Ford throws open the doors to its new Vault, unveiling 125 rare historic vehicles
Ford will open its new Vault this weekend in Romulus, Michigan, showcasing 125 rare historic vehicles including concept cars, Hollywood Mustangs, and race cars.
The 123-year-old carmaker on Saturday will allow select members of the public and employees into the Ford Vault to take a gander at everything from rare concept cars and Hollywood Mustangs to historic police cruisers and even a 1938 ambulance. Tickets were snapped up quickly, but Ford Motor Co. said there will be future showings.
Historic Collection
Ford's collection of historic vehicles once was housed at its Dearborn, Michigan, headquarters and other locations. Its vast new home, the Vault, is situated inside a former Amazon fulfillment center in Romulus, another Detroit suburb, and measures 79,000 square feet (7,339 square meters).
Notable Vehicles
The Vault brings together 125 of the Heritage Fleet's historically significant vehicles, including race cars, design concepts and vehicles tied to pop culture. Highlights include a 2005 Mustang GT proof-of-concept nicknamed 'Johnny Cash,' the first three cars to cross the finish line at Le Mans in 1966, a 1910 right-hand-drive Model T, and a 1973 Mustang convertible used in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.'
Working Archive
The carmaker built the Vault to be a working archive, giving today's designers and engineers access to the ideas and experiments that shaped the company. 'Here, we can actually have a purpose-built space for the cars,' said Ford Archives Manager Ciera Casteel. 'That's our legacy. That's what we do here. That is what this company is.'
Ted Ryan noted the vast space requires significant walking, saying, 'I can tell you, after working here for a couple weeks, I'm averaging about 20,000 steps a day.' The Vault offers 'surprise and delight moments throughout the building,' he added.
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