Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were friends. Ford, since he was a child, looked up to Edison and ended up working for him as an engineer at the Edison Illuminating Company.

They officially appear to have met at a convention sponsored by Edison's company. Someone introduced Ford to Edison as, "There's a young fellow who has made a gas car."

Edison and Ford talked for some time and then Edison showed his approval and excitement about Ford's invention by banging his fist down on the table. "Young man," he said, "that's the thing! You have it! Your car is self contained and carries its own power plant."