Robert Boyer and Henry Ford Unveiling the Soybean Car, 1941

Summary

Robert Boyer, a chemist, oversaw a series of experiments at Greenfield Village's Soybean Laboratory. The undertaking resulted in this plastic-bodied car. Henry Ford had a strong interest in plastic automobile parts. Always partial to projects combining industry with agriculture, Ford hoped plastic made from soybeans might be developed into a safe, strong substitute for traditional metals.

Robert Boyer, a chemist, oversaw a series of experiments at Greenfield Village's Soybean Laboratory. The undertaking resulted in this plastic-bodied car. Henry Ford had a strong interest in plastic automobile parts. Always partial to projects combining industry with agriculture, Ford hoped plastic made from soybeans might be developed into a safe, strong substitute for traditional metals.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Linen (Material)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 7.488 in

Width: 11 in

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