To many people, a hero may be a comic book figure, the best football player or the most popular musician. But to some, a hero may be a person long since dead, such as the quiet engineer, Henry Ford. Henry Ford's craftsmanship, mechanical ability, determination, vision, and generosity built a legend in automobile manufacture. He began a revolution in transportation. Many were to follow, but his craftsmanship remained of the highest standard.
Craftsmanship was the basis of Ford's automobiles, as shown in the delicate work of the first cars. "Ford's crafting style was beyond anything in its time"(Italia 33). Ford's styling surpassed any other carmaker in his day, because his talent and artistic ability was the greatest of that era. Ford knew what he was doing, showing that he was an automotive hero in the making. "It is without a doubt the greatest creation in automobiles ever placed before people"(Italia 34). A car dealer said this of the Model T, Ford's greatest accomplishment. His craftsmanship and regard for the working class shows a pure example of a hero. "But Henry Ford did make the decision to adopt the process. And in doing so, Ford became an American hero"(Italia 36). The author speaks of the assembly line, the fast and cheap way to build cars. Through improving the economy and utilizing his craftsmanship for others, Ford is a great American hero. Through his craftsmanship shone his mechanical ability, without which the Ford Motor Company may never had begun.
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Ford's mechanical skills were exemplary, as shown in the durability of his autos. "Machinery fascinated Henry, and his mother called him a "born mechanic""(Kent 7). Ford possessed exceptional mechanical skills, including the ability to design and build his own .
internal combustion engine. Only heroes such as Ford are born with the wisdom to learn and exploit their skills. "The Model T, introduced in 1908, was a marvel of its day.