When Ford Motor Company bought Lincoln Motor Company in 1922, the luxury automaker's cars were well engineered but not particularly attractive. Lincoln styling flourished under Edsel Ford's leadership. He worked with some of the industry's best coachbuilders to produce appealing designs that improved Lincoln's sales and stature. This 1929 Model L convertible, with a body by Dietrich, is a fine example.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, born into a wealthy family, could afford the best luxury automobiles. But it was a part of his "everyman" appeal that, when at home, he drove humble cars like this 1929 Ford Model A. Many of his cars were equipped with special controls that allowed the partially paralyzed Roosevelt to operate the foot pedals with his hands.

Sometimes referred to as a "baby Lincoln," the Ford Model A shared a family resemblance with its upscale corporate cousin. The styling of both vehicles was largely influenced by Edsel Ford, who had an innate sense of form and the designer's eye that his father, Henry Ford, lacked. The Model A's good looks were a sure part of its success.

Ford's Model A received its first major styling updates with the 1930 model year. The deeper radiator shell and wider fenders were obvious changes, while the smaller wheels and larger tires subtly made the car look lower. Six new body styles were added. Ford Motor Company produced more than 1.1 million cars that year.

Ford's Model A received its first major styling updates with the 1930 model year. The deeper radiator shell and wider fenders were obvious changes, while the smaller wheels and larger tires subtly made the car look lower. Six new body styles were added. Ford Motor Company produced more than 1.1 million cars that year.

Ford's Model A received its first major styling updates with the 1930 model year. The deeper radiator shell and wider fenders were obvious changes, while the smaller wheels and larger tires subtly made the car look lower. Six new body styles were added. Ford Motor Company produced more than 1.1 million cars that year.

Ford's Model A received its first major styling updates with the 1930 model year. The deeper radiator shell and wider fenders were obvious changes, while the smaller wheels and larger tires subtly made the car look lower. Six new body styles were added. Ford Motor Company produced more than 1.1 million cars that year.

The Model A's two-year-old styling was refreshed for 1930 with new sweeping fenders, a new radiator, smaller wheels, and a longer hood. Ford sold nearly 1,160,000 Model As in 1930, but only 16,470 were open phaetons like this car. Most buyers preferred closed sedans or coupes, with permanent roofs and roll-up windows.

The 1932 Ford automobile combines the attractive facelift of the 1931 Model A with the world's first low-priced, cast-in-one-piece V-8 engine. Powered by Henry Ford's latest personal engineering triumph, his "en block", or one piece, V-8 engine, the 1932 Ford outperformed all other popular competitors. The vehicle's improved proportions and styling reflected Edsel Ford's, Henry's son, genius for design.

The 1932 Ford was attractive, but its real innovation sat under the hood. Henry Ford insisted on an affordable V-8 engine to upstage Chevrolet's low-priced six. By casting his engine's crankcase and cylinders as a single unit, Ford cut production costs and held his car's starting price under $500. Ford's enduring engine stayed in production until 1953.

Edsel Ford commissioned several special automobiles from Ford Motor Company for his personal use. Each one spoke to his talents and tastes. Mr. Ford collaborated with designer Bob Gregorie to create this speedster based on the company's Model 40. Its sleek profile, custom aluminum body, and flathead V-8 engine anticipated the hot rods that soon appeared on southern California streets.

Edsel Ford commissioned several special automobiles from Ford Motor Company for his personal use. Each one spoke to his talents and tastes. Mr. Ford collaborated with designer Bob Gregorie to create this speedster based on the company's Model 40. Its sleek profile, custom aluminum body, and flathead V-8 engine anticipated the hot rods that soon appeared on southern California streets.

Chicago's 1933-34 Century of Progress Exposition used the theme of progress to encourage optimism during the Depression. The Ford Exhibition Building, which sat on eleven acres at the fair and featured industrial demonstrations and informative displays like this, became the most talked-about exhibit of 1934.

The Lincoln Zephyr, produced from 1936 to 1942, was distinguished from other contemporary cars by its streamlined shape, its rear-hinged "alligator" hood, and its horizontal-bar grille. Less visible, but no less advanced, was Zephyr's unit-body construction. The car's frame and body were integrated into a single, stronger unit, as seen in this cutaway.

Automobiles, like other everyday objects, underwent streamlining in the 1930s. The 1936 Lincoln Zephyr joined aerodynamic styling with attractiveness. Its flowing teardrop shape suggests motion. Its V-shaped grille slices the air. Headlights blend smoothly into the front fenders. Rear fenders hug the body and fender skirts hide the rear wheels. Even the taillights are streamlined. The Zephyr was a streamlining success.

Aerodynamics -- the science of air flow around moving objects -- influenced the design of planes, trains, and cars in the 1930s. In this publicity photo, the teardrop-shaped 1936 Lincoln Zephyr is paired with its railway namesake, the 1934 Burlington Zephyr. The original 1934 Zephyr, with its stainless steel, streamlined design and diesel engine, set many speed records.

The Lincoln Zephyr was introduced for 1936 in response to the Great Depression. Sales of the $4,000+ Model K had fallen sharply, and the $1,300 Zephyr was intended to bring customers back into Lincoln showrooms. Until the 1940 model year, all Zephyrs were distinguished by a split rear window that helped carry the car's streamlined form onto the sloped rear deck.

Lincoln introduced the Zephyr for 1936 in response to the Great Depression. Sales of the $4,000+ Model K had fallen sharply, and the $1,300 Zephyr was intended to bring customers back into Lincoln showrooms. The Zephyr quickly became Lincoln's most important car, accounting for more than 90 percent of the company's production in the 1936 model year.

Inspired by his 1938 trip to Europe, Edsel Ford worked with designer E.T. "Bob" Gregorie to create a custom car with a sophisticated "continental" look. When Ford drove the car in Florida the following spring, friends were so enthusiastic that he put the design into production. The Lincoln Continental remained in production through 1948, but the prototype was destroyed.

Inspired by a 1938 European trip, Edsel Ford collaborated with designer E.T. "Bob" Gregorie on a custom car with a "continental" look. Based on the Lincoln Zephyr, the prototype Lincoln Continental was longer and lower. While a production version was built from 1940 to 1948, the prototype -- heavy with lead filling and prone to leaks -- was scrapped soon after completion.

Car brochures have evolved from straightforward product catalogues into polished creative sales tools. Their quality paper, rich color, inventive formats, and sophisticated graphic design all contribute to a buyer's developing impression of a car in a showroom. Advertising might entice people to a dealership, but brochures extend and deepen the relationship between vehicle and potential buyer.

Edsel Ford's prototype Lincoln Continental was based on the streamlined Lincoln Zephyr. Ford and designer E.T. "Bob" Gregorie extended the Zephyr's hood 12 inches, lowered its body three inches, and removed the running boards, among other modifications. The result was a long, low car with an elegant European look. The first-generation production Lincoln Continental was built from 1940 through 1948.

Ford Motor Company introduced its Mercury brand for 1939. The mid-priced Mercury fit neatly between the basic Ford and the upscale Lincoln. Edsel Ford supervised the design of Mercury's 1939 models -- distinct from Ford and Lincoln, but still in keeping with Ford Motor's basic look. First-year bodies included two- and four-door sedans, a two-door coupe and a two-door convertible.

Ford Motor Company introduced its Mercury line for 1939, priced midway between the basic Ford and the upscale Lincoln. The move followed General Motors' successful strategy of "a car for every purse and purpose." The Mercury brand was championed by Edsel Ford who, more than his father Henry, recognized the need for a broader product line.

This car is Mercury serial number one. Ford Motor Company introduced its Mercury line for 1939. The medium-priced car fit neatly between the basic Ford and the upscale Lincoln. The Mercury 8 featured a slightly larger body than the contemporary 1939 Ford, with a finer interior and a more powerful V-8 engine too. Ford discontinued the Mercury brand in 2011.

The Lincoln Zephyr's V-12 engine was adapted from Ford's successful flathead V-8. Engineers added four cylinders, narrowed the angle of the V, and made other modifications. Unfortunately, the engine suffered from inadequate ventilation and poor oil flow, which led to overheating and excessive wear. Nevertheless, with 200,000 units sold, the Zephyr engine was the most successful American-built V-12.

Designer John Najjar spent more than 40 years at Ford Motor Company. He made significant contributions to the styling of the 1957 and 1958 Lincolns, the 1961 Lincoln Continental and the 1961 Ford Thunderbird. Najjar also supervised design of the 1962 Mustang I concept car, and he headed interior design on the 1965 Ford Mustang production car.

Designer John Najjar spent more than 40 years at Ford Motor Company. He made significant contributions to the styling of the 1957 and 1958 Lincolns, the 1961 Lincoln Continental and the 1961 Ford Thunderbird. Najjar also supervised design of the 1962 Mustang I concept car, and he headed interior design on the 1965 Ford Mustang production car.

Ford Motor Company vigorously promoted its lineup for 1940, orchestrating publicity tours and appearances at world's fairs and mounting a style show in conjunction with the 1939 New York Auto Show. In October 1939, the carmaker introduced its latest Fords, Mercurys, and Lincoln-Zephyrs at Manhattan's luxurious Hotel Astor. Accompanying displays and demonstrations rounded out the Ford Style Show experience.

Ford Motor Company vigorously promoted its lineup for 1940, orchestrating publicity tours and appearances at world's fairs and mounting a style show in conjunction with the 1939 New York Auto Show. In October 1939, the carmaker introduced its latest Fords, Mercurys, and Lincoln-Zephyrs at Manhattan's luxurious Hotel Astor. Accompanying displays and demonstrations rounded out the Ford Style Show experience.

Edsel Ford and Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie enjoyed a successful working relationship. Hired by Edsel Ford in 1932, Gregorie became the first head of Ford's design department three years later. Together they produced the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr and the 1940 Lincoln Continental. Gregorie left the company after Edsel Ford's death in 1943, though he briefly returned later in the decade.

Lincoln's Zephyr received a facelift for 1940. Running boards were removed, the front windows were given vents, and the split rear window of previous years was replaced with a single pane of glass. Overall, glass area in the Zephyr increased by 22 percent. Lincoln dropped the Model K, leaving only the Zephyr and the Continental in its product line.

Lincoln's Zephyr received a facelift for 1940. Running boards were removed, the front windows were given vents, and the split rear window of previous years was replaced with a single pane of glass. Overall, glass area in the Zephyr increased by 22 percent. Lincoln dropped the Model K, leaving only the Zephyr and the Continental in its product line.

Inspired by a 1938 trip to Europe, Edsel Ford collaborated with designer E.T. "Bob" Gregorie on a custom car with a sophisticated "continental" look. Reaction was so positive that Lincoln put the car into production. The beautiful 1940-1948 Lincoln Continentals that followed represent one of Edsel Ford's most significant achievements. This 1941 convertible was Mr. Ford's personal car.

Partway through work on his Detroit Industry murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Diego Rivera took a break to paint a portrait of the frescoes' primary sponsor, Edsel Ford. Rather than posing Ford in his office, Rivera chose a more appropriate setting: an automotive design studio. The portrait depicts Ford as strong and confident in his preferred environment.

From 1925 to 1931, Ford Motor Company sponsored annual tours to promote reliability and safety in commercial aircraft. The tours tested airplanes' abilities to maintain regular speeds and schedules. This trophy, crafted by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, is engraved with names of participants in the first tour. Images on it depict the history of aviation, and transportation in general, to that point.

Edsel Ford created this paperwork design when he was a boy. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing when he attended the Farrand School in Detroit, Michigan. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing when he was a boy. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing when he was a boy. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this watercolor painting when he was a boy. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing of an automobile when he was a teenager. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing of an automobile when he was a teenager. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this ink drawing when he was a teenager. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this watercolor painting when he was a boy. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing when he was a teenager. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing when he was a teenager. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Edsel Ford created this drawing of an automobile when he was a teenager. Like many doting parents, Henry and Clara Ford saved their only child's artwork. Clara nurtured Edsel's love of art and Henry encouraged his interest in automobiles. As Edsel grew, his creative and artistic sensibilities matured and he developed a talent for automotive design.

Given his father's obsession, it is no surprise that Edsel Ford was passionate about cars. While Henry Ford focused on the mechanical side of the automobile, Edsel Ford admired the aesthetics of automotive styling. This scrapbook features some of the designs that caught the younger Ford's eye. Elegant European marques like Hispano-Suiza and Rolls-Royce fill its pages.