Alexander Malcomson


1865 - 1923

Businessman and co-founder of the Ford Motor Company. Born in Dalry (North Ayrshire), Malcomson emigrated to the USA at the age of 15, with his widowed father, to join other members of his family. He began working in a grocer's shop in Detroit but soon started his own business. By 1902 he was a successful coal dealer in the city, with interests in a coalfield in West Virginia and a processing plant in Toledo, Ohio.

Malcomson knew Henry Ford and agreed to contribute $3000 towards the development of Ford's Model A car in 1902, through a company that was initially known as Ford & Malcomson. His investment in the Ford Motor Company grew to $7000 and he was able to bring substantial financial backing from others. Malcomson wanted to increase profits, and thought luxury cars represented the most lucrative market. Ford disagreed and Malcomson was forced out in 1906, selling his shares to Ford for $175,000. He continued with other car-building ventures.

Already an exceptionally wealthy man, Malcomson died of pneumonia in Ann Arbor (Michigan) when only 59.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better