1896 first working Ford car was completed. 1903 Henry Ford and 11 backers founded in the Ford Motor Company. Raced out on the ice of Lake St. Clair in his "999" race car and made a land speed record of a mile in 39.4 seconds, 1904. Used cross-country racing to prove vehicle's worth. Introduced Model T in 1908. Evolved assembly-line production. Early backer of the Indianapolis 500. He died in 1947.