Ford "Mode: Flex" Functional Bicycle Prototype, 2015

Small sawmills played a fundamental role in rural communities in nineteenth century America, processing locally-logged wood to provide sawn lumber for construction in the immediate area. While many such mills were water powered, this was steam-powered from the outset. It was simple but refined -- a modest, self-sufficient industrial operation (water and fuel was available onsite), comfortably wedded to its rural location.

Modern fans might find the Mustang II undersized and underpowered. But its specifications were typical for the mid-1970s into the mid-1980s, when American automakers struggled with new safety, efficiency and emissions requirements, and against growing competition from high-quality foreign cars. Regardless, buyers embraced the smaller Mustang II and Ford sold more than 1.1 million of them from 1974-1978.

Charles Metz of Waltham, Massachusetts, built the Orient Oriten in 1896 as a way to promote his Orient line of bicycles. Metz featured this 23-foot-long, 305-pound ten-seater at bicycle meets and races throughout the country. Though difficult to ride, the vehicle could reach speeds of 45 miles per hour. The Henry Ford owns the only surviving Oriten.

These electric-assist bicycle prototypes from Ford Motor Company are evidence of automaker attempts to broaden their product lines in response to evolving trends in personal transportation.