There is so much rich history connected to the Ford family and the Ford Motor Company, and we’re approaching quite a milestone: The 150^th anniversary of the birth of company founder Henry Ford! But how do you kick off that year-long celebration? What has enough oomph to start things with a bang?

How about a 1903 Ford Model A? Not just any vintage Ford car, though. This 1903 Model A Rear Entry Tonneau is one of three vehicles that were the first sold by Henry Ford as the Ford Motor Company. The company’s cash balance stood at less than $250. A much-needed cash infusion arrived on July 13, 1903 – One full payment and two deposits totaling $1,320 for three Model A cars – that kept Ford Motor Company afloat. This specific car is believed to be car No. 3, chassis No. 30, and the lone survivor of the group of three Model A cars sold on that day.

“Since it was one of the first Ford cars built, it is very likely that Henry Ford himself had a hand in building it,” said Executive Chairman Bill Ford.

Bill Ford purchased the vehicle at the RM Auction in October, and he unveiled the car to employees at Ford World Headquarters on December 11, 2012, to start the 150^th anniversary celebration of the birth of his great grandfather, Henry Ford.

Henry Ford’s legacy will be celebrated in 2013 through a variety of events. Some of these include:

• Coming Together: A Celebration of Henry Ford – July 27, 2013, The Henry Ford Estate Fair Lane, Dearborn, Mich. This free community event will bring Henry Ford to “life” and feature many of his little-known interests and contributions.
• Maker Faire – July 27-28, The Henry Ford, Dearborn, Mich. A two-day, family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. This year’s celebration of the Maker movement will include a special program to recognize innovators.
• Discovering Henry Ford shows at The Henry Ford – April-December. A presenter-facilitated multimedia program using a large touch screen monitor to access digital assets (movies, photos) in themed 20-minute shows (Henry Ford the Tinkerer, Henry Ford and the Model T).
• Henry’s T – Dramatic presentation at Greenfield Village– May-August. Visitors will meet Henry Ford in this interactive 15-minute play and hear how he was inspired to build the world’s universal car. Guests also will find out why the Model T was so revolutionary and how Henry Ford’s visionary thinking and hard work enabled him to put the world on wheels.

Visit www.henryford150.com to see an interactive timeline of Henry Ford’s life, tours and a calendar of 2013 events to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of his birthday.