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Why did Ford choose blue?

Ford Motor Company has long been associated with the color blue, which has become a defining feature of the brand. But why did Ford choose blue as their signature color? The answer lies in the company's history and strategic marketing decisions.


The Origins of Ford's Blue


Ford's use of the color blue can be traced back to the early days of the company. Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, was known for his preference for the color blue. This preference likely stemmed from Ford's personal affinity for the color, as well as its association with reliability, stability, and trustworthiness – qualities that were important for the nascent automotive industry.


As Ford's business grew, the company began to incorporate blue into its branding and marketing efforts. The iconic Ford logo, which features a blue oval, was first introduced in 1927 and has remained a central part of the company's visual identity ever since.


Strategic Marketing Considerations


Beyond the personal preferences of Henry Ford, the company's use of blue was also a strategic marketing decision. Blue was seen as a color that resonated with the target audience of Ford's vehicles – primarily working-class and middle-class consumers. The color was perceived as practical, reliable, and affordable, which aligned with the image Ford wanted to project for its products.


Additionally, the use of blue helped Ford differentiate itself from its competitors. At the time, many other automakers were using more vibrant or flashy colors in their branding and marketing, which could be seen as ostentatious or impractical. By embracing a more subdued and dependable color like blue, Ford was able to position itself as a brand that prioritized quality and functionality over style.


The Enduring Legacy of Ford Blue


Over the decades, Ford's use of blue has become deeply ingrained in the company's identity. The color is now synonymous with the Ford brand, appearing on everything from the company's vehicles to its corporate offices and marketing materials. This consistent use of blue has helped to reinforce Ford's reputation for reliability, durability, and trustworthiness – qualities that have been essential to the company's success over the past century.


Today, Ford's use of blue remains an integral part of its branding and marketing strategy. The color continues to be a key element in the company's visual identity, helping to differentiate it from competitors and solidify its position as a trusted and reliable automotive brand.

What color is Ford famous for?


color black
Henry Ford and the Model T. The man found the color black to be efficient for process simplification. More than 100 years later, people find black and other achromatic colors appealing. Photo Credit: Ford Motor Co.



What is Ford's signature color?


Other than the standard blue color that had always been used, alternate colors of black and white were also tested out around 1961. Today the Ford logo still has that same iconic blue oval, but has been made to look more modernized with a silver lining around its font and a white hue added to the lettering.



What does the blue oval mean?


Ford Motor Company has dominated the automotive sector for over a century with its renowned brand. The blue oval in the logo is iconic as its vehicles symbolize Ford's legacy of American innovation and craftsmanship. It's easy yet influential design embodies the business's dedication to excellence and reliability.



Why did Ford only make black cars?


A common myth is that all model T's were black. While Henry Ford did say “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it's black,” the policy was in place solely for efficiency and uniformity.



Why is Ford's color blue?


Blue is often seen as a sign of stability and reliability, making it the perfect color to represent Ford's values and culture.



When did Ford offer colors other than black?


Black was the cheapest color and using a single color meant the assembly line didn't have to be shut down for a change of paint color. This policy was practiced until 1926 when some models were offered in green, maroon, and gray; all with back venders.



When did Ford start using the blue oval?


Ford begins selling the 1928 Model A
Ford called the new car the Model A, commemorating Ford Motor Company's first car, the 1903 Model A. The car was the first vehicle to sport the iconic Blue Oval logo, and it included innovative features like a Safety Glass windshield.



What years did Ford use Grabber blue?


NOTABLE VEHICLES USING GRABBER BLUE
These were colors that were mainly used during the years of 69-89 on models such as the Mustang, Pinto, Ford Truck, Diamond Truck, the Reo Truck, and the Falcon.



What is the most popular Ford car color?


Autotrader site search activity between January and June 2015 shows one in four new cars searched on Autotrader was black. These results track to Ford marketing data that shows Tuxedo Black, synonymous with Metallic Black, tops the list as the overall most popular paint option nationally for the 2015 Ford F-150.



What was the only color that a Model T Ford could be purchased in?


The car was only offered in black from 1914-1925, however before and after that various models of the vehicle could be purchased in a variety of colors including blue, red, grey, and green. The vehicle also became famous for its unique nickname—Tin Lizzie.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.