On A Pale Horse

There are a lot of Ford naysayers out in the world. They say such things as 'Ford stands for...'

• Fucked Over Rebuilt Dodge
• Friggin Over Rated Disaster
• Fifth On Race Day
• Fix Or Repair Daily
• Fucker Only Runs Downhill
• Fucking Old Rebuilt Datsun
• Backwards: Driver Returns On Foot
• or the truest observation: Fired or retired daily

But, me? I'm in love with my Ford. Haven't had a problem with it since the day I bought it (thank god, keeping my fingers crossed).
The car company may be looking on pretty crappy times these days but it's not the first time. Back in the late 40's Ford was going through a huge financial slump after WW2. The car company was churning out basically the same 1942 model for a few too many years. They contracted George Wallace Studios to come up with a new design for their 1949 model. Richard Caleal, a freelancer, designed a prototype quarter scale clay model in his kitchen. Henry Ford II approved the design and the rest was history. The 1949 Ford was a hit with consumers and pretty much saved the automaker.

His contribution to the auto industry has been imortilized in exhibits at the Henry Ford Museum and the Arab American National Museum.

The cause of Mr. Caleals death was not disclosed.

September 12, 1912 - September 16, 2006
RIP

Labels: 1912 births, 2006 September deaths, designer, Michigan, undisclosed causes

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