2007 Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award Goes To FORD Family

The prestigious Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award, for the first time next year, will be given to an entire family and not to a single person. The Petersen Automotive Museum and Hotrod & Restoration have chosen the Ford family as the recipient of the award.

The awarding will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, one of the most influential vehicles from the automaker. The 1932 Ford, otherwise called Model B or Deuce coupe, is highly collectible these days. However, one should be prepared to pay thousands of dollars to restore its original style and appeal. Said vehicle played a significant role in giving birth to the hot rod era.

Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award is scheduled to be given to Edsel B. Ford II, chosen representative of the family, on the second day of March next year. Edsel B. Ford II is the great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company.

"There couldn't be a more fitting family member to represent the Ford family than Edsel B. Ford II," said Dick Messer, director of The Petersen Automotive Museum in a recent press release. "His grandfather, Edsel B. Ford (son of Henry Ford), oversaw the design of the 1932 Ford coupes and roadster, now nicknamed the 'deuce'." Those vehicles are the roots upon which the hot rod niche market has been built."

]Robert E. Petersen, founder of The Petersen Automotive Museum and award namesake noted, "There couldn't be a more appropriate time or appropriate place to honor the Ford family. The 1932 Ford roadster remains the most popular body style among hot rodders and has long been recognized as America's quintessential hot rod. These vehicles formed the foundation for the hot rod movement."

Ford Motor Company, an US multinational corporation Ford in 1903, is the third biggest automaker around the globe. The auto corporation is now made up of several brands that include Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin and Volvo. Ford also owns one-third controlling interest in Mazda. The company has been in continuous family control for more than 100 years.

Ford has introduced numerous remarkable vehicles in the past. Up until now, the third largest automaker is still making big waves in the auto market despite its reported losses in several segments. Current flexible fuel vehicles from the automaker are F-150, Focus, Taurus, Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Car, Crown Victoria, and Ranger.

1986 Ford Crown Victoria parts reflect reliability and durability. Ford Ranger aftermarket parts, consequently, exude quality, style and performance. Also, hybrid electric vehicles from the automaker also created warm acceptance from the auto market. This is especially true with Escape Hybrid. Ford Escape hybrid parts accessories have established a superb reputation in the industry.