The story of Henry Ford is not of a prodigy entrepreneur or an overnight success. Ford grew up on a farm and might easily have remained in agriculture. But something stronger pulled at Ford's imagination: mechanics, machinery, understanding how things worked and what new possibilities lay in store. As a young boy, he took apart everything he got his hands on. He quickly became known around the neighborhood for fixing people's watches.

In 1896, Ford invented the Quadricycle. It was the first "horseless carriage" that he actually built. It's a far cry from today's cars and even from what he produced a few years later, but in a way it's the starting point of Ford's career as a businessman. Until the Quadricycle, Ford's tinkering had been experimental, theoretical—like the gas engine he built on his kitchen table in the 1890's, which was just an engine with nothing to power. The Quadricycle showed enough popularity and potential that it launched the beginning of Ford's business ventures.

Ideas into Business

Ford Motor Company was founded on June 16, 1903. The first Ford, the Model A, was being sold in Detroit a few months later. When founded, Ford Motor Company was just one of 15 car manufacturers in Michigan and 88 in the US. But as it began to turn a profit within its first few months, it became clear that Henry Ford's vision for the automotive industry was going to work, and work in a big way. During the first five years of Ford Motor Company's existence, Henry Ford, as chief engineer and later as president, directed a development and production program that started in a converted wagon shop.

Henry Ford's insistence that the company's future lay in the production of affordable cars for a mass market caused increasing friction between him and the other investors. As some left, Ford acquired enough stock to increase his own holdings to 58.5 percent. Henry Ford became president in 1906, replacing John S. Gray, a Detroit banker who had served as the company's first president.

Ford Family Through the Years

The years between the world wars were a period of hectic expansion. In 1917, Ford Motor Company began producing trucks and tractors. In 1919 a conflict with stockholders over the millions to be spent building the giant Rouge manufacturing complex in Dearborn, Michigan led to the company becoming wholly owned by Henry Ford and his son, Edsel, who then succeeded his father as president. After Edsel Ford passed away in 1943, a saddened Henry Ford resumed the presidency.

Henry Ford resigned for the second time at the end of World War II. His eldest grandson, Henry Ford II, became president on Sept. 21, 1945. Even as Henry Ford II drove the industry's first postwar car off the assembly line, he was making plans to reorganize and decentralize the company to resume its prewar position as a major force in a fiercely competitive auto industry.

Henry Ford II provided strong leadership for Ford Motor Company from the postwar era into the 1980s. He was president from 1945 until 1960 and chief executive officer from 1945 until 1979. He was chairman of the board of directors from 1960 until 1980, and remained as chairman of the finance committee from 1980 until his death in 1987.

When William Clay Ford, Jr. (great-grandson of Henry Ford) was named CEO at the beginning of the Company's second century, he was the first family member to hold the position in more than 20 years. Like his uncle, Henry Ford II, William Clay Ford, Jr. led a company where "family" has a much broader meaning, referring to far more than just those with the last name "Ford."

Today, Ford Motor Company's CEO Alan Mulally leads the Ford family of employees, dealers, suppliers, shareholders, customers, and more—all those that help fulfill the Ford vision: to create great products that benefit customers, shareholders, and society.

Steve Saleens passion for automotive excellence still shines bright after 25 years with the introduction of the 720 horsepower SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept. The SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang concept celebrates his illustrious automotive career starting in the early 70’s carrying through the 80’s when he formed Saleen Autosport till the present day with his new company SMS Limted.

The SMS Anniversary Mustang packs a 720 hp Supercharged 5.0L aluminum block V8 engine with CNC ported Saleen supercharger and CNC aluminum heads. Other options not found on Steve’s previous cars include a patented SMS Red Butterfly induction system and SMS Light Blade led taillights system give the car a unique look. This is SMS Limited’s first working concept vehicle with plans to makeover a Challenger and Camaro in the future.





Press Release:

July 6, 2008 - Orange County, California. Twenty five years focused on performance automobiles takes a great deal of commitment and passion. From his early automotive days spent race preparing his personal cars, to his inevitable entrance into the professional racing world, and finally into the domain of the automotive business, automotive icon Steve Saleen has done it all. Steve set the course for his automotive future in his first race on August 19th, 1973 at Riverside International Raceway, where he took his GT350 to the winners’ circle, and he never looked back.

Steve Saleen moved up through the amateur and then professional ranks of closed and open-wheel racing during the 70’s and 80’s, racing and winning against drivers such as Bobby Rahal, Gilles Villeneuve, Danny Sullivan etc. His racing career eventually intertwined with his USC business degree when, in 1983, he formed Saleen Autosport and produced his first vehicle, a 1984 white and blue high performance Saleen Mustang, the first of thousands of vehicles that would eventually be built based on his innovative niche manufacturing, certification and racing business model.

Steve and his vehicles have dominated the competition wherever they raced around the world, having won nine championships, countless races and set track records from Daytona to Le Mans and every track in between. And Steve is still racing, he is currently testing one of the two European Le Mans Series Championship winning S7R’s in preparation for his return to competition in the American Le Mans Series later this year.

For 25 years, Steve Saleen has been the leading pioneer in lifestyle performance automobiles, with his companies building an amazing array of high performance, sports, race and collector cars that are coveted by enthusiasts and celebrities alike from Tim Allen to Tom Cruise. His companies have created everything from the world’s fastest production Mustang, the S302 Extreme, to the Saleen S7 and S7R the most victorious supercar based racing vehicle ever, bar none, with 171 Top Tens, 118 Podiums, 84 Pole Positions, 76 Fastest Laps, 72 Wins and 9 GT Championships. Amazing cars are not the only thing associated with Steve Saleen’s name and ingenuity, his companies are also credited with an impressive array of patented automotive technological innovations.

As an entrepreneur, his endeavors encompass more than simply delivering the performance hardware. In 2006 he was the driving force behind the opening of his company’s first automotive retail experience. With as much visual impact and excitement as one of his supercars, Maxim Magazine awarded it “Best Automotive Retail Store”.

To celebrate his illustrious automotive career, Steve Saleen and his new company SMS have developed a truly innovative and exceptional celebratory vehicle - the 2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept. To find out more about the 720 hp SMS concept car, we talked to its creator, Mr. Steve Saleen.

Comments by Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS

“In celebration of my 25 years in the niche manufacturing business I wanted to create a personal car for myself that appropriately marks this very special Anniversary. The functional aesthetic innovations that we have developed are truly exceptional in every way. Though this car is not going to be for sale, it nevertheless demonstrates the technological advances present at SMS.”

“With the SSC, SA-10, SA-15 and SA-20, I used those platforms to introduce new technology to the automotive market. In keeping with that tradition, this concept car incorporates many important advances developed by SMS. In particular our patented SMS Red Butterfly™ Induction System and SMS Light Blade™ LED Taillight System are definitely the coolest things that any Anniversary car has ever had! When those butterflies crack open under throttle, people stop and stare, you can be sure you will see those on our future products. And when you are passed by this car and the full width sequential turn signals come on, you will be just as awestruck!”

“Along with the main features, the supporting cast of innovation developed by SMS is just as deep, including; SMS Side Splitters and Diffuser Fences in carbon fiber, SMS billet aluminum signature elements, a beautiful SMS Two Tone Leather interior and the unique SMS “Chromosome Silver” paint with the signature anniversary yellow, white and black graphic accents.

“My Anniversary cars were always the most powerful of the breed and this car continues that tradition, as this engine produces 720 Horsepower at the crank and 612 Horsepower at the rear wheels! And the exhaust note truly is something else. Topped with 670ft lbs of Torque it is quite a steed to tame, thus it is equipped with SMS Cross Drilled 15″ 6-Piston Front Brakes and a completely new SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System that is robust, durable and attractive.”

“The performance is astounding; the SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang has reached nearly the same levels of performance as was previously achieved in the S7 Twin Turbo! It is not everyday that the word Supercar is associated with a Mustang, but in this case it is appropriate. The team and I are very excited about the vehicle as it incorporates an entirely new platform of technological advances by SMS, and it is a testament to what our company is capable of. We look forward to it touring the show circuit this summer to show that we are in the business of power!”

“I look forward to the next twenty five years!”

Concept features:


SMS 720 HP Supercharged 5.0L Aluminum Block V8
SMS CNC Ported Saleen Supercharger
SMS CNC Aluminum Heads
SMS Red Butterfly Induction System
SMS Light Blade LED Tail Light System
SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System
SMS Cross Drilled 15″ 6-Piston Front Brakes
SMS Cross Drilled 12″ Rear Brakes
SMS Two Piece Billet Aluminum Hood Vents
SMS Carbon Fiber Side Splitters
SMS Carbon Fiber Diffuser Fences
SMS Red Butterfly Quarter Intakes
SMS Chromosome Silver Paint
SMS Leather Grip Billet Aluminum Shifter and Shifter Bezel
SMS Leather Dash
SMS Leather Two Tone Door Inserts
SMS Leather Two Tone Seats
6-Speed Transmission

According to a reliable source of Garage419, Ford is thinking really hard about bringing back the SVO badge for a 2010 Mustang. The 2010 SVO Mustang’s rumored powerplant would be a 4-cylinder twin-turbo Ecoboost engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission producing 300 horsepower and weighing 500 lbs less than the GT model. If your wondering why Ford would bring back the SVO badge using a 4-cylinder its pretty simple, fuel economy. Fuel economy would increase by as much as 25% over the current GT model which gets in the neighborhood of 18 city 25 highway. This could definately be the right play for Ford as there seems to be no end in sight for high gas prices.

Ford did a similar thing back in early 80’s with the original SVO Mustang as gas prices were high but after only 9,844 units Ford stop selling SVO badge Mustangs because gas prices hit the floor. Lets hope we can have the same result after Ford makes a few thousand of the newer SVO models.

Ok, now they are not playing fair, Indiana State Police recently purchased 18 2008 Mustang GT’s to be used as unmarked police vehicles for traffic enforcement throughout the States districts. The unmarked Mustangs will definately blend in well as they are popular cars, unfortunately the only revealing equipment on the Mustangs are the red and blue flashing lights which are hidden inside the cabin. Even though the Mustangs are meant for speed they will rarely be used on interstates as ISP plans to focus on two-lane highways and other roads where fatalities seem to be more common.

News Article:
Indiana State Police officials recently purchased 18 2008 Ford Mustangs, and what better way to break them in than by hitting the road course at O’Reilly Raceway Park?

ISP Sgt. Rich Myers said the department used Ford Mustangs in the 1980s for traffic patrol, but then switched to Chevrolet Camaros. When Chevrolet stopped making Camaros, he said the ISP began using their Crown Victoria patrol cars for enforcement details before deciding to switch back to Mustangs.

Myers said there will one Mustang in each ISP district.

They will be a traffic enforcement tool, just like the motorcycles, he said.

Several troopers gathered at OReilly Raceway Park earlier this week to test their driving skills and get a feel for the new Mustangs.

ISP Sgt. Shannon Kennedy said the troopers were first introduced to the cars during a one and a half day training session at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. There, she said, they practiced basic skills on both inside and outside tracks. She said they decided to go to ORP to get practice taking curves.

(The Mustangs) handle differently than the Crown Vics, she added.

Kennedy said ORPs road course simulates the road conditions the troopers will be facing on a regular basis.

She said the Mustangs will rarely be used on interstates as they plan to focus on two-lane highways and other roads where fatalities seem to be more common.

Kennedy also said motorists will likely not notice the troopers since Mustangs are a popular car and these models are not marked.

They dont even have the antennas, she added.

Brian Wolfe, a legendary Mustang drag racer and 26-year Ford Motor Company veteran employee has been named director of Ford Racing Technology. Brian, who has held a series of management positions within Ford’s powertrain operations replaces Dan Davis who oversaw the company’s racing efforts for the past 11 years. Davis will retire after 32 years with Ford Motor Company on August 1st.

“Dan has done a great job for the company and its racing program, and he’s going to be a tough act to follow,” said Wolfe. “I look forward to the challenge of taking the program forward and continuing the record of success he brought to us.”

Wolfe, 47, has been director, Powertrain Calibration and Controls, Product Development, since 2002. In his most recent job, Wolfe had global responsibility for all powertrain computer control software applications and powertrain calibration, including drivability and emissions.

Brian began his career at Ford Motor Company in 1982 and has held various positions within Ford’s powertrain development area, including a stint as manager of Ford’s Advanced Engine Group for North America, where he helped oversee the development of the Aston Martin V-12 engine.

Wolfe received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan-Dearborn.

He’s an avid amateur drag racer and still owns the 1969 Fairlane CobraJet he bought at age 15.

Wolfe lives in Plymouth, Mich. He and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters and a son.

“For me, a kid from Michigan whose father idolized Henry Ford, there was never any doubt where I was going to work,” Wolfe said. “To have this opportunity now to take the racing program forward is a dream come true.”

Under Davis’ leadership of Ford Racing Technology, the company captured three NASCAR Sprint Cup driver’s titles and four manufacturer’s titles. In addition, he helped with the formation of Roush-Yates Engines, the premier engine supplier to Ford NASCAR, sports car and USAC racing programs.

In NHRA, the company captured eight consecutive Funny Car championships, and Davis led development of the new Ford BOSS 500 nitro engine, the first new nitro engine in drag racing the past 40 years.

Davis also led major safety initiatives in both Champ Car racing and NHRA, where use of Ford Blue Box data recorders is now mandatory.

He also led a resurgence of Ford customer programs in road racing, where the Ford Mustang FR500GT, Mustang FR500C and now Mustang FR500S race cars are sold through Ford and compete in road racing circuits in North American and Europe.

Davis also will be known for starting the Clorox/Ford Women’s Driver Development Program in USAC, the first partnership of a consumer sponsor and auto manufacturer to try and develop women for professional racing.

He also expanded Ford’s grassroots racing programs, helping start the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series, which has grown nationally as a cost-effective way for youths to enter racing.

Celebrating 20 years in the Mustang biz is no easy task but Steeda Autosports has come up with what they think is the perfect tribute in the new Steeda Q650R. The Steeda Q650R combines Steedas proven power and suspension systems to create what they call the ultimate performance Mustang.

“The Steeda Q650R takes the breathtaking DNA of Steeda’s Q-Series of Mustangs and our unmatched history of engineering technology accomplishments and racing knowledge into what is the ultimate performance Mustang,” says Dario Orlando, President of Steeda Autosports. “This car is an appropriate tribute to our Anniversary Celebration this year and is a hint at what’s to come in the future from Steeda.”

At the heart of the Q650R is a 650 horsepower Steeda/Whipple supercharged 4.6L V8 engine that has been custom calibrated to endure any race conditions thrown at it. Under the car is where Steeda really goes nuts including an advanced adjustable full coil over suspension system, Watt’s Linkage, D Spec Shocks, a bump steer kit and pretty much every Steeda suspension part that would fit. For the wheels Steeda chose Forgeline 18×9.5 in the front and 18×11 out back with Nitto NT01 high performance tires.

More information and photos after the jump…




Press Release:

The new Steeda Q650R from Steeda Autosports combines Steeda’s proven power it’s exclusive Adaptive Performance Calibration delivers with the world-class underpinnings and suspension systems that Steeda is renown for in the Performance Industry today. The result is the ultimate performance Mustang — a race car that pays tribute to 20 years of Mustang high performance and heritage that Steeda is celebrating this year.

“The Steeda Q650R takes the breathtaking DNA of Steeda’s Q-Series of Mustangs and our unmatched history of engineering technology accomplishments and racing knowledge into what is the ultimate performance Mustang,” says Dario Orlando, President of Steeda Autosports. “This car is an appropriate tribute to our Anniversary Celebration this year and is a hint at what’s to come in the future from Steeda.”

Built undercover by the renown “Skunk Works Team” at Steeda Autosports, the Q650R will serve as a rolling test bed for continuing refinement and development of our track tested and race proven performance parts and accessories – just another example of how Steeda Autosports continually pushes the envelope of Mustang performance for it’s performance craving customers.

On the outside, the Q650R is outfitted on the outside with Steeda’s aerodynamic Race Wing that stands tall at a full-race height and gets into the airstream and creates significant down-force to enhance handling and traction. Modeled after an actual inverted airplane wing, this wing has been thoroughly tested in the wind tunnel and is designed specifically for the Mustang. Added to the front is our fully functional competition front fascia that is designed for improved high speed stability as well as improved cooling of the engine and brakes under harsh race conditions it will be operated under.

Under the hood, the 4.6L engine is equipped with the Steeda/Whipple supercharger system and tuning is handled by our industry unique Adaptive Performance Calibration – the end result….650 horsepower of heart pounding excitement with “live” – automatic computerized tuning as it is raced. This adaptive system will always optimize the engine’s power output so that the maximum amount of power is always available, no matter how severe the race conditions may become.

Inside the Steeda Tri-Ax Remote Racing Shifter (fully adjustable in length and height), makes it perfect for varying drivers and driving styles as it provides an extremely short throw with precise action needed for the race track.

Under the car is where some really advanced Steeda suspension technology is deployed. From the advanced adjustable full coil over suspension system, our proprietary Watt’s Linkage, to our D Spec Shocks and bump steer kit, the entire catalog of Steeda’s superior suspension parts – and some extra experimental suspension enhancements as well – have been integrated into this car so as to make it the BEST HANDLING car we have ever driven on a race track.

We have outfitted Forgeline 18×9.5 (front) and 18×11 (rear) wheels and shod them naturally with the best track tires you can buy……Nitto’s famed NT01 high performance tires (275/35-18 in the front and massive 315/30-18 in the rear). These tires are mandatory for a high performance vehicle like this racer and provide the grip our suspension enhancements demand.

To provide the required force to bring 650 horsepower to a halt, we have stuffed our Steeda powerful 14” front and 13” rear braking system behind the wheels. These brakes, specially tuned for the S197 Mustang Anti-Lock brake system, provide the necessary force to keep this wild horse under control under severe race conditions it will surely encounter.

The end result: An ultra high performance – muscular race car that provides instant acceleration, superior handling, and great fear into the minds of our competitors. Watch for future updates when we take this car to key racetracks around the country on a promotional race tour.

Saleen is set to introduce Racecraft branded vehicles with the first one being the 420S Mustang packing 420 HP amd a bunch of Racecraft goodies. The new Racecraft branded 420S Mustang will be the first vehicle in the lineup of a brand mostly known for suspension components. Some of the highlights of the 420S Mustang are the twin-screw supercharger, racecraft suspension components, Racecraft graphics package, Performance seats and 18″ wheels. MSRP for the 420S comes in at $38,995 including freight and the dreaded gas guzzler tax. According to Saleen this is just the begining of the Racecraft branded vehicles with a Focus coming within a year at a price of around $20K.

Racecraft 420S Mustang features:

Racecraft 4.6L SOHC Supercharged V-8 Horsepower: 420 @ 5800 RPM Torque: 400 ft.-lbs. @ 4000 RPM39 lb. fuel injectors 98 mm mass airflow sensor hi-flow inlet tube and air box cover
Racecraft specific rate front and rear coil springs.
Racecraft front struts. Racecraft rear shocks. Racecraft front sway bar and pivot bushings.
Bridgestone Potenza All-Season Performance Radial Tires 18x9 Front and 18x10 Rear Aluminum Alloy Torque Blade wheels Racecraft exterior badging. Racecraft logo side rocker graphics.
Racecraft 420S performance vinyl hood graphics. Racecraft rear decklid graphics.
Racecraft 180 MPH silver faced speedometer with MyColor feature. Satin aluminum instrument panel upgrade.
Racecraft steering wheel badge. Leather-wrapped steering wheel. Leather wrapped billet aluminum shift knob Leather shift boot.
Performance cloth seats with Racecraft embroidered headrest