The story of Lean Manufacturing truly begins with Ford and his revolutionary automobile manufacturing company in the 18th century. Students of the history of Lean usually start with Ford. Here are some shots from an original Ford Model T body parts catalog. The front and back covers are missing, so I don't know what the title and printing date are. Attached files: MVC-001F.JPG File size: 75. Views: 3,723. MVC-002F.JPG File size: 84. Views: 3,219. MVC-003F.JPG File size: 74. Views: 3,972 . MVC-004F.JPG, To the casual contemporary look, the Ford Model T looks like a comical old car: black with a tall, unsightly interior - men kept their hats on back then - a small engine. To the casual contemporary eye, the Ford Model T looks like a comical old car: black with a high, unsightly interior - men kept their hats on back then - a small engine. Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company was officially incorporated, but many events occurred in the years leading up to that date that affected its founder. Henry Ford was born in Dearborn, Michigan, to an Irish immigrant father and an orphan mother. The Fords were Michigan farmers.