The Ford Air Tours 1925 - 1931

This is the full history of the Ford Reliability Tour, which was an efficiency contest held every year from 1925 through 1931. Initially called the Commercial Airplane Reliability Tour, they were subsequently promoted as "The Commercial Airplane Reliability Tour for the Edsel B. Ford Trophy", sometimes shortened to the Ford Reliability Tour and later, the National Air Tour. The tour gave airplane builders an opportunity to take their latest models around the country in a well-publicized contest also meant to convince the man on the ground he should take to the air. In the year of 2003, we celebrated the Centennial of Powered Flight as well as the Centennial of the Ford Motor Company. It was 75 years ago that the National Air Tours were at their zenith as well. This heavily illustrated reprint of a 1973 publication also includes maps and results tables. 202 pgs., 350+ B&W photos, 8½"x 11", sfbd.