In reading the recent Wall Street Journal obituaries, I found myself reflecting back to my beloved childhood. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, I have first-hand knowledge of what it was like to be among the youth of America, yearning for freedom and expression. I chuckle now in realizing how free we actually were then. We were like that of the wild horses in the American West, free to roam and play in those simpler times. As I read the obituary of Hal Sperlich, a trailblazer to the automotive industry and champion of the Ford Mustang, I cannot help but smile at the parallels of how Sperlich embodied the burgeoning youth market of those days in the same way one might tame a wild colt on the Western frontier.
The Departed passed away at the beautiful age of 95, gifting the world many decades of monumental contributions to the automotive industry. Akin to that of being his own wild mustang, Sperlich was an untamed visionary who was always ahead of the herd. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, and earning his industrial/mechanical degree from the University of Michigan in 1951, it is no surprise that Sperlich went on to work for the automotive industry. Making his mark with the Ford Mustang in 1964, Sperlich transformed the automotive experience into a spirited and affordable car that resonated with young drivers nationwide. According to the article, the Mustang’s immediate success sold over 400,000 cars in its first year.
I admire that the wild success of the Mustang did not stifle Sperlich’s innovative spirit. He had an innate ability to anticipate consumer needs, focus on efficiency and practicality without compromising style. According to the Wall Street Journal obit, “Sperlich’s foresight led to the development of the Ford Fiesta, the company’s first front-wheel-drive, transvers-engine offering, which was a significant shift toward compact fuel-efficient vehicles.” Amidists the oil crisis of the 1970s, Sperlich was yet again showcasing his ability to answer the call of consumer’s needs.
However, Sperlich’s journey was not without challenges. His relentless pursuit of innovation often set him apart from his peers, much like a wild mustang leading the pack. His proposal for a compact, front-wheel-drive van—a precursor to the modern minivan—was met with resistance at Ford, ultimately leading to his departure. Undeterred, Sperlich joined Chrysler in 1977, where he found fertile ground for his groundbreaking ideas. There, he played a pivotal role in developing the Chrysler minivan. This innovation not only revolutionized family transportation, but also rescued Chrysler from financial turmoil, showcasing Sperlich’s visionary prowess. He retired from Chrysler in 1988 and was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sperlich’s career serves as a testament to the necessity of creativity, innovation, and persistence in the highly competitive business world—a topic which I cover with my students on the daily. Sperlich’s ability to envision and execute concepts that others deemed too risky or unconventional underscores the importance of challenging the status quo to achieve success.
Reflecting on his legacy, I find myself imagining if I ever had the opportunity to have a conversation with Sperlich, I would hope it could be while joyriding in that of a sleek 1960s Mustang, as we cruise the Rocky Mountains. Such a setting seems fitting to learn more about the man whose spirit mirrored that of the wild mustang—free, unbridled, and always forging new paths. His story is a powerful reminder that true innovation often requires venturing into uncharted territories, embracing the wildness within, and daring to lead where others hesitate to follow.
Dearly Departed profiles are the musings of SC Innovates’ Director and SmartState Endowed Chair Laura B. Cardinal. Cardinal is an academic researcher and teaches Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation at the University of South Carolina (USC) Darla Moore School of Business Professional MBA program. Her series of courses includes the Strategic Innovation Certificate. Cardinal’s courses offer a unique fusion of innovation, business strategy, science, and technology.