C. Harold Wills
Childe Harold Wills | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 30, 1940 (aged 62) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Engineer, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Early collaboration with Henry Ford, development of the Model T, founder of Wills Sainte Claire |
Childe Harold Wills (June 1, 1878 – December 30, 1940) was an American engineer and entrepreneur, known for his early collaboration with Henry Ford and significant input in the development of the Model T. After parting ways with Ford, he launched his own automotive enterprise.
Early career
Wills was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1878 and relocated with his family to Detroit by 1885. He honed talents in both commercial artistry and mechanical engineering, acquiring knowledge of metallurgy and mechanics from his father, who worked as a railroad mechanic. At age 17, Wills began a four-year toolmaking apprenticeship at the Detroit Lubricator Company, simultaneously attending evening classes in metallurgy, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. By 23, he had advanced to chief engineer at the Boyer Machine Co., which later became the Burroughs Adding Machine Co.
Ford Motor Company
In 1899, Wills sought part-time work with Henry Ford at the Detroit Automobile Company. By 1902, he had transitioned to full-time employment, assisting Ford with early race cars such as the 999 and Arrow. When Ford established the Ford Motor Company in 1903, Wills assumed the role of chief designer and metallurgist. Although he was not permitted to purchase stock, Ford awarded him 10% of dividends.
Wills recruited Peter E. Martin in 1903 and worked closely with Ford on initial vehicle designs. Understanding the value of lightweight yet durable nickel-chrome vanadium steel for large-scale manufacturing, Wills secured a supplier by 1907; this alloy was utilized in the Ford Model N produced at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. He was instrumental in creating the Ford Model T, contributing to features such as its planetary transmission and removable cylinder head. Wills also crafted the famous "Ford" script logo. During World War I, he managed production of the Liberty engine.
In 1904, Wills wed Mabel Preston with Henry Ford serving as best man. The couple had two daughters following the loss of a son shortly after birth. In 1914, Wills married Mary Coyne and fathered two sons.
Initially close allies, Wills' rapport with Ford declined over time, influenced partly by Charles E. Sorensen’s opposition. In 1919, amid Ford’s buyout of minority shareholders, Wills requested an accounting of his profit-sharing and received a severance package totaling $1.5 million. Additionally, he had amassed $4 million through investments in steel companies.
After Ford
With his financial resources, Wills established his own car company, Wills Sainte Claire, setting up a manufacturing plant north of Detroit after exploring the region aboard his yacht, the Tashmu. He redesigned and relocated the town of Marysville, Michigan, situating it near today’s town park and Chrysler Plant. The company debuted its first vehicle, the Gray Goose, in 1921; it featured automotive industry’s pioneering back-up lights—an innovation prompted by Wills’ frequent collisions with fire hydrants. Despite this advancement, its $3,000 price tag restricted sales and caused ongoing financial deficits. The company operated at a loss each year until closing in 1927; Chrysler later purchased the facility in 1933.
Subsequently, Wills joined Ruxton and later consulted as a metallurgist for Chrysler. His patents continued to generate revenue. After suffering a stroke in 1940, Wills passed away soon after at Henry Ford Hospital. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
External links
- C. Harold Wills featured at the Wills Auto Museum
- C. Harold Wills listed in the Automotive Hall of Fame