Who made the Ford logo?
The Ford logo—the blue oval with a white cursive “Ford” across it—was created by Ford Motor Company's own design team in 1927, as part of a branding refresh. The exact individual designer is not publicly credited by the company.
Origins of an enduring emblem
The blue oval with the Ford script has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the automotive world. Ford introduced this emblem in 1927 to unify its branding across vehicles, showrooms, and advertising, and it has endured for nearly a century with only stylistic refinements to suit changing media and manufacturing needs. Some sources and popular lore have suggested the script mirrors Henry Ford’s own handwriting, but Ford has not officially confirmed this attribution, and it remains a point of speculation among historians and branding experts.
Attribution and design process
Officially, Ford describes the emblem as the result of an in-house branding effort rather than the work of a single named designer. Over the years, the typography and shading have been adjusted to stay legible in print, on vehicles, and across digital screens, yet the core elements—the blue oval and white script—have remained intact. This continuity is a deliberate branding choice intended to reinforce recognition and trust with consumers.
Modern usage and significance
In the digital era, the Ford logo has seen refinements for clarity on screens and in various marketing contexts, but Ford has kept the emblem’s distinctive shape and color to preserve brand continuity. The symbol, colloquially known as the “Blue Oval,” is deployed across Ford’s vehicles, dealership signage, packaging, and advertising, often paired with the company’s broader design language. The logo’s longevity is a testament to Ford’s emphasis on consistent identity in a rapidly changing automotive marketplace.
Summary
In brief, the Ford logo was created by Ford Motor Company's internal team in 1927, with no single publicly named designer officially acknowledged. The emblem’s signature blue oval and cursive script have persisted as a cornerstone of Ford’s brand identity, evolving subtly over time to stay current while maintaining a familiar and trusted image for customers around the world.
Does Ford Family still own Ford?
Yes, the Ford family still has significant control over Ford Motor Company, even though they own less than a majority of the company's stock. They maintain control through a special class of stock (Class B shares) that gives them 40% of the voting power, ensuring they can elect 40% of the board of directors.
- Voting power: The family's Class B shares, which make up a small percentage of the total equity, grant them 40% of the total voting power.
- Board control: This voting power allows the family to elect 40% of the company's board of directors, with the remaining 60% elected by public shareholders.
- Minority ownership: While they control the company, the family's direct ownership stake is a minority of the company's equity.
- Leadership: The family has also maintained a strong presence in leadership roles, with William Clay Ford Jr. serving as the executive chairman.
What is the story behind the Ford signature?
Harold Wills, a Ford engineer and a former letterpress printer, created the distinctive logo script with his typesetting kit in 1906. Henry Ford's actual signature is seen here. Like the Walt Disney Company, Ford Motor Company's logo features its founder's name in a flowing script.
Who designed the current Ford logo?
It was designed by C. Harold Will.
Did Ford give Edison $750,000?
At 67 years old, the damage was too extensive for insurance to cover. Before the ashes were cold, Henry Ford handed Edison a check for $750,000 with a note saying Edison could have more if needed. In 1916, Ford relocated his home next to Edison's.
