Unfortunately for the A.L.A.M., Ford's successes were just around the corner. And the A.L.A.M.'s adverse decision fostered the public perception of Henry Ford as the "little guy" against the controlling conglomerate. Their decision came back to haunt them by providing all the free publicity Henry Ford could use, and with it (through resulting vigorous sales) the needed capital to fight them.
If it had not been for the headaches provided by Ford, it is almost certain that Thomas Jeffery would have been one of the earliest serious targets of the A.L.A.M.'s litigation formula for success. If it were not for Henry Ford, it is possible that Jeffery would have been thrust into a similar role. And considering the eventual outcome of the court battles, today we would perhaps see the name, Jeffery, as one of the "big three" automakers, instead of Ford.
Copyright 2005, Dan Cooper
Sources and references:
William Greenleaf, Monopoly on Wheels (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1961).
Dan Cooper, Older Books II: More reading choices from the past
H.O. Duncan, The World on Wheels (Paris, France, 1926).
Automobile Trader Journal, XXIX, No. 6.
Hiram P. Maxim, Horseless Carriage Days (New York, 1937).
Additional helpful Websites:
Melvin D. Barger, How Henry Ford Zapped a Licensing Monopoly
The Art of Invention, The Automobile-"Road Engine" George B. Selden
John H. Lienhard, Seldon's Automobile. This site has a photo of Selden at the wheel of the "Benzene Buggy" road engine.
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