Ford Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Historic Vehicle Exhibition at Union Station

Historic Ford vehicles are currently on display within the Main Hall of Union Station as part of a free public exhibition running from July 1 to July 14. (Credit: Ford Motor Company)

In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Ford is transforming one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic transit hubs into a showcase of American industrial innovation and automotive history.

The automaker has launched “Driving America Forward,” a complimentary exhibit at Union Station that explores Ford’s 123-year influence on American life, spanning its impact on manufacturing, World War II efforts, agriculture, motorsports, and popular culture.

The exhibition is scheduled to run from July 1 through July 14, coinciding with the millions of visitors expected in the capital for Fourth of July festivities.

Historic Ford vehicles are displayed throughout Union Station’s Main Hall for the automaker’s “Driving America Forward” exhibit. (Ford Motor Company)

Ted Ryan, Ford’s heritage and brand manager, noted that Union Station was selected due to its high foot traffic and stunning architectural design.

“Union Station was chosen because it is so incredibly visited,” Ryan explained. “The setting is just spectacular—the marble floors and vaulted ceilings provide a beautiful venue to display these extraordinary vehicles.”

Ryan stated that the primary objective is for visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of Ford’s contributions beyond simple vehicle assembly.

A 1966 Stroppe Baja Racer Bronco is featured in Ford’s free public exhibit at Union Station.

“We want people to walk away with a new perspective on Ford’s diverse history,” Ryan said.

The collection includes a variety of significant models, such as the final Model T ever produced. Ryan noted that the Model T, which debuted in 1908, revolutionized transportation and once represented 57% of all automobiles worldwide.

Other notable vehicles on display include a 1928 Model A Roadster, a 1934 Flatbed Ford V8 pickup on loan from Jay Leno, a 1941 Ford GP, a 1951 Ford tractor, a 1954 F-100, a 1964 Mustang from the New York World’s Fair ride, and a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, among others.

A 1934 Flathead Ford V-8 pickup is displayed inside Ford’s “Driving America Forward” exhibit at Union Station in Washington, D.C. (Ford Motor Company)

Ryan explained that the selection of vehicles was intended to demonstrate Ford’s versatility, illustrating its presence in agriculture, industry, military history, and racing.

The exhibit also features archival displays highlighting lesser-known technological advancements, such as early mail-sorting systems, barcode and ZIP code readers, and Ford’s contributions to the development of Mission Control in Houston for the Apollo program.

“The exhibit is free and open to the public,” Ryan concluded. “We invite everyone to visit Union Station, enjoy the climate-controlled environment, and experience these stunning pieces of automotive history.”

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