A few Random Thoughts
Well this has little to do with wine but everything. I just returned from the Willistead Concours d'Elegance and I have a few words for Mr. Bill Ford Jr. Nothing mean since I really care that your company does well again, so this is with love rather than vinegar.
Sir: I realize that your family firm is not doing too well right now. As I live in Windsor this has a major impact on my life. Let me remind you that other than my lawn ornament that masqueraded as a car, I now drive my first non Ford vehicle.
Please take all your designers and lock them in the Henry Ford Museum: you know your grand dad's place and make them spend a few days with the Lincoln and Ford cars from the 30's. Let them see what made the company great. Why?? Cos grand dad made some of the best cars on earth and face your current crew makes some nasty vehicles. Let them see the beauty, the lines, the basic joi de vie. Make them realize that the original Zephyr was stunning and state of the art. I was amazed at the beauty of Henry's creations. Other than the Auburns they were just soo right so beautiful and the nicest of their era. Leave them there for a day or two, then give em a lunch and take them to Willow Run and explain to them how your grandfather built the Liberator plant in 18 months and basically saved our collective butt in WW2. If they haven't got any fire by then, give them a road map and a pat on the back. Those left, load on a bus and take them to Auburn Indiana to see Auburns and Cords at their museum. Let them get the drive and inspiration back.
Face it until the sixties, Detroit made the best cars in the world and Ford led the pack. The seventies went bad and the new cars, well they lack something. Force your staff to understand what your grand dad had, then come out and kick some foreign butt. We all know you can do it and basically we all are depending on it.
Regards
Jim
Ps: next year I'd like to see a car whose owner is Bill Ford Jr- one Robert Lutz was displaying his Cunningham, a very cool car
