A Century on the Road – Ford Australia Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation and Community

April 9, 2025

Ford Australia is officially 100 years young, and our Dealer Principal Nathan was front and centre at the 100 year celebrations in Melbourne. From humble beginnings in Geelong to becoming a household name across the country, Ford marked its legacy with a special “History in the Making” event in Melbourne on April 4 – and everyone was invited to be part of the story.

From the beginning
Founded on March 31, 1925, in Geelong, Victoria, Ford Australia rolled out its first vehicle – the legendary Model T – for just 185 pounds (around $18,500 today). What began as an assembly operation in the Dalgety Wool Store grew rapidly, moving to Corio and expanding to become a vital part of Australia’s automotive landscape.

The Geelong roots run deep. From a century-long partnership with the Geelong Cats (who also celebrate 100 years this year), to a local nickname for the Model T (“the Dalgety”), to the legendary You Yangs Proving Ground in Lara, Ford has helped shape both industry and community across Victoria.

Celebrating the Past, Present and Future
The “History in the Making” event showcased an incredible line-up from Ford’s Heritage Fleet. Fans were able to get up close to the original 1934 Ford Coupe-Ute – a uniquely Aussie invention – the very first 1960 XK Falcon, iconic GT sedans, and legendary motorsport heroes. But, it wasn’t just about the classics – Ford shone a spotlight on its latest innovations, including the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, the powerful Ranger PHEV and the versatile Everest.

Explore Ford’s Digital Time Capsule
To honour the milestone, Ford has added over 2,300 historic brochures and images to the Ford Heritage Vault, a digital treasure trove that now boasts more than 19,000 items. From vintage press releases and old-school Ford Times magazines to rare vehicle photography and concept art, this archive is a true tribute to Ford’s legacy in Australia and beyond.

The road ahead
Whether you grew up in the back of a Falcon wagon, clocked country miles in a Ranger, or dreamt of the rumble of a GT-HO Phase III, Ford has long been part of the Aussie way of life. With 100 years behind the wheel, Ford Australia isn’t just celebrating where it’s been – but where it’s going next.