Topic: Motorcraft vs Autolite Name Usage

[9F94M567042]

Evening Folks,
I'll try and ask a more appropriate question this time.
What came first, the Motorcraft or Autolite name?
I'm asking this in regards to parts. When were parts labeled
with the Motorcraft name and when were parts labeled with
the Autolite name?
For example, I have a pair of original rear HD shocks that are
labeled Motorcraft. Original alternator is labeled Autolite.
Voltage regulator is also labeled Autolite as well as other electrical items (harnesses)
When seeking originality, when should it be one or the other?
Thanks

[carlite65]

autolite was first.

[RoyceP]

in 1969 Motorcraft did not exist. Autolite was it.

[PerkinsRestoration]

Motorcraft was initially introduced in late 71 model year. The change in name was gradual over the following years. Spark plugs remained Autolite  then they were packaged Autolite /Motorcraft,  then Motorcraft. All due to monopoly case.

[67gta289]

From what I read, the Motorcraft name was introduced by Ford in the 1950's, but it was not considered successful in terms of market share.  The name was put on ice when Ford bought Autolite in 1961 which was a huge supplier and had been for many decades prior to the purchase by Ford.

After Ford lost the antitrust lawsuit and was forced to spin off Autolite in 1972, they resurrected the Motorcraft name.

[PerkinsRestoration]

The 50's version was nick named witchcraft and used black and yellow colors,rather than the orange and white. It was way before the 1966 GT 40 logo of Autolite & 70's Motorcraft. Green sales has an original Black & Yellow dealer sign.