The art of Ford Times magazine

[Jive-Bomber]

I'm sure some of you have seen the little magazine put out monthly by Ford Motor Co. that was part marketing and part stories, art and Americana. It started back in 1908 as an employee-only publication, but by the late 40s, it flourished into a gener...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

[MODELA30]

thanks bomber i used to work for 2 ford dealerships. just brings back memories. knuck from indiana.

[jadeidol]

Jay check out this book on charley harper. He did art for Ford Times from the 40's to the 80's. i love his stuff.

Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life

http://www.amazon.com/Charley-Harper...9359029&sr=8-4

[duste01]

I think we all yearn for simpler, warmer and friendlier times. Maybe we can talk Ford into making THOSE cars again? Eh?

[JohnJoyo]

Originally Posted by duste01

I think we all yearn for simpler, warmer and friendlier times.

Indeed!

[wizzard23]

My great uncle was a Ford Man . He recieved Ford Times for many years. I always enjoyed them when I was a kid. Hadn't thought of them in years. Thanks for joggen' the noggin.

[BIG JOHN 37]

used to look forward to it coming to the house every month, after my parents bought a brand new 64 Galaxie 500 XL, from F.Day Ford in Plainfield, N.J. Wimbledon White with Blue/silver interior, Ford Times must have come for 10 years after that -

[Bigcheese327]

What a nice dose of nostalgia on a day I needed a pick-me-up.

Thanks, Jive-Bomber.

-Dave

[plan9]

i enjoyed the loose illustrations. advertising/film art of the era is just amazing.... the speed at which these people would work at while creating something visually pleasing is inspiring.

[flamingokid]

I remember my grandparents getting those magazines when I was a kid.I'd forgotten all about them.Thanks for the reminder....Ebay,here I come!

[resinjeff]

i found a bunch of the ford times at a yard sale. they are still in the binders. got em for a buck per binder full. i'll try to upload a pic later.

[vkier]

JEALOUS!!! What was the date range of the ones you got? If ever you're willing to part with some, I'm in the market to buy them.

Originally Posted by resinjeff

i found a bunch of the ford times at a yard sale. they are still in the binders. got em for a buck per binder full. i'll try to upload a pic later.

[cc8888]

Originally Posted by vkier

JEALOUS!!! What was the date range of the ones you got? If ever you're willing to part with some, I'm in the market to buy them.

I have a bunch that are late 40's through the early 60's. Lot's of Harper artwork in the ones I have. If you are still interested contact me

ccinlubbock@hotmail.com

[Dennis D]

Dad bought a new '56 (I believe a Fairlane) blue and white. I would have been 7 at the time, and I remember those magazines. I too had forgotten them until this post. Thanks for bringing the memories back. Dennis
PS Dad wrecked that car on New Years eve. Hit a train at a crossing in Flat River, MO. Said the lights at the crossing were not working and it was a VERY foggy night. I still think he was plastered though.................

[Slick Willy]

When I bought my 63 galaxie there was a full box of Ford Times...must of been every issue from 1958 to the late 60s! That was some good reading for me at 18 years old!

[raceron1120]

Oh yes, some great material for the 'reading room'. Short stories, kind of like a Readers Digest with the car theme. My wife's grand-dad worked for Chrysler from the 20's-50's and they did a similar publication in the mid&late 40s (maybe longer). She has a bunch of them stashed away but this post has me thinking I should pull them out and go thru 'em. The Ford Times and similar pubs reflect the lifestyle of their times.

[Elvisaurusrex]

I know I have a bag of these laying around, I'll try and scan them later.. Crazy artwork in the 60's ones.

[wfo guy]

I didn't save any of the Ford Times but I do have a buyers guide from around 1963 and the owners manual from my 1962 Galaxie 500xl.

[Dzus]

My grandfather was a Ford man and got Ford Times from the 40's to the 60's. He saved them all and ever since I was a little kid I loved reading the short stories. Besides the car stuff there was a wide variety of features of different people and places all over the country. When I became an adult and starting traveling the country on my own every so often I would run across a place featured in one of the articles. It always amazed me to have stumbled across one of them, whether it was exactly the same or radically different.

You mention the art work. When cheap color copiers came about I actually framed blown up photocopies of some of the art work for decor. Charley Harper is just one of dozens of artists work featured.

Anyway, I still have them and occasionally dig them out. The back page says 'This issue of FORD TIMES is sent to you with the compliments of' and then printed is the name of our long gone local Ford dealer, and above all of that is printed my long gone grandfathers name and address. Seeing this takes me back to a place far away and long ago.

[Elvisaurusrex]

I have a bunch more but I'm in a hurry right now, I'll throw some more online later if anyone wants.