The art of Ford Times magazine

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 general interest magazine with articles on travel and culture. It also went ‘pocket size’ in the 1940s (Henry Ford said it should fit into the pocket of a man’s suit). What I love about it most are the warm illustrations showing idealized American cities and a charming life as a casual traveler. As a Ford consumer publication, its purpose was “to present a view of America through the windshield.” Its whole goal was to solidify Ford’s relationship with its dealers and to be a monthly reminder to customers and prospects about what that dealer had to offer… A slice of America the Beautiful behind the wheel of a Ford.