Interesting show. A lot I didn't know here. I'd knew of some of the parameters - with Ford the odd relationship between Edsel and Henry, Edsel's early death, but I didn't know that Edsel was instrumental in creating the B24 they eventually worked up to manufacturing one per hour. Apparently he worked himself into an early grave over it. Amazing stuff. And then Henry Ford ll coming back from the war to take over the company and being forced to deal with the thuggish Harry Bennett. And Henry Ford himself coming across as half crazed often enough.

The Cars That Made America Full Episodes, Video & More | HISTORY

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

I just watched that last night. Not bad.

Are there other episodes? Where's the Indy's ? EG, Packard, et cet ?

I believe Edsel died of cancer, but his mom believed Henry killed him with his treatment of him.

Edsel had a great eye for design. All the fords from 1930 to about 1940 were lovely cars.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

According to web there are/were 3 episodes, 2 hours each. Not sure how much of it I've seen. I just found it through channel surfing. Pretty sure what I saw was a repeat from a few days previous. Maybe the ratings kept growing. I hope they show it again and I can get in on the beginning. Might have to get a DVD, if available, or watch it streaming.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

There are three in the series. I got through the first one last night (thanks DVR) and started on the second. Good stuff if you are into this type stuff.

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Jim

The obscure information is interesting. Didn't know how hung up GM was on the V6 and their idealisms of "mid road".
Also - did anyone notice that some of that old car crash testing video? It was W123's

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Henry the 1st came across like a nut job, which I think was true to the man. OTOH, he was a huge figure, his assembly line breakthrough idea was big.

Edsel had to fight to get the Model A developed and released. Amazing. My old man had a good bit of experience with both and he said the Model A was a big step up from the T.

I suspect both parts of your first sentence are true.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

I have read many books on the Ford empire builder.. I always thought they were somewhat doctored. Old Henry was probably not a scrupulous type of individual. To date only written to make a story of the cars and the companies owner look reasonable in general. Or perhaps used as a distraction from how ruthless he may have been. Perhaps viewed as an early public relations effort.

A lot of mythology rather than reality was written perhaps. I would be interested in a serious book about the man. Todays Ford empire might try to stop the publishing of it. Or might even encourage it as it now is so long since his passing.

For example I think he used the continuous moving assembly line but did not really invent or develop it. It is thought he cheated many of the earlier investors as well.

The conditions on his assembly lines where horrific in comparison to some other brands. I also think he personally fought the introduction of the unions. So that he could still primarily retain the slave like working conditions he allowed to exist. At the same time some of his paranoia was probably justified.

The dodge brothers for example. An outside parts supply contractor for Ford. . Eventually started their own brand of cars. They were a much better employer in general with no erratic behaviors mentioned in comparison. Treated their workforce far better than Ford as to working conditions.