American Automotive Industry Icon - Henry Leland

Oct. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Henry Martyn Leland, one of the legendary American automotive pioneers, was nicknamed the "Grand Old Man of Detroit". Better known as the founder of Cadillac and Lincoln, Leland left a strong mark in the automotive history. He was always looking to make business deals, sell cars and conquer the market. Any entrepreneur can find a valuable lesson on business practice in this short story. Henry Leland insisted on the engineering perfection all his life. He wanted to make the most expensive and the most exclusive vehicle in the world.

Henry was born in 1843 on a small family farm in Vermont, where no one could ever imagine the potential he had. Leland became one of the automotive industry leaders with his innovations. Through the years he worked side by side with Henry Ford and Walter Chrysler, as well as the greatest engineers and designers of his time. From a very young age, Henry Leland showed a great interest in machine technology. He worked as an apprentice machinist in a local company at first. Over time, Henry perfected his skills in precise material manufacturing and became one of the first experts on mass production. Learn more about Henry Leland in our database (http://oldtimerbase.com/IconHenryLeland.html).

Ransom Eli Olds, the founder of Olds Vehicle Company, eventually invited Leland in the automotive industry to help him produce the newest Oldsmobile car model. Leland began manufacturing high quality transmission system, one on the best on the market. With many good deals that followed Henry Leland earned great influence and financial assets. He saved Henry Ford's second company, helping it to develop as the Cadillac brand in 1902. Henry Leland always showed a great deal of patience for any engineering issue that his company faced at the time. Unfortunately, his stubborn nature and direct approach created conflicts with important business partners.

The management of Cadillac

The car industry was unproven ground for many investors and only a rare few were brave enough to invest their time and money. When William Durant offered to buy Cadillac from the current owners, it was only a matter of price. Wilfred Leland was given the responsibility to close the deal. General Motors bought Cadillac for $4.5 million in 1909. Henry Leland decided to stay as the Cadillac President after Durant promised him the creative freedom in managing the company. Learn more about William Durant in our database (http://oldtimerbase.com/IconWilliamDurant.html).

With 70 years, Henry Leland was still active in the new General Motors division. His perfectionism and passion simply did not allow him to retire. When his philosophy collided with Durant's ambition to dominate the automotive industry, Henry Leland left the company. With his son Wilfred, Leland founded Lincoln Motor Company named after his favorite President. The new company planned to build engines for the war effort that was destroying Europe. United States of America officially entered the conflict in 1917.

When United States government canceled their contract to build engines, Lincoln Motor Company faced a serious problem. Henry Leland tried to create a new brand of luxury car in order to save his investment. The 1921 Lincoln Model L was their prime product. However, the American market was weak and sales were rapidly declining.

The role of Henry Ford

Leland approached Henry Ford and asked him for a loan. Ford was one of the richest people in the world. But he refused to help and promised to invest only if the worst case happens. When Lincoln Company went into receivership, Ford Motor Company purchased it for $8 million. People viewed Henry Ford as the savior of Lincoln. He allowed Henry Leland to run the company. As time passed by Henry Ford gained more influence in the core business and finally removed Henry Leland from Lincoln.

Henry Ford positioned his son Edsel as the President of Lincoln Motor Company. Edsel showed great fascination with car design and development. He wanted to introduce modern styling in the car building process. Edsel was trying to make the best car in the world. The quality craftsmanship of Lincoln Model K or Lincoln Continental remains a strong proof of his important role in the development of Lincoln brand. Learn more information on Henry Ford in our database at (http://oldtimerbase.com/IconHenryFord.html).