Plans have been completed for the Driven By Design exhibit at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. The first exhibit, which will include three rare vehicles, will be housed in the visitor center. Both the exhibit and center will open in spring 2020.
The world’s only 1939 Lincoln Continental prototype, the 1932 Ford Model 18 Speedster, and the 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster will be displayed in the exhibit, which will provide a deeper understanding of Edsel Ford’s interest in design and his partnership with E.T. “Bob” Gregorie, Ford’s chief designer, as well as explore the evolution of automotive design.
“We added the 1939 Lincoln Continental prototype to our collection in 2018, and this exhibit will be the first time in history these three vehicles will be in the same room, let alone at Ford House,” says Mark Heppner, president and CEO of Ford House. “Driven By Design will celebrate Edsel Ford’s role in elevating design in automotive styling and will capture his design influence at Ford Motor Co.”
Visitors will have a close-up view of the cars and access to a hands-on activity exploring the creative process behind designing cars.
The center will include a restaurant, museum shop, rental space, classrooms, and exhibit galleries. The exhibits were designed by Luci Creative, and both buildings were designed by architectural firm SmithGroup and constructed by Frank Rewold and Son Inc.
A sneak peek of the 1939 Lincoln Continental prototype will be offered during the annual Father’s Day EyesOn Design car show on Sunday, June 16, at the Ford House (event information link is below). The vehicle will not be on display again before the exhibition opens.
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Rd. and has welcomed visitors since 1978. It offers tours, family activities, lectures, exhibits, and gardens and grounds events. Information on the house is available here. Information on the EyesOn Design car show is available here.
