Ford Builds the Ford Vault to House Its Automotive Collection

Ford is finally building a permanent home for its automotive history in Romulus, Michigan.

For decades, the company’s internal policy dictated that once a vehicle’s useful lifespan ended, it was to be sold, donated, or trashed.

This lack of a centralized preservation strategy meant that, until now, there has never been an official museum operated by the Blue Oval in the United States to showcase its past and present lineup. According to a report from Road & Track, that era of discarding history is ending with the creation of the Ford Vault.

The new facility, described as a warehouse-like building located roughly 20 miles from Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, exists because of a directive from CEO Jim Farley.

After three years of acquiring specialized vehicles and unearthing units that had been previously hidden away, the collection has grown to include 125 cars and trucks. While the Ford Vault is not yet open to the general public, Ford intends to eventually open its doors to everyone.

Ford opens new 79,000-square-foot Vault showcasing 125 vehicles — CBS Detroit

Rare prototypes and racing legends take center stage

The collection relies on a mix of Ford-owned assets and a rotating selection of vehicles on loan from private collectors. Road & Track reported that about 15 vehicles currently on display are loans, a practice Ford plans to continue to ensure the collection remains fresh for returning visitors.

Among the most significant pieces in the warehouse is a 1999 Mustang V-10 prototype. This vehicle represents an ambitious skunkworks project from the era when engineers were searching for a powertrain for the 2005 Ford GT.

To create the 351-cubic-inch engine, builders combined two modular 4.6-liter V-8 engine blocks. The prototype was kept off the official books for decades to ensure its survival, and it now sits as a centerpiece in the Vault.

A behind-the-scenes look at Ford's Vault — CBS Detroit

The Ford GT lineage is heavily represented in the new hall. One standout is the “Petunia” concept, which debuted at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. While it closely resembles the production 2005 GT, the concept features distinct headlight and fog light designs, along with unique vents and body openings.

The collection also features a high-profile trio of 1966 Ford GT40s that swept the podium at Le Mans. These cars are currently on loan to coincide with the launch of Ford’s new Le Mans Hypercar.

A diverse mix of enthusiast and concept models

The Vault is not limited to high-performance racing machines; it also preserves the smaller, more accessible parts of the Ford brand. This includes a 2008 Ford Ka, which is the last first-generation example to roll off the assembly line, boasting fewer than 10 miles on the odometer. The collection also houses enthusiast-focused models such as the Ford Focus SVT, Contour SVT, Fiesta ST, and Focus ST.

Ford Builds the Ford Vault to House Its Automotive Collection

The diversity of the collection is further highlighted by several one-off creations and specialized off-roaders:

Ford Mustang Ute Concept: A unique creation built by Ford’s EVB Metal Shop using a Ranger bed and a Mustang decklid as a tailgate.
1967 Baja 1000 Bronco: Prepared by Bill Stroppe for the Mexican 1000, this was the first of four Broncos built for off-road rally competition.
Ford Mustang Cobra R Collection: A display of three first-production examples from 1993, 1995, and 2000.

The museum even serves as a temporary caretaker for private collections. A 1934 Ford Pickup belonging to Jay Leno is currently being kept safe and dry in the facility. The vehicle was purchased by Leno about a decade ago to mimic his original pickup and will eventually be returned to California for use on Jay Leno’s Garage.

Ford Vault showcases history of motor company — CTV News

While some may view the creation of a museum as a luxury expense for a manufacturer, the move changes how Ford manages its corporate legacy and brand equity. By moving away from a “use and discard” model, the company is investing in a tangible narrative of its engineering evolution, from the ruggedness of the Stroppe Broncos to the precision of the Cobra R series.

Whether the Ford Vault will eventually rival the institutional presence of the Porsche or Mercedes-Benz museums is uncertain, as the facility is still in its early stages of curation. Ford has not yet announced a specific date for when the doors will officially open to the general public.