Auto industry / Science & invention
Eugene Farkas
1881–1963 · automotive engineer, Model T and Fordson tractor designer
Hungarian-born Ford engineer who helped tool up the Model T and was chief engineer of the Fordson tractor.
- Born
Káld, Hungary- Died
aged 81- Birth name
- Farkas Jenő
- Also known as
- Farkas Jenő
- Detroit years
- 1907–1947
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Farkas was born in Káld, Hungary, the son of a wagon builder, and earned a mechanical engineering degree in Budapest. He arrived in New York in 1906 knowing only a few words of English, worked at Maxwell-Briscoe, and in September 1907 joined Ford in Detroit. In early 1908 he designed tools and fixtures for the new Model T. He left to become chief engineer of Cartercar, a GM brand in Pontiac, then returned to Ford by 1913 and settled in Detroit. In 1915 Charles Sorensen picked him as chief engineer for a purpose-built Ford tractor, which became the Fordson. He also worked on Ford's wartime projects and its experimental X-engine. A keen dancer, he reportedly entertained Henry Ford with Hungarian folk dances. He retired in 1947 and moved to California, where he spent his last years.
Highlights
- Joined Ford Motor Company in September 1907
- Designed tooling and fixtures for the Model T in 1908
- Chief engineer of Cartercar in Pontiac, 1909–1912
- Chief engineer of the Fordson tractor project from 1915
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Worked here · 1907–1909
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Ford's plant when he joined in 1907 and helped prepare Model T production; today a museum.