Let’s talk about the reverse light.
- Oversteer Cafe
- Apr 11, 2023
- 4 min read
A spurned engineer that paved the way for the future.
Childe Wills may seem peculiar to some but actually, it’s quite an important one. He was part of the initial script that would later form a key part of the ‘Blue Oval’ logo.
Wills, however, was much more than just the face behind Ford’s logo. Born in Indiana in 1878. Being introduced by Henry Ford in 1899 and by 1902 was working alongside him. Wills, a talented draughtsman worked tirelessly to convert Ford’s ideas into reality. In 1903 he was appointed as the chief designer of the newly established Ford Motor Company.
It’s a group effort.
There he then collaborated with Hungarian engineers József Galamb and Eugene Farkas. Who was among other talents – to perfect the design of the Model T of 1908. Besides creating accurate engineering drawings to allow the mass production of cars such as the Model T. Wills was also one of the forces responsible for adopting vanadium steel allow wheels.
The lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant alloy would be used extensively by the company. The high-strength material, used in parts such as the front axle and crankshaft, is one of the reasons the early Fords proved to be rugged and dependable.
Wills also aided in the design of the key assemblies like the transmission, the transverse leaf spring set-up and the removable cylinder head of the Model T’s 2.9-litre engine, which made the servicing and repairs a walk in the park.
He even gained accolades from his help with the configuration, and construction of Ford’s fabled productions line, which was a key element to Fords success.
Nothing is perfect, but this has to be functional enough.
In every occurrence, Wills strove for perfection and ways to deploy the most innovative technologies and materials in the industry. This, however, brought his downfall at Ford, there was no doubt that the Model T was a car that was thriving. In 1909 a total of 10 666 rolled off the line; then ten years later, that figure exploded to 498 432. Its technology and design, however, had been tremendously outdated. Ford didn’t see a point in updating the car as – sales were booming and the production line was perfected.
This led to Wills being extremely frustrated which subsequently caused relations between Henry Ford and Wills to deteriorate. Wills, not keen on wasting his talents, chose part ways with Ford in 1919 and establish his own motor company.
Not being devoid of funds as he got paid $1.5 Million as severance and also accumulated $4 Million of his own. After some clever investments, he ended up with an amount of well over $70 Million.
He promptly established the Wills Sainte Claire company in Michigan in 1920, only about a year after leaving Ford. The aim was to produce high-end, luxury cars. If anything; Wills certainly delivered on that front – as the Will Sainte Claire ‘A-68’ production, which started in January 1921, was packed full of remarkable features.
The first auto reverse light.
Among many other innovative features, the A-68 cam with the world’s first automatic reversing light. Wills had the habit of reversing into fire hydrants. To avoid this issue, and make the cars a bit more livable from day-to-day. He collaborated with engineer Cromwell Halvorson who designed and patented a new type of ‘vehicle light’ in late 1920.
The patent stated that the ‘usual lighting circuit for motor vehicles includes a source of power, headlights and a low-power tail light. In the use of a vehicle provided with such a circuit, no means are provided for illuminating the roadway in the rear of the vehicle. It is often highly desirable in backing the vehicle at night to have an effective rear illumination’
The result from their efforts brought a system that when the reverse gear was engaged, would activate a white reverse light. Illuminating the rear-view. Which would help avoid those pesky fire hydrants.
This was introduced as a standard feature on the A-68 in 1921; European companies such as Volvo wouldn’t introduce automatic reversing lights until 1933 while the likes of Chrysler didn’t standardise them until 1959.
The cost to this high-end luxury did come at a cost, though. The A-68 Tourin cost $3,200 in 1921 – in today’s money that would be equivalent to about $45,000. The roadster commanded $3,275. Just to put it into perspective – a Model T was just $375 around $4,600 in today’s money.
It’s not always about luxury.
This, however, didn’t mean the cars weren’t well received. In fact, due to their smooth-running V8’s the demand was high. By October 1921, the was reported that as many as 30 was built a day. More improvements were in store, including hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes in 1924.
Sadly though, due to the depression of 1920 and 1921 the companies finances took a toll and the continual changes and developments were curtailed. Unlike Ford’s fixed designs and production regime, resulting in many a delayed order. Many disappointed customers and cancelled orders.
Wills, who didn’t have the restraint and management capabilities of Ford was forced into liquidation by 1927. Few of the cars survived and many of their engineering breakthroughs would be used and mandated by law for all manufacturers to use. Solidifying Wills’ legacy as well as Sainte Claire company.
Wills would continue to work in the automotive industry, sadly in 1940 he lapsed into a diabetes-induced coma and passed away two days later at the age of 62.
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