelerate our transformation into an all-electric and software-driven vehicle company.”
Online access to Ford’s archives complements Ford’s UK collection of heritage vehicles – also enjoying a new upgraded home – in Daventry, UK.
Ford’s new Heritage and Innovation Centre houses more than 100 vehicles including rare and iconic models from a Model T 100R; Fordson Tug; Model AA Truck; Mark I Transit GEC; Mark II Zodiac; Sierra Cosworth; Escort Mexico, RS200, GT40s and more.
As well as the vehicles, Ford’s new site will provide access to a physical library containing brochures, owners’ manuals and advertising materials of Ford’s UK history. Other artifacts from the collection will also be on display. The site relocation from Dagenham has been orchestrated by Len Keen, Ford Heritage and Innovation Communications, with the help of a dedicated volunteer group of ex-Ford retiree team members.
Commenting on the new UK Heritage and Innovation Centre, Len said: “The move to the new location will allow for greater access to this very special collection, as well as an opportunity to show our customers how Ford has played a major role in personal and business transportation within the UK over the past 100 years, from Model T to now Model E.
“Although not open to the public just yet, I’m passionate about providing easier access to the collection for employees and visitors in the near future, and I’m looking forward to working with the local community on future possibilities and collaborations so we can share our story.”
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Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Britain has been number one commercial vehicle brand for over 55 years, and is rolling out an electrified range so that, by 2026, 100% of our cars will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid. The UK is Ford’s third-largest global market and accounts for around 30% of total Ford vehicle sales in Europe. Ford directly employs 6,500 people in the UK, with thousands more employed in its extensive dealer network. The Ford Britain Dunton Campus in Essex is the home of its European commercial vehicle business group, the Ford of Britain & Ireland sales company and Ford’s banking arm – Ford Credit Europe.
