FORD MOTOR CO
S-4/A, 1995-10-27
MOTOR VEHICLES & PASSENGER CAR BODIES
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 27, 1995
    
 
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-62761
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             WASHINGTON D.C. 20549
 
                               ------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
   
                                       TO
    
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               ------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
          FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I                            FORD MOTOR COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
</TABLE>
 
                               ------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
                       DELAWARE                                              DELAWARE
           (State or other jurisdiction of                       (State or other jurisdiction of
            incorporation or organization)                        incorporation or organization)
                     APPLIED FOR                                            38-0549190
         (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)                  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
                  THE AMERICAN ROAD                                     THE AMERICAN ROAD
               DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121                              DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
                    (313) 322-3000                                        (313) 322-3000
            (Address and telephone number                         (Address and telephone number
           of principal executive offices)                       of principal executive offices)
</TABLE>
 
                           -------------------------
 
                                 J.M. RINTAMAKI
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
                               THE AMERICAN ROAD
                            DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
                                 (313) 322-3000
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
 
                           -------------------------
 
                                    Copy To:
 
                              ARBIE R. THALACKER
                             SHEARMAN & STERLING
                              599 LEXINGTON AVE.
                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
 
                           -------------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other
conditions to the Exchange Offer (the "Offer") described in the enclosed
Prospectus have been satisfied or waived.
 
     If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box: / /
   
                           -------------------------
    
 
     THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
 
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
 
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
               PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K SHOWING
 
                  LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS OF ITEMS OF FORM S-4
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           FORM S-4 ITEM NO.                                   CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
     --------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
 1.  Forepart of Registration Statement and
       Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus......................   Outside Front Cover Page; Inside Front
                                                                        Cover Page
 2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of Prospectus.......   Inside Front Cover Page; Available
                                                                        Information; Incorporation of Certain
                                                                        Documents by Reference; Table of
                                                                        Contents
 3.  Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Other
       Information.................................................   Prospectus Summary; Special
                                                                        Considerations Relating to the Offer;
                                                                        Ford Motor Company; Selected
                                                                        Financial Data and Other Data of
                                                                        Ford; Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
                                                                        Charges; Ford Motor Company Capital
                                                                        Trust I
 4.  Terms of the Transaction......................................   Prospectus Summary; Comparison of
                                                                        Preferred Securities and Depositary
                                                                        Shares; Capitalization; The Offer;
                                                                        Description of the Preferred
                                                                        Securities; Description of the
                                                                        Preferred Securities Guarantee;
                                                                        Description of the Junior
                                                                        Subordinated Debentures; Taxation
 5.  Pro Forma Financial Information...............................   Not Applicable
 6.  Material Contacts with the Company Being Acquired.............   Not Applicable
 7.  Additional Information Required for Reoffering by
       Persons and Parties Deemed to be Underwriters...............   Not Applicable
 8.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel........................   Legal Matters
 9.  Disclosure of Commission Position on
       Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities..............   Not Applicable
10.  Information with Respect to S-3 Registrants...................   Incorporation of Certain Documents by
                                                                        Reference
11.  Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.............   Incorporation of Certain Documents by
                                                                        Reference
12.  Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3 Registrants............   Not Applicable
13.  Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.............   Not Applicable
14.  Information with Respect to Registrants
       Other than S-3 or S-2 Registrants...........................   Not Applicable
15.  Information with Respect to S-3 Companies.....................   Not Applicable
16.  Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3 Companies..............   Not Applicable
17.  Information with Respect to Companies
       Other Than S-3 or S-2 Companies.............................   Not Applicable
18.  Information if Proxies, Consents or
       Authorizations are to be Solicited..........................   Not Applicable
19.  Information if Proxies, Consents or Authorizations
       are not to be Solicited or in an Exchange Offer.............   Incorporation of Certain Documents by
                                                                        Reference
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   3
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
 
   
             9% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIESSM ("TOPRSSM")
    
               (LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY AND
        GUARANTEED TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH HEREIN BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY)
 
          FOR UP TO 44,600,000 OUTSTANDING SERIES B DEPOSITARY SHARES,
                    EACH REPRESENTING 1/2,000 OF A SHARE OF
                      SERIES B CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
                                       OF
 
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
                        THE OFFER, THE PRORATION PERIOD
                       AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE
   
          AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON DECEMBER 7, 1995,
    
                         UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
                            ------------------------
 
   
     Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust
(the "Trust"), hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Prospectus and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (the 
"Letter of Transmittal" which, together with this Prospectus, constitute the 
"Offer"), to exchange its 9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities(SM) 
("TOPrSSM"), representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in the 
assets of the Trust (the "Preferred Securities"), for up to 44,600,000 of the 
outstanding Series B Depositary Shares ("Depositary Shares"), each 
representing 1/2,000 of a share of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (the 
"Series B Preferred") of Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation ("Ford"). 
Exchanges will be made on the basis of one Preferred Security for each 
Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for exchange in the Offer. As of
the date of this Prospectus, there are 45,600,000 Depositary Shares outstanding.
Depositary Shares not accepted for exchange because of proration will be
returned. Concurrent with the issuance of Preferred Securities in exchange for
Depositary Shares validly tendered in the Offer, Ford will deposit in the Trust
as trust assets its 9% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2025 (the "Junior
Subordinated Debentures"), having an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities and the proceeds
received upon issuance of the Common Securities to be issued by the Trust.
    
                                                          (cover page continues)
 
                            ------------------------
 
SEE "SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THE OFFER" STARTING ON PAGE 15 FOR A
  DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS RELATING TO THE PREFERRED SECURITIES THAT
     SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY INVESTORS, INCLUDING THE PERIOD AND
       CIRCUMSTANCES DURING AND UNDER WHICH PAYMENTS ON THE JUNIOR
        SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES MAY BE
          DEFERRED AND THE RELATED FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.
                            ------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR BY ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
     THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
       COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
        PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
        OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
     Merrill Lynch & Co., Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers, PaineWebber Incorporated and Smith Barney
Inc. have been retained as Dealer Managers to solicit exchanges of Depositary
Shares for Preferred Securities. See "The Offer -- Dealer Managers; Soliciting
Dealers". Chemical Bank has been retained as Exchange Agent in connection with
the Offer. Georgeson & Company Inc. has been retained to act as Information
Agent to assist in connection with the Offer.
                            ------------------------
 
                     The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
          DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
                     A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
                               GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                                        LEHMAN BROTHERS
                                               PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                                                     SMITH BARNEY INC.
 
   
                The date of this Prospectus is          , 1995.
    
 
(SM)"Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co.
<PAGE>   4
 
     NEITHER THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FORD, FORD, THE TRUSTEES NOR THE TRUST
MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER
OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING IN THE OFFER. HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE URGED
TO CONSULT THEIR FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS IN MAKING THEIR DECISIONS ON WHAT
ACTION TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
     IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER, HOLDERS (AS DEFINED HEREIN) OF
DEPOSITARY SHARES MUST SUBMIT A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND COMPLY WITH THE OTHER
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN
AND IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE (AS DEFINED
HEREIN). SEE "THE OFFER -- PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING".
 
   
     For a description of the other terms of the Offer, see "The Offer -- Terms
of the Offer", "-- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination", "--
Withdrawal of Tenders" and "-- Acceptance of Shares and Proration". Consummation
of the Offer is conditioned on, among other things, receipt of at least
12,000,000 validly tendered Depositary Shares, which condition may be waived.
The Preferred Securities have been approved for listing on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "F Pr T", subject to notice of issuance.
In order to satisfy the NYSE listing requirements, acceptance of Depositary
Shares validly tendered in the Offer is subject to the condition that as of the
Expiration Date there be at least 400 record or beneficial holders of at least
1,000,000 Preferred Securities to be issued in exchange for such Depositary
Shares (the "Minimum Distribution Condition"), which condition may not be
waived. See "The Offer -- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination"
and "-- Conditions to the Offer".
    
 
     The Trust expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, subject to
applicable law, to (i) terminate the Offer, and not accept for exchange any
Depositary Shares and promptly return all Depositary Shares upon the failure of
any of the conditions specified above or in "The Offer -- Conditions to the
Offer", (ii) waive any condition to the Offer (other than the Minimum
Distribution Condition) and accept all Depositary Shares previously tendered
pursuant to the Offer, (iii) extend the Expiration Date of the Offer and retain
all Depositary Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer until the Expiration Date,
subject, however, to all withdrawal rights of holders, see "The Offer --
Withdrawal of Tenders", (iv) amend the terms of the Offer or (v) modify the form
of the consideration to be paid pursuant to the Offer. Any amendment applicable
to the Offer will apply to all Depositary Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer.
The minimum period during which the Offer must remain open following material
changes in the terms of the Offer or the information concerning the Offer, other
than a change in the percentage of securities sought or the price, depends upon
the facts and circumstances, including the relative materiality of such terms or
information. See "The Offer -- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination".
 
   
     Ford will own directly or indirectly all of the securities representing
common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (the "Common
Securities" and, together with the Preferred Securities, the "Trust
Securities"). The Trust exists for the purpose of (a) issuing (i) its Preferred
Securities in exchange for Depositary Shares validly tendered in the Offer and
delivering such Depositary Shares to Ford in consideration for the deposit by
Ford of Junior Subordinated Debentures, having an aggregate stated principal
amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of such Preferred
Securities, in the Trust as trust assets and (ii) its Common Securities to Ford
in exchange for cash and investing the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount
of Junior Subordinated Debentures and (b) engaging in such other activities as
are necessary and incidental thereto. The Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities will rank pari passu with each other and will have equivalent terms;
provided that (i) if an Event of Default (as defined herein) under the
Declaration (as defined herein) occurs and is continuing, the holders of
Preferred Securities will have a priority over holders of the Common Securities
with respect to payments in respect of distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption or otherwise and (ii) holders of Common Securities have
the exclusive right (subject to the terms of the Declaration) to appoint,
replace or remove Trustees and to increase or decrease the number of Trustees)
upon the occurrence of certain events described herein. See "Prospectus Summary
- -- Description of Preferred Securities and Junior Subordinated Debentures".
    
 
   
     Cash distributions on the Preferred Securities will be cumulative from the
first day following the Expiration Date (the "Accrual Date") at an annual rate
of 9% of the liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security, and will be
payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and
December of
    
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>   5
 
   
each year, commencing on December 31, 1995 ("distributions"). Cash distributions
in arrears will bear interest thereon at the rate per annum of 9%, compounded
quarterly to the extent permitted by applicable law. The term "distributions" as
used herein includes such cash distributions and any such interest payable
unless otherwise stated. In addition, holders of the Preferred Securities will
be entitled to an additional cash distribution at the rate of 8.25% per annum of
the liquidation amount thereof from December 1, 1995 through the Expiration Date
("Pre-Issuance Accrued Distribution") in lieu of dividends accumulating and
unpaid after December 1, 1995 on their Depositary Shares accepted for exchange,
such additional distribution to be made on December 31, 1995 to holders of the
Preferred Securities on the record date for such distribution. The distribution
rate and the distribution and other payment dates for the Preferred Securities
will correspond to the interest rate and the interest and other payment dates on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets. As a
result, if principal or interest is not paid on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, including as a result of Ford's election to extend the interest
payment period on the Junior Subordinated Debentures as described below, the
Trust will not make payments on the Trust Securities. The Junior Subordinated
Debentures provide that, so long as Ford shall not be in default in the payment
of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, Ford shall have the right to
defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures by extending
the interest payment period from time to time for a period not exceeding 20
consecutive quarterly interest periods (each, an "Extension Period"). No
interest shall be due and payable during an Extension Period and, as a
consequence, distributions on the Trust Securities will also be deferred, but at
the end of such Extension Period Ford shall pay all interest then accrued and
unpaid on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, together with interest thereon at
the rate specified for the Junior Subordinated Debentures, compounded quarterly
to the extent permitted by applicable law ("Compounded Interest"), and
corresponding distributions will be paid by the Trust on the Trust Securities.
All references herein to interest shall include Compounded Interest unless
otherwise stated. There could be multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths
(up to six Extension Periods of 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods each
or more numerous shorter Extension Periods) throughout the term of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the
maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. During any such Extension
Period, Ford may not declare or pay dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire
or make a distribution or liquidation payment with respect to, any of its common
stock or preferred stock or any other securities similar to the Preferred
Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments
with respect thereto; provided that Ford will be permitted to pay dividends (and
cash in lieu of fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the option
of Ford, of any of its preferred stock, including its Series A Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, in accordance with the terms of such stock. Any
Extension Period with respect to payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, other debt securities of Ford under the Indenture or on any similar
securities will apply to all such securities and will also apply to
distributions with respect to the Preferred Securities and all other securities
with similar terms. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer",
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Distributions", "Description of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures -- Interest" and "-- Option to Extend Interest
Payment Period".
    
 
   
     The obligations of Ford under the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
unsecured obligations of Ford and will be subordinate and junior in right of
payment, to the extent set forth herein, to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined
herein) of Ford, except obligations and securities made pari passu or
subordinate by their terms, but senior to all capital stock now existing or
hereafter issued by Ford and to any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by
Ford in respect of its capital stock. Ford's obligations under the Preferred
Securities Guarantee (as defined herein) are unsecured and will rank (i)
subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of Ford,
and to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, and (ii) senior to all capital stock
now or hereafter issued by Ford and to any guarantee now or hereafter entered
into by Ford in respect of its capital stock.
    
 
     The payment of distributions out of moneys held by the Trust and payments
on liquidation of the Trust and the redemption of Preferred Securities, as set
forth below, are guaranteed by Ford on a subordinated basis as and to the extent
described herein (the "Preferred Securities Guarantee"). See "Description of the
Preferred Securities Guarantee". The Preferred Securities Guarantee is a full
and unconditional guarantee from the time of issuance of the Preferred
Securities, but the Preferred Securities Guarantee covers
 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   6
 
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities only if and to the
extent that Ford has made a payment of interest or principal on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets.
 
     For a description of redemption rights with respect to the Preferred
Securities, the possible dissolution of the Trust and distribution of Junior
Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust to holders of the Trust Securities and
the liquidation amount on the Preferred Securities, see "Special Considerations
Relating to the Offer", "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Special
Event Redemption or Distribution", "-- Liquidation Distribution Upon
Dissolution" and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures".
 
   
     The Depositary Shares are listed and principally traded on the NYSE under
the symbol "F Pr B". On September 19, 1995, the last full day of trading prior
to the first public announcement of the Offer, the closing sales price of the
Depositary Shares on the NYSE as reported on the Composite Tape was $27 1/2 per
share. The closing sales price of the Depositary Shares on the NYSE on October
26, 1995 was $27 1/2 per share. HOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET
QUOTATIONS FOR THE DEPOSITARY SHARES. To the extent that Depositary Shares are
tendered and accepted in the Offer, the terms on which untendered Depositary
Shares could subsequently be sold could be adversely affected. See "Listing and
Trading of Preferred Securities and Depositary Shares".
    
 
     Ford will pay to Soliciting Dealers (as defined herein) designated by the
record or beneficial owner, as appropriate, of Depositary Shares a solicitation
fee of $0.50 per Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for exchange
pursuant to the Offer, subject to certain conditions. Soliciting Dealers are not
entitled to a solicitation fee for Depositary Shares beneficially owned by such
Soliciting Dealer. See "The Offer -- Dealer Managers; Soliciting Dealers".
 
                                       iv
<PAGE>   7
 
     NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY FORD, THE TRUST, THE TRUSTEES OR THE
DEALER MANAGERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY EXCHANGE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF FORD OR THE TRUST SINCE THE RESPECTIVE DATES AS
OF WHICH INFORMATION IS GIVEN HEREIN. THE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO (NOR WILL
TENDERS BE ACCEPTED FROM OR ON BEHALF OF) HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE MAKING OF THE OFFER OR THE ACCEPTANCE THEREOF WOULD
NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION. HOWEVER, FORD AND THE
TRUST MAY, AT THEIR DISCRETION, TAKE SUCH ACTION AS THEY MAY DEEM NECESSARY TO
MAKE THE OFFER IN ANY SUCH JURISDICTION AND EXTEND THE OFFER TO HOLDERS OF
DEPOSITARY SHARES IN SUCH JURISDICTION. IN ANY JURISDICTION THE SECURITIES LAWS
OR BLUE SKY LAWS OF WHICH REQUIRE THE OFFER TO BE MADE BY A LICENSED BROKER OR
DEALER, THE OFFER IS BEING MADE ON BEHALF OF THE TRUST BY THE DEALER MANAGERS OR
ONE OR MORE REGISTERED BROKERS OR DEALERS WHICH ARE LICENSED UNDER THE LAWS OF
SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     Ford is subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith files
reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). As used herein, "Ford" refers to Ford Motor Company and its
subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires. Such reports and other
information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549,
and at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and 7 World Trade Center,
Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained
from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Such material can also be inspected
and copied at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005.
 
     This Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-4
(together with all amendments and exhibits, the "Registration Statement") filed
by Ford and the Trust with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"). This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are
omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. The
information so omitted may be obtained from the Commission's principal office in
Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fees prescribed by the Commission.
Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document do not
purport to be complete and, in each instance, are qualified in all respects by
reference to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission. Each such statement is subject
to and qualified in its entirety by such reference. Reference is made to such
Registration Statement and to the exhibits relating thereto for further
information with respect to Ford, the Trust and the securities offered hereby.
 
     No separate financial statements of the Trust have been included or
incorporated by reference herein. Ford and the Trust do not consider that such
financial statements would be material to holders of Preferred Securities
because the Trust is a newly-formed special purpose entity, has no operating
history, has no independent operations and is not engaged in, and does not
propose to engage in, any activity other than its holding as trust assets the
Junior Subordinated Debentures of Ford and its issuance of Trust Securities. The
Trust anticipates that it will not be required to file with the Commission or to
distribute to holders of Preferred Securities periodic reports regarding the
Trust. See "Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I", "Description of the Preferred
Securities", "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee" and
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures". The Trust is a statutory
business trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware. Ford, as of the
date hereof, beneficially owns all of the beneficial interests in the Trust.
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   8
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
   
     Ford's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994
("Ford's 1994 10-K Report"), Ford's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarters ended March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, respectively ("Ford's 10-Q
Reports") and Ford's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated February 1, 1995,
February 7, 1995, April 4, 1995, April 19, 1995, July 19, 1995, October 12, 1995
and October 18, 1995 have been filed with the Commission and are incorporated
herein by reference.
    
 
     All documents filed by Ford pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
Expiration Date shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified and
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     Ford undertakes to provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus has been delivered, on the written or oral request of any such
person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which have been
or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, other than exhibits to
such documents. Written or telephonic requests for such documents should be
directed to Ford Motor Company, The American Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48121,
Attention: Stockholder Relations Department (telephone number 313-845-8540). In
order to assure timely delivery of the documents, any request should be made not
later than five business days prior to the Expiration Date.
 
                            ------------------------
 
     THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS BRIEF SUMMARIES OF CERTAIN MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SUCH
SUMMARIES ARE QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY THE DETAILED INFORMATION CONTAINED
IN THE INCORPORATED DOCUMENTS.
 
                            ------------------------
 
     The following information, which is being disclosed pursuant to Florida
law, is accurate as of the date of this Prospectus: Autolatina-Comercio,
Negocios e Participacoes Ltda., a Brazilian company ("Autolatina"), is a joint
venture between Ford and Volkswagen AG in which Ford has a 49% ownership
interest. Autolatina occasionally sells vehicles to persons located in Cuba.
Each such sale is made pursuant to a specific license granted to Ford by the
U.S. Department of Treasury. The last such sale, which involved one medical
supply vehicle, was made to Cubanacan in April 1991. Current information
concerning Autolatina's or its Ford-related affiliates' business dealings with
the government of Cuba or with persons located in Cuba may be obtained from the
State of Florida Department of Banking and Finance at The Capitol Building,
Suite 1401, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0350 (telephone number 904-488-0545).
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   9
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PAGE
                                                                                         ----
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Available Information.................................................................      1
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.......................................      2
Prospectus Summary....................................................................      4
Special Considerations Relating to the Offer..........................................     15
Comparison of Preferred Securities and Depositary Shares..............................     19
Ford Motor Company....................................................................     22
Capitalization........................................................................     23
Selected Financial Data and Other Data of Ford........................................     24
Financial Review of Ford and Recent Developments......................................     25
Industry Data and Market Share of Ford................................................     27
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....................................................     27
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I....................................................     28
The Offer.............................................................................     31
Listing and Trading of Preferred Securities and Depositary Shares.....................     39
Transactions and Arrangements Concerning the Offer....................................     39
Fees and Expenses; Transfer Taxes.....................................................     39
Price Range of Depositary Shares......................................................     40
Description of the Preferred Securities...............................................     41
Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee.....................................     51
Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.....................................     53
Description of the Series B Preferred and Depositary Shares...........................     60
Relationship Between the Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated Debentures and
  the Preferred Securities Guarantee..................................................     65
Taxation..............................................................................     66
Legal Matters.........................................................................     69
Experts...............................................................................     70
ERISA Considerations..................................................................     70
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   10
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by the detailed information contained elsewhere in, or incorporated
by reference in, this Prospectus.
 
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
 
     Ford was incorporated in Delaware in 1919 and acquired the business of a
Michigan company, also known as Ford Motor Company, incorporated in 1903 to
produce automobiles designed and engineered by Henry Ford. Ford is the
second-largest producer of cars and trucks in the world, and ranks among the
largest providers of financial services in the United States.
 
     Ford's two principal business segments are Automotive and Financial
Services. The activities of the Automotive segment consist of the design,
manufacture, assembly and sale of cars and trucks and related parts and
accessories. Substantially all of Ford's automotive products are marketed
through retail dealerships, most of which are privately owned and financed.
 
     The Financial Services segment is comprised of the following direct
subsidiaries, the activities of which include financing operations, vehicle and
equipment leasing and insurance operations: Ford Motor Credit Company ("Ford
Credit"), Ford Credit Europe plc ("Ford Credit Europe"), Ford Holdings, Inc.
("Ford Holdings"), The Hertz Corporation ("Hertz") and Granite Management
Corporation (formerly First Nationwide Financial Corporation) ("Granite"). Ford
Holdings is a holding company that owns primarily Associates First Capital
Corporation ("The Associates"), USL Capital Corporation (formerly United States
Leasing International, Inc.)("USL Capital") and The American Road Insurance
Company ("American Road"). In addition, there are a number of international
affiliates not listed above that are consolidated in the total Financial
Services results, but are managed by either Ford Credit (which manages Ford
Credit Europe, as well as other international affiliates), The Associates or USL
Capital.
 
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
 
     Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I is a statutory business trust that was
formed under the Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Business Trust Act") on
September 19, 1995. The Trust's original declaration of trust will be amended
and restated in its entirety as of the date the Trust accepts Depositary Shares
in the Offer (as so amended and restated, the "Declaration") substantially in
the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part. See "The Offer -- Terms of the Offer" and "--
Acceptance of Shares and Proration" for information regarding the Trust's
acceptance of Depositary Shares in the Offer. The Declaration will be qualified
under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act").
Upon issuance of the Preferred Securities, the holders thereof will own all the
issued and outstanding Preferred Securities. Ford has agreed to acquire Common
Securities in an amount equal to at least 3% of the total capital of the Trust
and will own, directly or indirectly, all the issued and outstanding Common
Securities. The Preferred Securities and the Common Securities will have
equivalent terms; provided that (i) if an Event of Default under the Declaration
occurs and is continuing, the holders of Preferred Securities will have a
priority over the holders of the Common Securities with respect to payments of
distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise and (ii)
holders of Common Securities have the exclusive right (subject to the terms of
the Declaration) to appoint, replace or remove Trustees and to increase or
decrease the number of Trustees.
 
     The number of trustees (the "Trustees") of the Trust shall initially be
five. Three of the Trustees (the "Regular Trustees") are individuals who are
employees or officers of Ford. The fourth trustee is The Bank of New York (the
"Institutional Trustee"), which will act as the indenture trustee under the
Declaration for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act and will serve as the
Indenture Trustee (as defined herein) under the Indenture (as defined herein)
for the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Guarantee Trustee (as defined
herein) under the Preferred Securities Guarantee. The fifth trustee is The Bank
of New York (Delaware) (the "Delaware Trustee"), which has its principal place
of business in the State of Delaware. Pursuant to the Declaration, the
Institutional Trustee will have the power to exercise all rights, powers and
privileges under the Indenture pursuant to which the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be issued. The Institutional Trustee,
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   11
 
acting on behalf of the Trust, will promptly make distributions to the holders
of the Trust Securities out of funds in the Trust. The Preferred Securities
Guarantee, which will be separately qualified under the Trust Indenture Act,
will be held by The Bank of New York, acting in its separate capacity as
indenture trustee with respect to the Preferred Securities Guarantee, for the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities. As used in this Prospectus,
the term "Institutional Trustee" refers to The Bank of New York acting either in
its capacity as the trustee under the Declaration or in its capacity as
indenture trustee under, and the holder of, the Preferred Securities Guarantee,
as the context may require.
 
     The Trust exists for the purpose of (a) issuing (i) its Preferred
Securities in exchange for Depositary Shares validly tendered in the Offer and
delivering such Depositary Shares to Ford in consideration for the deposit by
Ford of Junior Subordinated Debentures, having an aggregate stated principal
amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of such Preferred
Securities, in the Trust as trust assets, and (ii) its Common Securities to Ford
in exchange for cash and investing the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount
of Junior Subordinated Debentures and (b) engaging in such other activities as
are necessary and incidental thereto. The rights of the holders of the Trust
Securities, including economic rights, rights to information and voting rights,
are as set forth in the Declaration, the Business Trust Act and the Trust
Indenture Act. See "Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I" and "Description of the
Preferred Securities". The Declaration does not permit the incurrence by the
Trust of any indebtedness for borrowed money or the making of any investment
other than in the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In the Declaration, Ford has
agreed to pay for all debts and obligations (other than with respect to the
Trust Securities) and all costs and expenses of the Trust, including the fees
and expenses of the Trustees and any income taxes, duties and other governmental
charges, and all costs and expenses with respect thereto, to which the Trust may
become subject, except for United States withholding taxes. See "Special
Considerations Relating to the Offer", "Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I" and
"Description of the Preferred Securities".
 
               CERTAIN POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND RISKS TO INVESTORS
 
     Prospective investors should carefully review the information contained
elsewhere in this Prospectus prior to making a decision regarding the Offer and
should particularly consider the following matters:
 
POTENTIAL BENEFITS TO EXCHANGING HOLDERS
 
   
     - The cash distributions rate on the Preferred Securities will be 75 basis
points greater than the dividend rate on the Depositary Shares. See "Comparison
of Preferred Securities and Depositary Shares".
    
 
     - Although the obligations of Ford under the Junior Subordinated Debentures
and the Preferred Securities Guarantee are unsecured and will be subordinated
and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of Ford, they will be
senior to all capital stock of Ford now or hereafter issued by Ford (including
the Depositary Shares).
 
   
     - While no dividends are required to be paid with respect to the Depositary
Shares, interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures and therefore
distributions on the Preferred Securities may not be deferred for more than 20
consecutive quarterly interest periods. Any Extension Period with respect to
payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will also apply to
distributions with respect to the Preferred Securities and all other securities
with similar terms. Moreover, Ford may defer interest payments on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures only if it does not declare or pay dividends on, or
redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution or liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its common stock or preferred stock (except under certain
circumstances). See "Description of the Preferred Securities". However, to date,
Ford has made each quarterly dividend payment with respect to the Depositary
Shares on the scheduled dividend payment date, and dividends on the Series B
Preferred accrue whether or not such dividends are declared. See "Description of
the Series B Preferred and Depositary Shares -- Series B Preferred --
Dividends".
    
 
     - The Offer will allow Ford to achieve certain tax efficiencies because, in
contrast to dividend payments with respect to the Depositary Shares which are
not deductible by Ford, Ford will be able to deduct interest
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   12
 
payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for United States federal income
tax purposes. See "The Offer -- Purpose of the Offer".
 
   
     - So long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover
cash distributions and other payments made on the Preferred Securities (and the
Common Securities) because (i) the aggregate principal amount of Junior
Subordinated Debentures deposited as trust assets will be equal to the sum of
(x) the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities issued
by the Trust in exchange for the Depositary Shares accepted in the Offer and (y)
the amount of proceeds received by the Trust from the issuance of the Common
Securities to Ford, which proceeds will be used by the Trust to purchase an
equal principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures, (ii) the interest rate
and interest and other payment dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will
match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates for the
Trust Securities, (iii) the Declaration provides that Ford shall pay for all
debts and obligations (other than with respect to the Trust Securities) and all
costs and expenses of the Trust, and (iv) the Declaration further provides that
the Trustees shall not permit the Trust to, among other things, engage in any
activity that is not consistent with the purposes of the Trust. See "Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust I", "Description of the Preferred Securities",
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures" and "Relationship Between
the Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Preferred
Securities Guarantee".
    
 
     - The Trust will have no independent operations and will exist for the sole
purpose of effecting the Offer and issuing the Trust Securities as described
herein and owning and holding the Junior Subordinated Debentures. See "Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust I".
 
     - The Institutional Trustee will have the power to exercise all rights,
powers and privileges under the Indenture with respect to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, including its rights to enforce Ford's obligations
under the Junior Subordinated Debentures upon the occurrence of an Indenture
Event of Default, and will also have the right to enforce the Preferred
Securities Guarantee on behalf of the holders of the Preferred Securities. In
addition, the holders of the Preferred Securities will have certain rights to
direct the Institutional Trustee with respect to certain matters under the
Declaration and the Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the Institutional Trustee
fails to enforce its rights under the Indenture or fails to enforce the
Preferred Securities Guarantee, any holder of Preferred Securities may institute
a legal proceeding against Ford to enforce such rights or the Preferred
Securities Guarantee, as the case may be. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities" and "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee".
 
POTENTIAL RISKS TO EXCHANGING HOLDERS
 
     - Participation in the Offer will be a taxable event for holders of
Depositary Shares. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Exchange
of Depositary Shares for Preferred Securities is a Taxable Event".
 
   
     - The obligations of Ford under (i) the Junior Subordinated Debentures and
the Preferred Securities Guarantee are subordinate in right of payment to all
Senior Indebtedness of Ford, except obligations or securities made pari passu or
subordinate by their terms, and (ii) the Preferred Securities Guarantee is also
subordinate in right of payment to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. See
"Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Ranking of Subordinated
Obligations under Preferred Securities Guarantee and Junior Subordinated
Debentures"; and "-- Trust Distributions Dependent on Ford's Payments on Junior
Subordinated Debentures".
    
 
   
     - If Ford were to default in its obligation to pay amounts payable on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Trust would lack available funds for the
payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption of the Preferred
Securities or otherwise. In addition, the interest payment period on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures may be extended from time to time under certain
circumstances by Ford, in its sole discretion, for up to 20 consecutive
quarterly interest periods. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer --
Ranking of Subordinated Obligations under Preferred Securities Guarantee and
Junior Subordinated Debentures"; "-- Trust Distributions Dependent on Ford's
Payments on Junior Subordinated Debentures";
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   13
 
"-- Ford May Defer Interest Payments on Junior Subordinated Debentures"; "-- Tax
Consequences of Extension of Interest Payment Periods"; and "-- Potential Market
Volatility During Extension Period".
 
     - Should Ford not make interest or other payments on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures for any reason, including as a result of Ford's election
to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures by extending
the interest payment period on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Trust
will not make distributions or other payments on the Trust Securities. In such
an event, holders of the Preferred Securities would not be able to rely on the
Preferred Securities Guarantee since the Preferred Securities Guarantee covers
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities only if and to the
extent that Ford has made a payment to the Trust of interest or principal on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets. See
"Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Trust Distributions Dependent
on Ford's Payments on Junior Subordinated Debentures".
 
     - If Ford elects to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures by extending the interest period on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, distributions on the Preferred Securities would also be deferred but
the Trust would continue to accrue interest income (as original issue discount)
in respect of such Junior Subordinated Debentures which would be taxable to
beneficial owners of Preferred Securities. As a result, beneficial owners of
Preferred Securities during an Extension Period would include their pro rata
share of the interest in gross income in advance of the receipt of cash. See
"Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Tax Consequences of Extension
of Interest Payment Periods".
 
   
     - Holders of Preferred Securities will have limited voting rights and will
not be able to appoint, remove or replace, or to increase or decrease the number
of, Trustees, which rights are vested exclusively in the Common Securities. See
"Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Limited Voting Rights" and
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights". Holders of
Depositary Shares also have limited voting rights. However, with certain
exceptions, in the event that dividends on all series of preferred stock,
including the Series B Preferred, are in arrears and unpaid for such number of
dividend periods which shall in the aggregate contain not less than 540 days,
the Board of Directors of Ford is required to be increased by two directors and
the holders of Series B Preferred, together with the holders of all other series
of preferred stock then entitled to vote thereon, would be entitled to elect two
directors of the expanded board of directors. See "Description of the Series B
Preferred and Depositary Shares -- Series B Preferred -- Voting Rights".
    
 
     - The Depositary Shares are redeemable on or after December 1, 2002, in
whole or in part, provided that Ford shall have issued an equivalent amount of
its common stock within the prior two years. The Preferred Securities are
redeemable on or after December 1, 2002, in whole or in part. Ford has issued
approximately $1.3 billion of its common stock between December 31, 1992 and
June 30, 1995.
 
     - While the Depositary Shares are not redeemable prior to December 1, 2002,
the Junior Subordinated Debentures (and thus the Preferred Securities) in
certain circumstances will be redeemable prior to that date upon the occurrence
of a Tax Event (as defined herein). See "Special Considerations Relating to the
Offer -- Special Event Redemption or Distribution".
 
     - While dividends with respect to Depositary Shares are eligible for the
dividends received deduction for corporate holders, distributions on the
Preferred Securities are not eligible for the dividends received deduction for
corporate holders.
 
   
     - While the Preferred Securities have been approved for listing on the
NYSE, subject to notice of issuance, the Preferred Securities are a new issue of
securities with no established trading market. In addition, liquidity of the
Preferred Securities will be affected by the number of Depositary Shares
exchanged in the Offer. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer --
Lack of Established Trading Market for Preferred Securities" and "-- Reduced
Trading Market for Depositary Shares".
    
 
   
     - Under certain circumstances, Junior Subordinated Debentures could be
distributed to holders of Trust Securities. In such event, the Trust would be
dissolved and the holders would become holders of Junior Subordinated
Debentures. While Ford will use its best efforts in such a situation to have the
Junior Subordinated Debentures listed on the NYSE, there is no guarantee that
such listing will take place or that a
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   14
 
market will exist for such Junior Subordinated Debentures. See "Special
Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Special Event Redemption or
Distribution."
 
   
POTENTIAL RISKS TO NON-EXCHANGING HOLDERS
    
 
     - The liquidity and trading market for untendered Depositary Shares could
be adversely affected to the extent Depositary Shares are tendered and accepted
in the Offer. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Reduced
Trading Market for Depositary Shares".
 
     - The Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Preferred Securities Guarantee
will rank senior in right of payment to the untendered Depositary Shares. See
"Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Ranking of Subordinated
Obligations Under Preferred Securities Guarantee and Junior Subordinated
Debentures".
 
   
                                   THE OFFER
    
 
PURPOSE OF THE OFFER
 
   
     The purpose of the Offer is to refinance the Depositary Shares with the
Preferred Securities to achieve certain tax efficiencies while preserving Ford's
flexibility with respect to future financings. This refinancing will permit Ford
to deduct interest payable on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for United
States federal income tax purposes; dividends payable on the Depositary Shares
are not deductible. See "The Offer -- Purpose of the Offer".
    
 
TERMS OF THE OFFER
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the
Letter of Transmittal, the Trust hereby offers to exchange its Preferred
Securities for up to 44,600,000 of the outstanding Depositary Shares of Ford.
Exchanges will be made on the basis of one Preferred Security for each
Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for exchange in the Offer. See
"The Offer -- Terms of the Offer".
 
EXPIRATION DATE; WITHDRAWALS
 
   
     Upon the terms and conditions of the Offer, including the provisions
relating to proration described herein, the Trust will accept for exchange up to
44,600,000 Depositary Shares validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 12:00
Midnight, New York City time, on December 7, 1995, or if the Offer is extended
by the Trust, in its sole discretion, the latest date and time to which the
Offer has been extended (the "Expiration Date"). Tenders of Depositary Shares
pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date
and, unless accepted for exchange by the Trust, may be withdrawn at any time
after 40 Business Days (as defined herein) after the date of this Prospectus.
Depositary Shares not accepted because of proration will be returned to the
tendering holders at the Trust's expense as promptly as practicable following
the Expiration Date. A "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a day on
which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by
law to close. See "The Offer -- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination", "-- Withdrawal of Tenders" and "-- Acceptance of Shares and
Proration". Tenders must be made to the Exchange Agent in order to be valid.
    
 
CONDITIONS TO THE OFFER; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS; TERMINATION
 
     Consummation of the Offer is conditioned on, among other things, (i)
receipt of at least 12,000,000 validly tendered Depositary Shares, which
condition may be waived by the Trust, and (ii) tenders by a sufficient number of
holders of Depositary Shares to meet the Minimum Distribution Condition, which
condition may not be waived. See "The Offer -- Conditions to the Offer" and "--
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination".
 
     The Trust expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, subject to
applicable law, to (i) terminate the Offer, and not accept for exchange any
Depositary Shares and promptly return all Depositary Shares, upon the
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   15
 
failure of any of the conditions specified above, (ii) waive any condition to
the Offer (other than the Minimum Distribution Condition) and accept all
Depositary Shares previously tendered pursuant to the Offer, (iii) extend the
Expiration Date of the Offer and retain all Depositary Shares tendered pursuant
to the Offer until the Expiration Date, subject, however, to all withdrawal
rights of holders, see "The Offer -- Withdrawal of Tenders", (iv) amend the
terms of the Offer or (v) modify the form of the consideration to be paid
pursuant to the Offer. Any amendment applicable to the Offer will apply to all
Depositary Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer. The minimum period during
which the Offer must remain open following material changes in the terms of the
Offer or the information concerning the Offer, other than a change in the
percentage of securities sought or the price, depends upon the facts and
circumstances, including the relative materiality of such terms or information.
See "The Offer -- Conditions to the Offer" and "-- Expiration Date; Extensions;
Amendments; Termination".
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
     Each Holder of Depositary Shares wishing to participate in the Offer must
(i) properly complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal or a facsimile thereof
(all references in this Prospectus to the Letter of Transmittal shall be deemed
to include a facsimile thereof) in accordance with the instructions contained
herein and in the Letter of Transmittal, together with any required signature
guarantees, and deliver the same to Chemical Bank, as Exchange Agent, at one of
its addresses set forth on the back cover page hereof, prior to the Expiration
Date and either (a) certificates for the Depositary Shares must be received by
the Exchange Agent at such address or (b) such Depositary Shares must be
transferred pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described herein
and a confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the Exchange
Agent, in each case prior to the Expiration Date, or (ii) comply with the
guaranteed delivery procedures described herein. See "The Offer -- Procedures
for Tendering".
 
     IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER, HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES MUST
SUBMIT A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND COMPLY WITH THE OTHER PROCEDURES FOR
TENDERING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN AND IN THE LETTER
OF TRANSMITTAL PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
     LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL, DEPOSITARY SHARES AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
SHOULD BE SENT ONLY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT -- -- NOT TO FORD, THE TRUST, THE
DEALER MANAGERS OR THE INFORMATION AGENT.
 
SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
     Any beneficial owner whose Depositary Shares are registered in the name of
a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender such Depositary Shares should contact such registered Holder promptly
and instruct such registered Holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf.
If such beneficial owner wishes to tender on its own behalf, such owner must,
prior to completing and executing a Letter of Transmittal and delivering its
Depositary Shares, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of
the Depositary Shares in such owner's name or obtain a properly completed stock
power from the registered Holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take
considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the Expiration
Date. See "The Offer -- Procedures for Tendering -- Special Procedure for
Beneficial Owners".
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
     If a Holder desires to accept the Offer and time will not permit a Letter
of Transmittal or Depositary Shares to reach the Exchange Agent before the
Expiration Date or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on
a timely basis, a tender may be effected in accordance with the guaranteed
delivery procedures set forth in "The Offer -- Procedures for Tendering --
Guaranteed Delivery".
 
ACCEPTANCE OF SHARES AND PRORATION
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, including the
Minimum Distribution Condition, if 44,600,000 or fewer Depositary Shares have
been validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   16
 
Expiration Date, the Trust will accept for exchange all such Depositary Shares.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, if more than
44,600,000 Depositary Shares (or, if decreased as described herein, such lesser
number as the Trust may elect to purchase pursuant to the Offer) have been
validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, the Trust will
accept for exchange Depositary Shares from each tendering Holder on a pro rata
basis, subject to adjustment to avoid the acceptance for exchange of fractional
shares.
 
     If the Trust decides, in its sole discretion, to increase or decrease the
number of Depositary Shares sought in the Offer or to increase or decrease the
consideration offered to holders of Depositary Shares, and if the Offer is
scheduled to expire less than ten Business Days from and including the date that
notice of such increase or decrease is first published, sent or given in the
manner specified in "The Offer -- Terms of the Offer" and "-- Expiration Date;
Extensions; Amendments; Termination", then the Offer will remain open for a
minimum of ten Business Days from and including the date of such notice.
 
     All Depositary Shares not accepted pursuant to the Offer, including shares
not purchased because of proration, will be returned to the tendering Holders at
the Trust's expense as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date.
 
DELIVERY OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer, the delivery of the
Preferred Securities to be issued pursuant to the Offer will occur as promptly
as practicable following the Expiration Date. See "The Offer -- Terms of the
Offer" and "-- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination".
 
     If proration of tendered Depositary Shares is required, because of the
difficulty in determining the number of Depositary Shares validly tendered
(including shares tendered by the guaranteed delivery procedures described in
"The Offer -- Procedures for Tendering"), the Trust does not expect that it
would be able to announce the final proration factor or to commence the exchange
for any shares of Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer until approximately
five Business Days after the Expiration Date. Preliminary results of the
proration will be announced by press release as promptly as practicable after
the Expiration Date. Holders of Depositary Shares may obtain such preliminary
information from the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent and may also be
able to obtain such information from their brokers.
 
     Until the final proration factors are known, the Trust will not issue any
Preferred Securities in exchange for any Depositary Shares accepted for exchange
pursuant to the Offer or return Depositary Shares delivered to the Exchange
Agent but not tendered or return Depositary Shares tendered but not accepted for
exchange because of proration.
 
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES AND JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
 
     The Preferred Securities evidence preferred undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the Trust and will have terms equivalent to the Common
Securities; provided that (i) if an Event of Default under the Declaration
occurs and is continuing, the holders of Preferred Securities will have a
priority over holders of the Common Securities with respect to payments in
respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise
and (ii) holders of Common Securities have the exclusive right (subject to the
terms of the Declaration) to appoint, remove and replace Trustees and to
increase or decrease the number of Trustees. The Declaration does not permit the
issuance by the Trust of any securities or beneficial interests in the assets of
the Trust other than the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities, the
incurrence of any indebtedness for borrowed money by the Trust or the making of
any investments other than in the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The
Declaration defines an event of default with respect to the Trust Securities (an
"Event of Default") as, among other things, the occurrence and continuance of an
"event of default" under the Indenture with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures (an "Indenture Event of Default").
 
   
     Periodic cash distributions on each Preferred Security will be fixed at a
rate per annum of 9% of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred
Security. Distributions in arrears will bear interest thereon at the rate per
annum of 9%, compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Distributions on
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   17
 
   
the Preferred Securities will be cumulative, will accrue from the Accrual Date
and, except as otherwise described herein, will be made quarterly in arrears, on
the last day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on
December 31, 1995, but only if and to the extent that interest payments are made
in respect of the Junior Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust. In addition,
holders of Preferred Securities will be entitled to an additional cash
distribution at the rate of 8.25% per annum of the liquidation amount thereof
from December 1, 1995 through the Expiration Date in lieu of dividends
accumulating and unpaid after December 1, 1995 on their Depositary Shares
accepted for exchange, such additional distribution to be made on December 31,
1995 to holders of the Preferred Securities on the record date for such
distribution.
    
 
   
     The distribution rate and the distribution and other payment dates for the
Preferred Securities will correspond to the interest rate and the interest and
other payment dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited in the Trust
as trust assets. As a result, if principal or interest is not paid on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, including as a result of Ford's election to extend the
interest payment period on the Junior Subordinated Debentures as described
below, the Trust will not make payments on the Trust Securities. The Junior
Subordinated Debentures provide that, so long as Ford shall not be in default in
the payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, Ford has the
right under the Indenture to defer payments of interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures by extending the interest payment period from time to
time on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for an Extension Period and, as a
consequence, quarterly distributions on the Preferred Securities would not be
made (but would continue to accrue with interest thereon at the rate of 9% per
annum, compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by applicable law) by the
Trust during any such Extension Period. During an Extension Period, Ford may not
declare or pay dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution
or liquidation payment with respect to, any of its common stock or preferred
stock or any other securities similar to the Preferred Securities or the Junior
Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect thereto;
provided that Ford will be permitted to pay dividends (and cash in lieu of
fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the option of Ford, of any
of its preferred stock, including Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock, in accordance with the terms of such stock. Any Extension Period with
respect to payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will also
apply to distributions with respect to the Preferred Securities and all other
securities with similar terms. Prior to the termination of any such Extension
Period, Ford may further extend such Extension Period; provided that such
Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions thereof
may not exceed 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods. Upon the termination
of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due, Ford may
commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. Ford may
also pay on any Interest Payment Date (as defined herein) all or any portion of
the interest accrued during an Extension Period. Consequently, there could be
multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths (up to six Extension Periods of 20
consecutive quarterly interest periods each or more numerous shorter Extension
Periods) throughout the term of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, provided
that no Extension Period may extend beyond the maturity of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer", "--
Trust Distributions Dependent on Ford's Payments on Junior Subordinated
Debentures" and "-- Ford May Defer Interest Payments on Junior Subordinated
Debentures" and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures -- Interest"
and "-- Option to Extend Interest Payment Period".
    
 
   
     Ford shall give the Institutional Trustee notice of its selection of such
Extension Period ten Business Days prior to the earlier of (i) the date the
distributions on the Preferred Securities are payable or (ii) the date the Trust
is required to give notice to the NYSE or other applicable self-regulatory
organization or to holders of the Preferred Securities of the record date or the
date such distribution is payable, but in any event not less than one Business
Day prior to such record date. The Trust shall give notice of Ford's selection
of such Extension Period to the holders of the Preferred Securities. See
"Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures -- Option to Extend Interest
Payment Period".
    
 
     There will be deposited in the Trust as trust assets (i) Junior
Subordinated Debentures having an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities issued by the
Trust in exchange for the Depositary Shares accepted in the Offer and (ii)
Junior Subordinated
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   18
 
   
Debentures having an aggregate principal amount equal to the amount of proceeds
received by the Trust from the sale of the Common Securities to Ford. Under the
Declaration, if and to the extent Ford does make interest payments on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets, the
Institutional Trustee is obligated to make distributions promptly on the
Preferred Securities. The payment of distributions on the Preferred Securities
and payments on liquidation of the Trust and the redemption of Preferred
Securities, as set forth below, in each case out of moneys held by the Trust,
are guaranteed by Ford on a subordinated basis as and to the extent set forth
under "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee". The Preferred
Securities Guarantee is a full and unconditional guarantee from the time of
issuance of the Preferred Securities, but the Preferred Securities Guarantee
covers distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities only if and
to the extent that Ford has made a payment to the Trust of interest or principal
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets.
The Preferred Securities Guarantee, when taken together with Ford's obligations
under the Junior Subordinated Debentures and its obligation to pay costs,
expenses and certain liabilities of the Trust pursuant to the Declaration,
constitutes a full and unconditional guarantee of amounts due on the Preferred
Securities.
    
 
     The Preferred Securities and Common Securities are redeemable on a Pro Rata
Basis (as defined below) from time to time, in whole or in part, to the same
extent as the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed by Ford, at any time
on or after December 1, 2002, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at $25 per Preferred Security plus accrued and unpaid distributions
thereon to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Price"), including
distributions accrued as a result of Ford's election to defer payments of
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, payable in cash. The Preferred
Securities will be redeemed upon the maturity or earlier redemption of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Mandatory Redemption". As used in this Prospectus, the term "Pro Rata Basis"
shall mean pro rata to each holder of Trust Securities according to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Securities held by the relevant holder
in relation to the aggregate liquidation amount of all Trust Securities
outstanding unless, in relation to a payment, an Event of Default under the
Declaration has occurred and is continuing, in which case any funds available to
make such payment shall be paid first to each holder of the Preferred Securities
pro rata according to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities held by the relevant holder in relation to the aggregate liquidation
amount of all Preferred Securities outstanding, and, only after satisfaction of
all amounts owed to the holders of the Preferred Securities, to each holder of
Common Securities pro rata according to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Common Securities held by the relevant holder in relation to the aggregate
liquidation amount of all the Common Securities outstanding.
 
   
     In addition, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Tax Event
or an Investment Company Event (each as hereinafter defined) arising from a
change in law or a change in legal interpretation or other specified
circumstances, the Trust shall, unless the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
redeemed in the limited circumstances described below and subject to certain
other limited exceptions, be dissolved, with the result that the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be distributed to the holders of the Preferred
Securities and the Common Securities on a Pro Rata Basis, in lieu of any cash
distribution. In the case of a Tax Event, Ford will have the right in certain
circumstances to redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures at any time, in which
event the Trust will redeem the Trust Securities on a Pro Rata Basis to the same
extent as the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed. If the Junior
Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities,
Ford will use its best efforts to have the Junior Subordinated Debentures listed
on the NYSE or on such other exchange as the Preferred Securities are then
listed. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Special Event Redemption
or Distribution".
    
 
   
     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be issued pursuant to an indenture,
to be dated as of December 1, 1995 (as supplemented by the First Supplemental
Indenture (the "First Supplemental Indenture") to be dated as of December 1,
1995, (the "Indenture")) between Ford and The Bank of New York as trustee (the
"Indenture Trustee"). See "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures".
The Junior Subordinated Debentures will mature on December 31, 2025 and will
bear interest at an annual rate of 9% from the Accrual Date. Interest will be
payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of March, June, September and
December of each year, commencing on December 31, 1995; provided that, as
described above, so long as Ford shall not be in default in the payment of
interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, Ford shall have the right to
extend the interest payment period
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   19
 
from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly interest
periods. Ford has no current intention of exercising its right to extend an
interest payment period. However, should Ford determine to exercise such right
in the future, the market price of the Preferred Securities is likely to be
affected. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer" and "Description of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures -- Option to Extend Interest Payment Period".
 
   
     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will also accrue interest at the rate of
8.25% per annum of the principal amount thereof from December 1, 1995 through
the Expiration Date, payable at the time of the first interest payment on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures to holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
on the record date for such distribution. No extension of interest will be
permitted with respect to interest accruing from December 1, 1995 through the
Expiration Date.
    
 
     Ford shall have the right to redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures, in
whole or in part, from time to time, on or after December 1, 2002, upon not less
than 10 nor more than 60 days' notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of
the principal amount to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the
redemption date, including interest accrued as a result of Ford's election to
defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, payable in
cash. In addition, upon the occurrence of a Tax Event, Ford will also have the
right if certain conditions are met to redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures
at any time. If Ford redeems the Junior Subordinated Debentures, then the Trust
will redeem the Trust Securities on a Pro Rata Basis to the same extent as the
Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed.
 
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The exchange of Depositary Shares for Preferred Securities pursuant to the
Offer will be a taxable event. Gain or loss generally will be recognized in an
amount equal to the difference between the fair market value on the Expiration
Date of the holder's pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
represented by the Preferred Securities received in the exchange and the
exchanging Holder's tax basis in the Depositary Shares surrendered. For this
purpose, the fair market value of the Junior Subordinated Debentures deemed
issued in exchange for Depositary Shares on the Expiration Date will equal the
fair market value of the Preferred Securities on that date. See "Taxation --
Exchange of Depositary Shares for Preferred Securities".
 
     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be treated as issued with "original
issue discount" for United States federal income tax purposes. Holders of
Preferred Securities (each a "Securityholder") will be required to include their
pro rata share of original issue discount in gross income as it accrues on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures in advance of the receipt of cash. Generally, all
of a Securityholder's taxable interest income with respect to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be accounted for as "original issue discount" and
actual distributions of stated interest will not be separately reported as
taxable income. See "Taxation -- Accrual of Original Issue Discount and Premium"
and "-- Potential Extension of Payment Period on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures".
 
     While dividends on the Series B Preferred are eligible for the dividends
received deduction for corporate holders, dividends on the Preferred Securities
are not eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate holders.
 
     The Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect
the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying Junior
Subordinated Debentures. A Securityholder who disposes of his Preferred
Securities and does not receive a payment of interest from the Trust for the
period in which the disposition occurs will nevertheless be required to include
accrued but unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures through the
date of disposition in income as ordinary income, and to add such amount to the
adjusted tax basis in his pro rata share of the underlying Junior Subordinated
Debentures deemed disposed of. Accordingly, such a Securityholder will recognize
a capital loss to the extent the selling price (which may not fully reflect the
value of accrued but unpaid interest) is less than the Securityholder's adjusted
tax basis (which will include accrued but unpaid interest). Subject to certain
limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income
for United States federal income tax purposes.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   20
 
ACCOUNTING FOR EXCHANGE
 
   
     The refinancing of the Series B Preferred with the Preferred Securities may
increase or decrease income applicable to common stockholders depending upon
the difference between the fair market value of the Series B Preferred
represented by the Depositary Shares and the liquidation price of the
Series B Preferred at the time of the exchange. If required, the financial
statements of the Trust will be included in the consolidated financial
statements of Ford. The Preferred Securities will be disclosed separately in
Ford's consolidated balance sheet between the liabilities and stockholders'
equity sections, and supplemented by certain disclosures in Ford's notes to the
financial statements. 
    
 
UNTENDERED SHARES
 
     Holders of Depositary Shares who do not tender their Depositary Shares in
the Offer or whose Depositary Shares are not accepted for exchange will continue
to hold such Depositary Shares and will be entitled to all the rights and
preferences, and will be subject to all of the limitations, applicable thereto.
 
     To the extent that Depositary Shares are tendered and accepted in the
Offer, the terms on which untendered Depositary Shares could subsequently be
sold could be adversely affected. See "Special Considerations Relating to the
Offer -- Reduced Trading Market for Depositary Shares".
 
EXCHANGE AGENT AND INFORMATION AGENT
 
     Chemical Bank has been appointed as Exchange Agent in connection with the
Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of
this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and requests for Notices of
Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to Georgeson & Company Inc., which has
been retained by Ford and the Trust to act as Information Agent for the Offer.
The addresses and telephone numbers of the Exchange Agent and the Information
Agent are set forth in "The Offer -- Exchange Agent and Information Agent" and
on the outside back cover of this Prospectus.
 
DEALER MANAGERS
 
     Merrill Lynch & Co., Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers, PaineWebber Incorporated and Smith Barney
Inc. have been retained as Dealer Managers in connection with the Offer. For
information regarding fees payable to the Dealer Managers and Soliciting Dealers
(as defined herein), see "The Offer -- Dealer Managers; Soliciting Dealers".
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   21
 
                  SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO THE OFFER
 
     Prospective exchanging holders of Depositary Shares who plan to participate
in the Offer should carefully consider, in addition to the other information set
forth elsewhere in this Prospectus, the following:
 
EXCHANGE OF DEPOSITARY SHARES FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES IS A TAXABLE EVENT
 
     The exchange of Depositary Shares for Preferred Securities pursuant to the
Offer will be a taxable event. Generally, gain or loss will be recognized in an
amount equal to the difference between the fair market value on the Expiration
Date of the holder's pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
represented by the Preferred Securities received in the exchange and the
exchanging Holder's tax basis in the Depositary Shares exchanged therefor. See
"Taxation -- Exchange of Depositary Shares for Preferred Securities". All
Holders of Depositary Shares are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding
the United States federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the
exchange of Depositary Shares and the issuance of Preferred Securities. See
"Price Range of Depositary Shares".
 
CORPORATE HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES NOT ENTITLED TO DIVIDENDS RECEIVED
DEDUCTION
 
     While dividends with respect to the Depositary Shares are eligible for the
dividends received deduction for corporate holders, distributions on the
Preferred Securities are not eligible for the dividends received deduction for
corporate holders.
 
RANKING OF SUBORDINATED OBLIGATIONS UNDER PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE AND
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
 
   
     The obligations of Ford under the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
unsecured obligations of Ford and will be subordinate and junior in right of
payment, to the extent set forth herein, to all Senior Indebtedness of Ford,
except obligations and securities made pari passu or subordinate by their terms,
but senior to all capital stock now or hereafter issued by Ford and to any
guarantee now or hereafter entered into by Ford in respect of its capital stock.
Ford's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee are unsecured and
will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior
Indebtedness of Ford, and to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, and (ii) senior
to all capital stock now or hereafter issued by Ford and to any guarantee now or
hereafter entered into by Ford in respect of its capital stock. At September 30,
1995, liabilities of Ford on a consolidated basis aggregated approximately
$211.6 billion. The terms of the Preferred Securities, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or the Preferred Securities Guarantee do not limit the ability of
Ford to incur additional indebtedness or other liabilities, including
indebtedness that ranks senior to or pari passu with the Junior Subordinated
Debentures and the Preferred Securities Guarantee, or the ability of its
subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness or other liabilities. See
"Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee -- Status of the Preferred
Securities Guarantee" and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures --
Subordination".
    
 
TRUST DISTRIBUTIONS DEPENDENT ON FORD'S PAYMENTS ON JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
DEBENTURES
 
     The Trust's ability to make distributions and other payments on the
Preferred Securities is solely dependent upon Ford making interest and other
payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited as trust assets as and
when required. If Ford were not to make distributions or other payments on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures for any reason, including as a result of Ford's
election to defer the payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
by extending the interest period on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the
Trust will not make payments on the Trust Securities. In such an event, holders
of the Preferred Securities would not be able to rely on the Preferred
Securities Guarantee since distributions and other payments on the Preferred
Securities are subject to such Guarantee only if and to the extent that Ford has
made a payment to the Trust of interest or principal on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets. Instead, holders of Preferred
Securities would rely on the enforcement by the Institutional Trustee of its
rights against Ford pursuant to the terms of the Indenture. However, if the
Trust's failure to make distributions on the Preferred Securities is a
consequence of Ford's exercise of its right to
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   22
 
extend the interest payment period for the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the
Institutional Trustee will have no right to enforce the payment of distributions
on the Preferred Securities until an Event of Default under the Declaration
shall have occurred.
 
     The Declaration provides that Ford shall pay for all debts and obligations
(other than with respect to the Trust Securities) and all costs and expenses of
the Trust, including any taxes and all costs and expenses with respect thereto,
to which the Trust may become subject, except for United States withholding
taxes.
 
   
     For a discussion of the ranking of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, see
"-- Ranking of Subordinated Obligations Under Preferred Securities Guarantee and
Junior Subordinated Debentures."
    
 
FORD MAY DEFER INTEREST PAYMENTS ON JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
 
   
     So long as Ford shall not be in default in the payment of interest on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, Ford has the right under the Indenture to defer
payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures by extending the
interest payment period from time to time on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
for an Extension Period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods,
during which no interest shall be due and payable, provided that no Extension
Period may extend beyond the maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures. In
such an event, quarterly distributions on the Preferred Securities would not be
made (but would continue to accrue with interest thereon at the rate of 9% per
annum, compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by applicable law) by the
Trust during any such Extension Period. If Ford exercises the right to extend an
interest payment period, Ford may not during such Extension Period declare or
pay dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution or
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its common stock or preferred stock
or any other securities similar to the Preferred Securities or the Junior
Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect thereto;
provided that Ford will be permitted to pay dividends (and cash in lieu of
fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the option of Ford, of any
of its preferred stock, including its Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock, in accordance with the terms of such stock. Any Extension Period with
respect to payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, other debt
securities of Ford under the Indenture or on any similar securities will apply
to all such securities and will also apply to distributions with respect to the
Preferred Securities and all other securities with similar terms.
    
 
   
     Prior to the termination of any Extension Period, Ford may further extend
such Extension Period; provided that such Extension Period together with all
such previous and further extensions thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive
quarterly interest periods. Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the
payment of all amounts then due, Ford may commence a new Extension Period,
subject to the above requirements. Ford may also pay on any Interest Payment
Date all or any portion of the interest accrued during an Extension Period.
Consequently, there could be multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths (up
to six Extension Periods of 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods each or
more numerous shorter Extension Periods) throughout the term of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Distributions" and "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures -- Option
to Extend Interest Payment Period".
    
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIODS
 
     Because Ford has the right to extend the interest payment period up to 20
consecutive quarterly interest periods on various occasions, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be treated as issued with "original issue discount"
for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, holders of Preferred
Securities will be required to include their pro rata share of original issue
discount in gross income as it accrues for United States federal income tax
purposes in advance of the receipt of cash. Generally, all of a Securityholder's
taxable interest income with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures will
be accounted for as "original issue discount" and actual distributions of stated
interest will not be separately reported as taxable income. See "Taxation --
Accrual of Original Issue Discount and Premium" and "-- Potential Extension of
Payment Period on the Junior Subordinated Debentures".
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   23
 
POTENTIAL MARKET VOLATILITY DURING EXTENSION PERIOD
 
   
     As described above, Ford has the right to extend an interest payment period
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures from time to time for periods not
exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods. If Ford determines to
extend an interest payment period, or if Ford thereafter extends an Extension
Period or pays interest accrued during an Extension Period as described above,
the market price of the Preferred Securities is likely to be adversely affected.
In addition, as a result of such rights, the market price of the Preferred
Securities (which represent an undivided interest in Junior Subordinated
Debentures) may be more volatile than other securities on which original issue
discount accrues that do not have such rights. A holder that disposes of its
Preferred Securities during an Extension Period, therefore, may not receive the
same return on its investment as a holder that continues to hold its Preferred
Securities. See "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures -- Option to
Extend Interest Payment Period".
    
 
LACK OF ESTABLISHED TRADING MARKET FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
   
     The Preferred Securities constitute a new issue of securities of the Trust
with no established trading market. While the Preferred Securities have been
approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to notice of issuance, there can be no
assurance that an active market for the Preferred Securities will develop or be
sustained in the future on such exchange. Although the Dealer Managers have
indicated to Ford and the Trust that they intend to make a market in the
Preferred Securities following the Expiration Date, as permitted by applicable
laws and regulations prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE, they are
not obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market-making at any time
without notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of,
or trading markets for, the Preferred Securities. In order to satisfy the NYSE
listing requirements, acceptance of Depositary Shares validly tendered in the
Offer is subject to the Minimum Distribution Condition, which condition may not
be waived by Ford or the Trust. See "Listing and Trading of Preferred Securities
and Depositary Shares".
    
 
REDUCED TRADING MARKET FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     To the extent Depositary Shares are tendered and accepted in the Offer, the
liquidity and trading market for the Depositary Shares to be outstanding
following the Offer, and the terms upon which such Depositary Shares could be
sold, could be adversely affected. In addition, if the Offer is substantially
subscribed or oversubscribed, there would be a significant risk that round lot
holdings of Depositary Shares outstanding following the Offer would be limited.
See "Listing and Trading of Preferred Securities and Depositary Shares".
 
     The Offer is for up to 44,600,000 Depositary Shares (or 98% of the
45,600,000 Depositary Shares outstanding), rather than for all the outstanding
Depositary Shares, to reduce the risk that the Depositary Shares would be
subject to delisting following consummation of the Offer.
 
   
     Under the rules of the NYSE, preferred securities such as the Depositary
Shares are subject to delisting if (i) the aggregate value of publicly-held
shares is less than $2 million and (ii) the number of publicly-held shares is
less than 100,000. Since at least 1,000,000 Depositary Shares will remain
outstanding following consummation of the Offer, the number of outstanding
Depositary Shares will exceed the delisting criteria set forth in clause (ii)
above. In addition, based on the market price of the Depositary Shares on the
NYSE ($27 1/2 on September 19, 1995, the closing sales price of the Depositary
Shares on the NYSE on the last full trading day immediately prior to Ford's
first public announcement of the Offer, and $27 1/2 on October 26, 1995), the
Company believes that the aggregate value of the minimum number (1,000,000) of
Depositary Shares which will be outstanding following consummation of the Offer
should exceed the delisting criteria set forth in clause (i) above. See "Price
Range of Depositary Shares". If less than 44,600,000 Depositary Shares are
validly tendered, then the number of Depositary Shares remaining outstanding,
and the market value thereof, will be even greater.
    
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   24
 
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION
 
     Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Tax Event or
Investment Company Event (each as defined herein), which may occur at any time,
the Trust shall, unless the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed in the
limited circumstances described below, be dissolved, with the result that, in
the manner described in "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Liquidation
Distribution Upon Dissolution", Junior Subordinated Debentures having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of,
and bearing accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid
distributions on, the Preferred Securities and Common Securities would be
distributed on a Pro Rata Basis to the holders of the Preferred Securities and
Common Securities in liquidation of the Trust. In the case of a Tax Event, in
certain circumstances, Ford shall have the right to redeem at any time the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, in whole or in part, in which event the Trust
will redeem Preferred Securities and Common Securities on a Pro Rata Basis to
the same extent as the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed. There can be
no assurance as to the market prices for Preferred Securities or the Junior
Subordinated Debentures which may be distributed in exchange for Preferred
Securities if a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust were to occur.
Accordingly, the Junior Subordinated Debentures which the investor may receive
on dissolution and liquidation of the Trust may trade at a discount to the price
of the Depositary Shares exchanged. See "Description of the Preferred Securities
- -- Special Event Redemption or Distribution" and "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures -- General".
 
     Under current United States federal income tax law, a distribution of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures upon a Tax Event or Investment Company Event
would not be a taxable event to holders of the Preferred Securities. See
"Taxation -- Distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures to Holders of
Preferred Securities".
 
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
 
     Holders of Preferred Securities will have limited voting rights and will
not be able to appoint, remove or replace, or to increase or decrease the number
of, Trustees, which rights are vested exclusively in the Common Securities. See
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights."
 
   
     Holders of Depositary Shares also have limited voting rights. However, in
the event that dividends on all series of preferred stock, including the Series
B Preferred, are in arrears and unpaid for such number of dividend periods which
shall in the aggregate contain not less than 540 days, the Board of Directors is
required to be increased by two directors and the holders of Series B Preferred,
together with the holders of all other series of preferred stock then entitled
to vote thereon, would be entitled to elect two directors of the expanded Board
of Directors with certain exceptions. See "Description of the Series B Preferred
and Depositary Shares -- Series B Preferred -- Voting Rights".
    
 
   
     The Indenture contains no provisions which would afford the holders of
Junior Subordinated Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction involving Ford or a change of control of Ford.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   25
 
            COMPARISON OF PREFERRED SECURITIES AND DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
   
     The following is a brief summary of certain terms of the Preferred
Securities and the Depositary Shares. For a more complete description of the
Preferred Securities, see "Description of the Preferred Securities". For a
description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures which will be deposited in the
Trust as trust assets and will represent the sole source for the payment of
distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities, see "Description
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures". For a description of Depositary Shares,
see "Description of the Series B Preferred and Depositary Shares".
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PREFERRED SECURITIES                      DEPOSITARY SHARES
                          --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                                      <C>
Issuer.................   The Trust. Payment of distributions      Ford.
                          and on liquidation or redemption is
                          guaranteed on a subordinated basis, as
                          and to the extent described herein, by
                          Ford.

Distribution/Dividend
  Rate.................   9% per annum distribution payable        8.25% per annum dividend payable on
                          quarterly in arrears on the last day     the first business day of March, June,
                          of March, June, September and December   September and December of each year,
                          of each year, commencing December 31,    out of funds legally available
                          1995, from and including the Accrual     therefor, when, as and if declared by
                          Date, but only if, and to the extent     Ford's Board of Directors. Dividends
                          that, interest payments are made in      are cumulative. Accrued but unpaid
                          respect of the Junior Subordinated       dividends do not bear interest.
                          Debentures held by the Trust. During     Dividends accrue whether or not Ford
                          any Extension Period on the Junior       has earnings, whether or not there are
                          Subordinated Debentures, distribution    funds legally available for the
                          payments on the Preferred Securities     payment of such dividends and whether
                          will not be made but would continue to   or not such dividends are declared.
                          accrue, and, in the case of              Ford has made each quarterly dividend
                          distributions in arrears, would bear     payment with respect to the Depositary
                          interest at the rate of 9% per annum,    Shares on the scheduled dividend
                          compounded quarterly to the extent       payment date.
                          permitted by applicable law.

Maturity/Mandatory and
  Optional Redemption..   The Preferred Securities will be         No maturity or mandatory redemption.
                          redeemed upon the maturity or earlier    The Depositary Shares are redeemable
                          redemption of the Junior Subordinated    at the option of Ford on and after
                          Debentures, at a redemption price        December 1, 2002, in whole or in part,
                          equal to $25 per Preferred Security to   at a redemption price equivalent to
                          be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid     $25 per Depositary Share to be
                          distributions, if any, to the            redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid
                          redemption date, including               dividends thereon, to the redemption
                          distributions accrued as a result of     date, provided that Ford shall have
                          Ford's election to defer payments of     issued an equivalent amount of its
                          interest on the Junior Subordinated      common stock within the prior two
                          Debentures. The Junior Subordinated      years. Holders of Depositary Shares
                          Debentures are redeemable at the         have no right to require Ford to
                          option of Ford, in whole or in part,     redeem the Depositary Shares at the
                          on or after December 1, 2002, at a       option of the holders.
                          redemption price equivalent to $25 per
                          Junior Subordinated Debenture to be
                          redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid
                          interest thereon, to the redemption
                          date. In the event that the Junior
                          Subordinated Debentures are redeemed,
                          upon the repayment of the Junior
                          Subordinated Debentures, upon
                          maturity, upon redemption or
                          otherwise, the proceeds thereof will
                          be promptly applied to redeem the
                          Preferred Securities and the Common
                          Securities. The Junior Subordinated
                          Debentures have a final maturity of
                          December 31, 2025. See
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   26
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PREFERRED SECURITIES                      DEPOSITARY SHARES
                          --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                                      <C>
                          "Description of the Preferred
                          Securities -- Special Event Redemption
                          or Distribution" and "-- Mandatory
                          Redemption". See "Prospectus Summary
                          -- Potential Risk to Non-Exchanging
                          Holders". Holders of Preferred
                          Securities have no right to require
                          Ford to redeem the Preferred
                          Securities at the option of the
                          holders.

Subordination..........   Subordinated to claims of creditors of   Subordinated to claims of creditors of
                          the Trust, if any. The Preferred         Ford, including the Junior
                          Securities and the Common Securities     Subordinated Debentures, but senior to
                          will have equivalent terms; provided     the common stock of Ford and pari
                          that (i) if an Event of Default under    passu with all other outstanding
                          the Declaration occurs and is            series of preferred stock of Ford. As
                          continuing, the holders of Preferred     capital stock, the Depositary Shares
                          Securities will have a priority over     are junior to all of the debt of Ford,
                          holders of the Common Securities with    including the Junior Subordinated
                          respect to payments in respect of        Debentures.
                          distributions and payments upon
                          liquidation, redemption or otherwise
                          and (ii) holders of Common Securities
                          have the exclusive right (subject to
                          the terms of the Declaration) to
                          appoint, remove or replace Trustees
                          and to increase or decrease the number
                          of Trustees.

                          The Trust is not permitted to incur
                          any indebtedness for borrowed money.
                          The Declaration provides that Ford
                          shall pay for all debts and
                          obligations (other than with respect
                          to the Trust Securities) and all costs
                          and expenses of the Trust, including
                          any income taxes, duties and other
                          governmental charges, and all costs
                          and expenses with respect thereto, to
                          which the Trust may become subject,
                          except for United States withholding
                          taxes.

                          The Junior Subordinated Debentures
                          will rank subordinate and junior to
                          all Senior Indebtedness of Ford,
                          except obligations and securities made
                          pari passu or subordinate by their
                          terms, and senior to all capital stock
                          now or hereafter issued by Ford and to
                          any guarantee now or hereafter entered
                          into by Ford in respect of any of its
                          capital stock (including the
                          Depositary Shares). Ford's obligations
                          under the Preferred Securities
                          Guarantee will rank subordinate and
                          junior to all Senior Indebtedness of
                          Ford, except obligations and
                          securities made pari passu or
                          subordinate by their terms, and to the
                          Junior Subordinated Debentures, and
                          senior to all capital stock now or
                          hereafter issued by Ford and to any
                          guarantee now or hereafter entered
                          into by Ford in respect of any of its
                          capital stock.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   27
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PREFERRED SECURITIES                      DEPOSITARY SHARES
                          --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                                      <C>
                          As of September 30, 1995, Ford had
                          Senior Indebtedness consisting of
                          approximately $15.6 billion of trade
                          and other payables, $142.7 billion of
                          debt and $53.3 billion of other
                          liabilities. Assuming 44,600,000
                          Depositary Shares are tendered, there
                          will be $1.115 billion in Junior
                          Subordinated Debentures senior to the
                          Preferred Securities Guarantee in
                          addition to the other obligations of
                          Ford set forth above.

Listing................   The Preferred Securities have been       The Depositary Shares are listed on
                          approved for listing on the NYSE,        the NYSE under the symbol "F Pr B".
                          subject to notice of issuance, under
                          the symbol "F Pr T". In order to
                          satisfy the NYSE listing requirements,
                          acceptance of Depositary Shares
                          validly tendered in the Offer is
                          subject to the Minimum Distribution
                          Condition, which condition may not be
                          waived.

Dividends Received
  Deduction............   Distributions on the Preferred           Dividends are eligible for the
                          Securities are not eligible for the      dividends received deduction for
                          dividends received deduction for         corporate holders.
                          corporate holders.

Voting Rights/
  Enforcement..........   Holders of Preferred Securities have     If dividends shall be in arrears for
                          no voting rights other than as           such number of dividend periods which
                          provided under the Business Trust Act    shall in the aggregate contain not
                          or the Trust Indenture Act, except in    less than 540 days, Ford's Board of
                          the limited circumstances discussed      Directors shall be increased by two
                          below. The Institutional Trustee has     directors and holders have the right
                          the power to exercise all rights under   (together with other classes of
                          the Indenture with respect to the        preferred stock ranking on a parity
                          Junior Subordinated Debentures and is    with the Series B Preferred either as
                          also authorized to enforce the           to dividends or on the distribution of
                          Preferred Securities Guarantee on        assets upon liquidation) to elect two
                          behalf of holders of the Preferred       directors.
                          Securities. If the Trust's failure to
                          make distributions is a consequence of
                          Ford's exercise of its right to extend
                          the interest payment period for the
                          Junior Subordinated Debentures as
                          described under "Distribution/Dividend
                          Rate", the Institutional Trustee will
                          have no right to enforce the payment
                          of distributions until an Event of
                          Default under the Declaration shall
                          have occurred. The holders of at least
                          a majority in liquidation amount of
                          the Preferred Securities will have the
                          right to direct the Institutional
                          Trustee with respect to certain
                          matters under the Declaration and the
                          Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the
                          Institutional Trustee fails to enforce
                          its rights under the Indenture or
                          fails to enforce the Preferred
                          Securities Guarantee, any holder of
                          Preferred Securities may institute a
                          legal proceeding against Ford to
                          enforce such rights or the Preferred
                          Securities Guarantee, as the case may
                          be.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   28
 
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
 
     Ford was incorporated in Delaware in 1919 and acquired the business of a
Michigan company, also known as Ford Motor Company, incorporated in 1903 to
produce automobiles designed and engineered by Henry Ford. Ford is the
second-largest producer of cars and trucks in the world, and ranks among the
largest providers of financial services in the United States.
 
   
     Ford's two principal business segments are Automotive and Financial
Services. The activities of the Automotive segment consist of the design,
manufacture, assembly and sale of cars and trucks and related parts and
accessories. Substantially all of Ford's automotive products are marketed
through retail dealerships, most of which are privately owned and financed.
    
 
     The Financial Services segment is comprised of the following direct
subsidiaries, the activities of which include financing operations, vehicle and
equipment leasing and insurance operations: Ford Credit, Ford Credit Europe,
Ford Holdings, Hertz and Granite. Ford Holdings is a holding company that owns
primarily The Associates, USL Capital and American Road. In addition, there are
a number of international affiliates not listed above that are consolidated in
the total Financial Services results, but are managed by either Ford Credit
(which manages Ford Credit Europe, as well as other international affiliates),
The Associates or USL Capital.
 
   
     The principal executive offices of Ford are located at Ford Motor Company,
The American Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48121, telephone number 313-322-3000.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   29
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth the historical capitalization of Ford at
September 30, 1995 and as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of Preferred
Securities in exchange for the Depositary Shares. The maximum and minimum "As
Adjusted" capitalization columns described in the table below assumes that
holders of a maximum of 44,600,000 Depositary Shares and a minimum of 1,000,000
Depositary Shares, respectively, elect to participate in the Offer. To the
extent a different number of holders of Depositary Shares elect to participate
in the Offer, Preferred Securities of the Trust and Series B Preferred would be
increased or decreased, as the case may be, by equal and offsetting amounts.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           AMOUNT           MAXIMUM      MINIMUM
                                                       OUTSTANDING AT          AS           AS
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30, 1995     ADJUSTED     ADJUSTED
                                                     ------------------     --------     --------
                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>          <C>
AUTOMOTIVE
Debt payable within one year, including the current
  portion of long-term debt........................       $    793          $    793     $    793
Long-term debt.....................................          6,036             6,036        6,036
Minority interests in net assets of subsidiaries...            139               139          139
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Debt(a)............................................        135,912           135,912      135,912
Minority interests in net assets of subsidiaries...            693               693          693
Ford-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
  securities of subsidiary trust, the sole assets
  of which are the Junior Subordinated Debentures
  of Ford with a final maturity of December 31,
  2025(b)..........................................             --             1,115           25
Preferred stockholders' equity in subsidiary
  company..........................................          1,976             1,976        1,976
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 a share
  Issued and outstanding -- 51,659; 29,359 shares
     as adjusted (maximum); 51,159 shares as
     adjusted (minimum)............................             (c)               (c)          (c)
Common Stock, par value $1.00 a share
  Issued and outstanding -- 1,020 million shares...          1,020             1,020        1,020
Class B Stock, par value $1.00 a share
  Issued and outstanding -- 71 million shares......             71                71           71
Capital in excess of par value of stock............          5,531             4,416        5,506
Foreign currency translation adjustments and
  other............................................            800               800          800
Earnings retained for use in business..............         17,533            17,533       17,533
                                                     -------------          --------     --------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.........................       $ 24,955          $ 23,840     $ 24,930
                                                     -------------          --------     --------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION...............................       $170,504          $170,504     $170,504
                                                     =============          ========     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(a) Additional indebtedness has been placed since September 30, 1995.
    
 
   
(b) Upon redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred
    Securities will be mandatorily redeemed. The Junior Subordinated Debentures
    are limited to an aggregate principal amount of $1.115 billion and will bear
    interest at a rate of 9% from their Accrual Date. The payment of
    distributions out of moneys held by the Trust and payments on liquidation of
    the Trust and the redemption of Preferred Securities are guaranteed by
    Ford's Preferred Securities Guarantee. See "Description of the Preferred
    Securities Guarantee". The Preferred Securities Guarantee is a full and
    unconditional guarantee from the time of issuance of the Preferred
    Securities, but the Preferred Securities Guarantee covers distributions and
    other payments on the Preferred Securities only if and to the extent that
    Ford has made a payment of interest or principal on the Junior Subordinated
    Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets.
    
 
(c) Less than $1 million.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   30
 
                 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER DATA OF FORD
 
     The following table sets forth selected financial data and other data
concerning Ford:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30                       YEARS ENDED OR AT DECEMBER 31
                                              ----------------------      ------------------------------------------------------
                                                1995          1994          1994       1993       1992        1991       1990
                                              --------      --------      --------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------
                                                                          (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AND UNIT SALES AMOUNTS)
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME INFORMATION
Automotive
  Sales...................................... $ 82,899      $ 79,371      $107,137   $ 91,568   $  84,407   $ 72,051   $  81,844
  Operating income/(loss)....................    3,352         4,514         5,826      1,432      (1,775)    (3,769)        316
  Income/(loss) before cumulative effects of
    changes in accounting principles.........    2,040         2,794         3,824        940      (1,534)    (3,186)         99
Financial Services
  Revenues...................................   19,691        15,425        21,302     16,953      15,725     16,235      15,806
  Income before income taxes and
    cumulative effects of changes in
    accounting principles....................    2,622         2,003         2,792      2,712       1,825      1,465       1,221
  Income/(loss) before cumulative effects of
    changes in accounting principles.........    1,439           945         1,484      1,589       1,032        928         761
Total Ford
  Income/(loss) before cumulative effects of
    changes in accounting principles.........    3,479         3,739         5,308      2,529        (502)    (2,258)        860
  Cumulative effects of changes in accounting
    principles...............................       --            --            --         --      (6,883)        --          --
  Net income/(loss)..........................    3,479         3,739         5,308      2,529      (7,385)    (2,258)        860
Amounts Per Share of Common Stock and Class B
  Stock After Preferred Stock Dividends*
  Income/(loss) before cumulative effects of
    changes in accounting principles.........     3.13          3.50          4.97       2.27       (0.73)     (2.40)       0.93
  Cumulative effects of changes in accounting
    principles...............................       --            --            --         --       (7.08)        --          --
                                              --------      --------      --------   --------   ---------   --------   ---------
  Income/(loss) assuming no dilution.........     3.13          3.50          4.97       2.27       (7.81)     (2.40)       0.93
  Income/(loss) assuming full dilution.......     2.85          3.13          4.44       2.10       (7.81)     (2.40)       0.92
  Cash dividends.............................     0.88          0.65          0.91       0.80        0.80       0.98        1.50
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Automotive
  Total assets...............................   71,815        69,081        68,639     61,737      57,170     52,397      50,824
  Debt payable within one year...............      793            96           155        932       1,249      2,579       2,849
  Long-term debt--noncurrent portion.........    6,036         7,137         7,103      7,084       7,068      6,539       4,553
Financial Services
  Total assets...............................  166,761       145,738       150,983    137,201     123,375    122,032     122,839
  Debt.......................................  135,912       119,056       123,713    103,960      90,188     88,295      88,117
  Deposit accounts**.........................       --            --            --     10,549      14,030     16,882      17,893
Total Ford
  Total assets...............................  238,576       214,819       219,622    198,938     180,545    174,429     173,663
  Debt (incl. deposit accounts)..............  142,741       126,289       130,971    122,525     112,535    114,295     113,412
  Stockholders' equity***....................   24,955        19,985        21,659     15,574      14,753     22,690      23,238
  Cash dividends.............................    1,120           869         1,205      1,086         977        927       1,389
OTHER DATA
Total Ford
  Capital expenditures.......................    6,427         6,077         8,546      6,814       5,790      5,847       7,258
  Depreciation and amortization of special
    tools....................................    8,724         6,722         9,336      7,468       6,755      5,778       4,880
  Worldwide vehicle unit sales
    of cars, trucks and tractors
    (in thousands)****.......................    5,016         5,146         6,639      5,965       5,767      5,368       5,864
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   * Share data have been restated to reflect the 2-for-1 stock split that
     became effective June 6, 1994.
 
  ** Deposit accounts relate to First Nationwide.
 
 *** The cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles reduced equity
     by $6,883 million in 1992.
 
**** For the nine months ended September 30, 1995, vehicle unit sales are
     reported worldwide on a "where sold" basis and include sales of all
     Ford-badged units, as well as units manufactured by Ford and sold by other
     manufacturers. Unit sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1994 have
     been restated to reflect the country where sold and to include sales of all
     Ford-badged units. Ford-badged unit sales of certain unconsolidated
     subsidiaries (primarily Autolatina in Brazil and Argentina), included in
     unit sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1994, are not
     included in totals for the years ended December 31, 1990-1994. Unit sales
     for the years ended December 31, 1990-1994, are reported for North America
     on a "where sold" basis and overseas on a "where produced" basis.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   31
 
   
                FINANCIAL REVIEW OF FORD AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
    
 
Overview
 
     Ford earned $357 million in the third quarter of 1995, compared with
earnings of $1.12 billion for the third quarter of 1994. In the first nine
months of this year, Ford earned $3.5 billion, compared with $3.7 billion
through the first nine months in 1994.
 
     In this year's third quarter, lower production volume, primarily in the
United States, was the single largest factor explaining Ford's decline in
earnings. Ford's sales to dealers in the U.S. were 869,000 units, down 123,000
units, or 12%, from the third quarter of 1994. The decrease reflected unusually
high production in the year-ago period as well as units lost in the third
quarter of 1995 because of major new model launches and component shortages.
 
Automotive
 
     Ford's worldwide automotive operations experienced a loss of $201 million
in the third quarter of 1995, compared with earnings of $619 million in the
third quarter of 1994. In the U.S., Ford earned $187 million for the quarter,
down $366 million from a year earlier. Lower production volumes and costs
associated with introducing new models accounted for the decrease in earnings.
Cost efficiencies were partial offsets.
 
   
     In Europe, Ford's automotive operations incurred a loss of $320 million,
compared with a loss of $37 million a year earlier. The larger losses in Europe
were explained by lower volume and higher marketing costs, the cost of
introducing new models and unfavorable foreign exchange effects.
    
 
     Outside of Europe and the U.S., Ford posted a loss of $68 million, compared
with a profit of $103 million a year earlier. The decline is primarily
attributable to operations in Brazil, where higher import duties and a market
shift to small cars have resulted in excess inventories and higher marketing
costs.
 
   
     From now through early next year, Ford is launching the new Ford Taurus,
Mercury Sable, F-150 pick-up truck, Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer in North
America, and the Ford Galaxy and Fiesta in Europe. In the U.S., the new products
will represent about 35% of Ford's volume compared to more typical years when
new products represent about 10 to 15% of volume. In Europe, the Fiesta is
Ford's highest volume product.
    
 
Financial Services
 
     Ford's Financial Services Group earned a record $558 million in the third
quarter of 1995, up $53 million from the year earlier period.
 
     Each of the major businesses in the Group set third-quarter records. Ford
Credit's profit of $357 million was up $42 million from a year earlier.
Associates Corporation of North America earned $188 million, up $26 million from
a year earlier. USL Capital earned $31 million, up $4 million from a year
earlier.
 
   
     Ford is reviewing possible strategic actions with respect to its Financial
Services operations. Such actions could include the partial or complete sale of
USL Capital and the partial sale of The Associates.
    
 
   
     Ford Holdings has announced its intention to exchange for cash its
preferred stock (totaling about $2 billion) by means of a cash-out merger,
subject to approval by the holders of a majority of the voting power of the
outstanding capital stock of Ford Holdings. Ford and Ford Credit together own
all the outstanding common stock of Ford Holdings, representing 75% of the
combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of Ford Holdings.
Therefore, stockholder approval is assured. Ford Holdings will pay the preferred
stockholders the liquidation preference of the stock (i.e., the price at which
the stock was originally issued), plus accrued dividends. It is anticipated that
the merger will become effective by the end of 1995.
    
 
Fourth Quarter Outlook
 
     Ford expects that its net income in the fourth quarter of 1995 will be
higher than its net income of $357 million in the third quarter of 1995, but
will be well below its net income of $1,569 million in the fourth quarter of
1994. Lower production in North America, the continuation of major new product
launches in
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   32
 
North America (F-150) and in Europe (Fiesta), higher costs associated with
additional reductions in personnel and continued adverse foreign exchange
effects are expected to result in lower earnings in the fourth quarter this year
compared with a year ago.
 
Longer-Term Outlook
 
   
     In the U.S., Ford expects that the strong growth experienced from 1993 to
1994 will slow to a more sustainable pace in the 1995 to 1997 period, with
industry sales of 15 million or more units per year. In Europe, Ford expects the
economic recovery there to gain pace and industry volumes should improve for the
next several years.
    
 
     While Ford's automotive margins have declined this year, Ford expects them
to improve in future years, as the benefits of Ford 2000 (the global
reorganization of Ford's automotive operations) are realized.
 
   
Accounting Changes
    
 
   
     The Emerging Issues Task Force (the "EITF") of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board is considering an accounting issue that concerns timing of
revenue recognition when a manufacturer conditionally guarantees the resale
value of a product or agrees to repurchase the product at a fixed price (Issue
95-1). For Ford, this issue affects primarily sales through dealers to certain
daily rental companies where the daily rental company has an option to require
Ford to repurchase vehicles. Ford recognizes revenue upon the sale of vehicles
to dealers, including vehicles that subsequently are sold to daily rental
companies. If the EITF determines such sales should be accounted for as
operating leases, with revenue and income deferred and recognized over the term
of the lease, Ford would be required to change its accounting for such
transactions. The effect of this change, if required, on Ford's financial
results is not expected to be material relative to full year 1995 earnings, but
it could be material in the quarter in which the accounting change is made. If
required, the change could be made either on a prospective basis or on a
one-time cumulative basis; in either case, there would be no effect on Ford's
cash flow.
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   33
 
                     INDUSTRY DATA AND MARKET SHARE OF FORD
 
     The following table shows the U.S. industry retail deliveries of cars and
trucks for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            U.S. INDUSTRY RETAIL DELIVERIES
                                                                  (MILLIONS OF UNITS)
                                             --------------------------------------------------------------
                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                               SEPTEMBER 30*               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                             -----------------     ----------------------------------------
                                             1995         1994     1994     1993     1992     1991     1990
                                             ----         ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
<S>                                          <C>          <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Cars......................................   8.6          9.0      9.0      8.5      8.2      8.2      9.3
Trucks....................................   6.4          6.3      6.4      5.7      4.9      4.3      4.8
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
* Seasonally adjusted annual rates.
 
     The following table shows Ford's U.S. car and truck market shares for the
periods indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       FORD U.S. CAR AND TRUCK MARKET SHARES
                                           --------------------------------------------------------------
                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                             SEPTEMBER 30                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                           -----------------     ----------------------------------------
                                           1995         1994     1994     1993     1992     1991     1990
                                           ----         ----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
<S>                                        <C>          <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Cars....................................   21.1%        21.4%    21.8%    22.3%    21.8%    20.1%    21.1%
Trucks..................................   32.2         30.2     30.1     30.5     29.7     28.9     29.3
</TABLE>
    
 
   
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
    
 
   
     The ratio of "earnings" to "fixed charges" for Ford was as follows for the
first nine months of 1995 and each of the years 1990-1994:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED      ----------------------------------------
                                           SEPTEMBER 30, 1995     1994     1993     1992     1991     1990
                                           ------------------     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
<S>                                        <C>                    <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Ford Motor Company.......................          1.8             2.0      1.5      *        **       1.2
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
 * Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $237 million.
 
** Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $2,664 million.
 
     For purposes of the ratio, "earnings" include the income/(loss) before
income taxes and cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles of Ford
and its majority-owned subsidiaries, whether or not consolidated, its
proportionate share of any fifty-percent-owned companies, and any income
received from less-than-fifty-percent-owned companies and fixed charges. "Fixed
charges" consist of interest on borrowed funds, preferred stock dividend
requirements of majority-owned subsidiaries, amortization of debt discount,
premium, and issuance expense, and one-third of all rental expense (the
proportion deemed representative of the interest factor).
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   34
 
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
 
     The Trust is a statutory business trust that was formed under the Business
Trust Act on September 19, 1995 pursuant to a declaration of trust dated
September 19, 1995 among the Trustees and Ford and the filing of a certificate
of trust with the Secretary of State of Delaware. Such declaration of trust will
be amended and restated in its entirety as of the date the Trust accepts
Depositary Shares in the Offer (see "The Offer -- Terms of the Offer")
substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus forms a part. The Declaration is qualified under the Trust
Indenture Act. Upon issuance of the Preferred Securities, the holders thereof
will own all of the issued and outstanding Preferred Securities. Ford has agreed
to acquire Common Securities in an amount equal to at least 3% of the total
capital of the Trust and will own, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and
outstanding Common Securities. The Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities will have equivalent terms; provided that (i) if an Event of Default
under the Declaration occurs and is continuing, the holders of Preferred
Securities will have a priority over holders of the Common Securities with
respect to payments in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation,
redemption or otherwise and (ii) holders of Common Securities have the exclusive
right (subject to the terms of the Declaration) to appoint, remove or replace
Trustees and to increase or decrease the number of Trustees.
 
     The number of Trustees of the Trust shall initially be five. Three of the
Trustees will be the Regular Trustees. The fourth trustee is The Bank of New
York which will act as the Indenture Trustee for purposes of the Trust Indenture
Act. The fifth trustee is The Bank of New York (Delaware) which will serve as
the Delaware Trustee. Pursuant to the Declaration, the Institutional Trustee
will have the power to exercise all rights, powers and privileges under the
Indenture with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Institutional
Trustee will promptly make distributions to the holders of the Trust Securities
out of any funds in the Trust. The Preferred Securities Guarantee will be
separately qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and will be held by The Bank
of New York, acting in its separate capacity as indenture trustee with respect
to the Preferred Securities Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the
Preferred Securities.
 
     The Trust exists for the purpose of (a) issuing (i) its Preferred
Securities in exchange for Depositary Shares validly tendered in the Offer and
delivering such Depositary Shares to Ford in consideration of the deposit by
Ford as Trust assets of Junior Subordinated Debentures having an aggregate
stated principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of such
Preferred Securities, and (ii) its Common Securities to Ford in exchange for
cash and investing the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount of Junior
Subordinated Debentures and (b) engaging in such other activities as are
necessary or incidental thereto. The rights of the holders of the Preferred
Securities, including economic rights, rights to information and voting rights,
are set forth in the Declaration, the Business Trust Act and the Trust Indenture
Act.
 
     Under the Declaration, the Trust shall not, and the Trustees (including the
Institutional Trustee) shall cause the Trust not to, engage in any activity
other than in connection with the purposes of the Trust or other than as
required or authorized by the Declaration. In particular, the Trust shall not
and the Trustees (including the Institutional Trustee) shall not (a) invest any
proceeds received by the Trust from holding the Junior Subordinated Debentures
but shall promptly distribute all such proceeds to holders of Trust Securities
pursuant to the terms of the Declaration and of the Trust Securities; (b)
acquire any assets other than as expressly provided in the Declaration; (c)
possess Trust property for other than a Trust purpose; (d) make any investments,
other than investments represented by the Junior Subordinated Debentures; (e)
possess any power or otherwise act in such a way as to vary the Trust assets or
the terms of the Trust Securities in any way whatsoever; (f) issue any
securities or other evidences of beneficial ownership of, or beneficial
interests in, the Trust other than the Trust Securities; (g) incur any
indebtedness for borrowed money or (h)(1) direct the time, method and place of
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Indenture Trustee with respect
to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, (2) waive any past default that is
waivable under Section 5.13 of the Indenture, (3) exercise any right to rescind
or annul any declaration that the principal of all of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures shall be due and payable or (4) consent to any amendment,
modification or termination of the Indenture or the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or the Declaration, in each case where such consent shall be
required, unless in the case of this clause (h) the Institutional Trustee shall
have received an unqualified opinion of nationally recognized independent tax
counsel recognized as expert in such
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   35
 
matters to the effect that such action will not cause the Trust to be classified
for United States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a
corporation or a partnership and that the Trust will continue to be classified
as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
 
     The books and records of the Trust will be maintained at the principal
office of the Trust and will be open for inspection by a holder of Preferred
Securities or the duly authorized representative of such holder for any purpose
reasonably related to its interest in the Trust during normal business hours.
The Trust anticipates that it will not be required to file with the Commission
or distribute to holders of Preferred Securities periodic reports regarding the
Trust.
 
     Except as provided below or under the Business Trust Act and the Trust
Indenture Act, holders of Preferred Securities will have no voting rights. See
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights".
 
   
     The Institutional Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Trust
Securities, is authorized under the Declaration to exercise all rights under the
Indenture with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures and to enforce
Ford's obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures upon the occurrence
of an Indenture Event of Default. The Institutional Trustee, as the Guarantee
Trustee, shall also be authorized to enforce the rights of holders of Preferred
Securities under the Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the Trust's failure to
make distributions on the Preferred Securities is a consequence of Ford's
exercise of its right to extend the interest payment period for the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the Institutional Trustee will have no right to enforce
the payment of distributions on the Preferred Securities until an Event of
Default shall have occurred. Holders of at least a majority in liquidation
amount of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the
Institutional Trustee with respect to certain matters under the Declaration and
the Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the Institutional Trustee fails to
enforce its rights under the Indenture or fails to enforce the Preferred
Securities Guarantee, any holder of Preferred Securities may institute a legal
proceeding against Ford to enforce such rights or the Preferred Securities
Guarantee, as the case may be. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Voting Rights".
    
 
     If an Indenture Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to
Junior Subordinated Debentures, an Event of Default under the Declaration will
occur and be continuing with respect to the Trust Securities. In such event, the
Declaration provides that the holders of Common Securities will be deemed to
have waived any such Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities
until all Events of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been
cured or waived. Until all such Events of Default with respect to the Preferred
Securities have been so cured or waived, the Institutional Trustee will be
deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the holders of the Preferred Securities
and only the holders of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct
the Institutional Trustee with respect to certain matters under the Declaration
and consequently under the Indenture. If any Event of Default with respect to
the Preferred Securities is waived by the holders of the Preferred Securities as
provided in the Declaration, the holders of Common Securities pursuant to the
Declaration have agreed that such waiver also constitutes a waiver of such Event
of Default with respect to the Common Securities for all purposes under the
Declaration without any further act, vote or consent of the holders of the
Common Securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities".
 
     The Declaration provides that the Trustees may treat the person in whose
name a Preferred Security is registered on the books and records of the Trust as
the sole holder thereof and of the Preferred Securities represented thereby for
purposes of receiving distributions and for all other purposes and, accordingly,
shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in
such certificate or in the Preferred Securities represented thereby on the part
of any person, whether or not the Trust shall have actual or other notice
thereof. Preferred Securities will be issued in fully registered form. Investors
may elect to hold their Preferred Securities directly or, subject to the rules
and procedures of The Depository Trust Company, Midwest Securities Trust Company
and Philadelphia Depository Trust Company (the "Depository Institutions")
described under "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Book-Entry; Delivery
and Form", hold interests in a global certificate registered on the books and
records of the Trust in the name of a Depository Institution or its nominee.
Under the Declaration:
 
          (i) the Trust and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with a
     Depository Institution (or any successor depositary) for all purposes,
     including the payment of distributions and receiving approvals,
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   36
 
     votes or consents under the Declaration, and except as set forth in the
     Declaration, shall have no obligation to persons owning Preferred
     Securities ("Preferred Security Beneficial Owners") registered in the name
     of and held by a Depository Institution or its nominee; and
 
          (ii) the rights of Preferred Security Beneficial Owners shall be
     exercised only through a Depository Institution (or any successor
     depository) and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements
     between such Preferred Security Beneficial Owners and a Depository
     Institution and/or its participants. See "Description of the Preferred
     Securities -- Book-Entry; Delivery and Form". With respect to Preferred
     Securities registered in the name of and held by a Depository Institution
     or its nominee, all notices and other communications required under the
     Declaration shall be given to, and all distributions on such Preferred
     Securities shall be given or made to, a Depository Institution (or its
     successor).
 
     In the Declaration, Ford has agreed to pay for all debts and obligations
(other than with respect to the Trust Securities) and all costs and expenses of
the Trust, including the fees and expenses of the Trustees and any taxes and all
costs and expenses with respect thereto, to which the Trust may become subject,
except for United States withholding taxes. See "Special Considerations Relating
to the Offer -- Trust Distributions Dependent on Ford's Payments on Junior
Subordinated Debentures". The foregoing obligations of Ford under the
Declaration are for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, any person to
whom any such debts, obligations, costs, expenses and taxes are owed (a
"Creditor") whether or not such Creditor has received notice thereof. Any such
Creditor may enforce such obligations of Ford directly against Ford and Ford has
irrevocably waived any right or remedy to require that any such Creditor take
any action against the Trust or any other person before proceeding against Ford.
Ford has agreed in the Declaration to execute such additional agreements as may
be necessary or desirable in order to give full effect to the foregoing.
 
   
     THE FOREGOING SUMMARY OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE DECLARATION IS A GENERAL
DISCUSSION OF THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE DECLARATION, AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE
COMPLETE AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE DECLARATION WHICH
HAS BEEN FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF WHICH THIS
PROSPECTUS IS A PART.
    
 
     The business address of the Trust is c/o Ford Motor Company, The American
Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48121, telephone number (313) 322-3000.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   37
 
                                   THE OFFER
 
PURPOSE OF THE OFFER
 
     The purpose of the Offer is to refinance the Depositary Shares with the
Preferred Securities and to achieve certain tax efficiencies while preserving
Ford's flexibility with respect to future financings. This refinancing will
permit Ford to deduct interest payable on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for
United States federal income tax purposes; dividends payable with regard to the
Depositary Shares are not deductible.
 
GENERAL
 
   
     PARTICIPATION IN THE OFFER IS VOLUNTARY AND HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER WHETHER TO ACCEPT. NEITHER THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
FORD, FORD, THE TRUSTEES NOR THE TRUST MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO HOLDERS AS TO
WHETHER TO TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING IN THE OFFER. HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY
SHARES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS IN MAKING THEIR
DECISIONS ON WHAT ACTION TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
SEE "PRICE RANGE OF DEPOSITARY SHARES".
    
 
     Unless the context requires otherwise, the term "Holder" with respect to
the Offer means (i) any person in whose name any Depositary Shares are
registered on the books of Ford or (ii) any other person who has obtained a
properly completed stock power from the registered holder, or (iii) any person
whose Depositary Shares are held of record by a Depository Institution.
 
TERMS OF THE OFFER
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the
Letter of Transmittal, the Trust will exchange its Preferred Securities for up
to 44,600,000 of the outstanding Depositary Shares. The Offer will be effected
on a basis of one Preferred Security for each Depositary Share validly tendered
and accepted for exchange. See "-- Procedures for Tendering". Upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal, the
Trust will accept up to 44,600,000 Depositary Shares validly tendered and not
withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date and, unless the Offer has been withdrawn
or terminated, will deliver Preferred Securities in exchange therefor to
tendering Holders of Depositary Shares as promptly as practicable following the
Expiration Date. The Trust expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion,
to delay acceptance for exchange of Depositary Shares tendered under the Offer
and the delivery of the Preferred Securities with respect to the Depositary
Shares accepted for exchange (subject to Rules 13e-4 and 14e-1 under the
Exchange Act, which require that the Trust consummate the Offer or return the
Depositary Shares deposited by or on behalf of the Holders thereof promptly
after the termination or withdrawal of the Offer), or to amend, withdraw or
terminate the Offer at any time prior to the Expiration Date for any of the
reasons set forth in "-- Conditions to the Offer" and "-- Expiration Date;
Extensions; Amendments; Termination".
 
     In all cases, except to the extent waived by the Trust, delivery of
Preferred Securities issued with respect to the Depositary Shares accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the
Exchange Agent of Depositary Shares (or confirmation of book-entry transfer
thereof), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal and any
other documents required thereby.
 
   
     As of the date of this Prospectus, there are 45,600,000 Depositary Shares
outstanding. This Prospectus, together with the Letter of Transmittal, is being
sent to all registered Holders commencing on or about the date of this
Prospectus.
    
 
     The Trust shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Depositary
Shares (or defectively tendered Depositary Shares with respect to which the
Trust has waived such defect) when, as and if the Trust has given oral or
written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as
agent for the tendering Holders for the purpose of receiving Depositary Shares
from, and remitting Preferred Securities to, tendering Holders who are
participating in the Offer. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the
Offer, delivery of Preferred Securities to tendering Holders will be made as
promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   38
 
     If proration of tendered Depositary Shares is required, because of the
difficulty in determining the number of Depositary Shares validly tendered
(including shares tendered by the guaranteed delivery procedures described in
"-- Procedures for Tendering"), the Trust does not expect that it would be able
to announce the final proration factor or to commence the exchange for any
Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer until approximately five Business Days
after the Expiration Date. Preliminary results of the proration will be
announced by press release as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
Holders of Depositary Shares may obtain such preliminary information from the
Dealer Managers, the Information Agent or the Exchange Agent and may also be
able to obtain such information from their brokers.
 
     Until the final proration factors are known, the Trust will not issue any
Preferred Securities in exchange for any Depositary Shares accepted for exchange
pursuant to the Offer or return Depositary Shares delivered to the Exchange
Agent but not tendered or return Depositary Shares tendered but not accepted for
exchange because of proration.
 
     If any tendered Depositary Shares are not accepted for exchange because of
an invalid tender, proration, the occurrence of certain other events set forth
herein or otherwise, unless otherwise requested by the Holder under "Special
Delivery Instructions" in the Letter of Transmittal, such Depositary Shares will
be returned, without expense, to the tendering Holder thereof (or in the case of
Depositary Shares tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's
account at a Depository Institution, such Depositary Shares will be credited to
an account maintained at the Depository Institution designated by the
participant therein who so delivered such Depositary Shares), as promptly as
practicable after the Expiration Date or the withdrawal or termination of the
Offer.
 
     Holders of Depositary Shares will not have any appraisal or dissenters'
rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law in connection with the Offer.
The Trust intends to conduct the Offer in accordance with the applicable
requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder.
 
     Holders who tender Depositary Shares in the Offer will not be required to
pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the Letter
of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Depositary Shares
pursuant to the Offer. See "Fees and Expenses; Transfer Taxes".
 
     Holders tendering Depositary Shares held in global form shall receive
Preferred Securities in global form and holders tendering Depositary Shares held
directly in certificated form shall receive Preferred Securities in certificated
form, in each case unless otherwise specified in the Letter of Transmittal. See
"-- Procedures for Tendering".
 
CONDITIONS TO THE OFFER
 
   
     Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Offer, or any extension of the
Offer, the Trust will not be required to deliver Preferred Securities in respect
of any properly tendered Depositary Shares and may terminate the Offer by oral
or written notice to the Exchange Agent and the holders of Depositary Shares,
or, at its option, may modify or otherwise amend the Offer (other than with
respect to the Minimum Distribution Condition) with respect to such Depositary
Shares if any of the following conditions are not satisfied at or prior to the
Expiration Date in the case of clauses (a) and (b) below or if any of the events
specified in clauses (c) through (e) occurs at or prior to the exchange date for
the Depositary Shares:
    
 
          (a) receipt of at least 12,000,000 validly tendered Depositary Shares
     in the Offer;
 
          (b) tenders by a sufficient number of holders of Depositary Shares to
     satisfy the Minimum Distribution Condition;
 
          (c) any action has been taken or threatened, or any statute, rule,
     regulation, judgment, order, stay, decree or injunction has been
     promulgated, enacted, entered, enforced or deemed applicable to the Offer,
     by or before any court or governmental regulatory or administrative agency
     or authority or tribunal, domestic or foreign, which (i) challenges the
     making of the Offer, or might directly or indirectly prohibit, prevent,
     restrict or delay consummation of the Offer, or otherwise and adversely
     affect in any material manner the Offer or (ii) could materially adversely
     affect the business, condition (financial or otherwise),
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   39
 
     income, operations, properties, assets, liabilities or prospects of Ford
     and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole or materially impair the
     contemplated benefits of the Offer to Ford:
 
          (d) any event has occurred or is likely to occur affecting the
     business or financial affairs of Ford that would or might prohibit,
     prevent, restrict or delay consummation of the Offer or that will, or is
     reasonably likely to, materially impair the contemplated benefits of the
     Offer or might be material to holders of Depositary Shares in deciding
     whether to accept the Offer; and
 
          (e) any of the following events shall have occurred (i) any general
     suspension of or limitation on trading in securities on the NYSE or in the
     over-the-counter market (whether or not mandatory), (ii) any significant
     adverse change in the price of the Depositary Shares or in the United
     States securities or financial markets, (iii) a material impairment in the
     trading market for debt or equity securities, (iv) a declaration of a
     banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks by
     federal or state authorities in the United States (whether or not
     mandatory), (v) a commencement of a war, armed hostilities or other
     national or international crisis directly or indirectly relating to the
     United States, (vi) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) by any
     governmental authority on, or other event having a reasonable likelihood of
     affecting, the extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions
     in the United States, (vii) any significant adverse change in United States
     securities or financial markets generally or in the case of any of the
     foregoing existing at the time of the commencement of the Offer, a material
     acceleration or worsening thereof.
 
   
     The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Trust and Ford
and, except for the Minimum Distribution Condition, may be waived by the Trust
and Ford, in whole or in part, in their sole discretion. Any determination made
by Ford or the Trust concerning an event, development or circumstance described
or referred to above will be final and binding on all parties.
    
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS; TERMINATION
 
     The Offer will expire on the Expiration Date. The Trust expressly reserves
the right, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, to (i) terminate
the Offer, and not accept for exchange any Depositary Shares and promptly return
all Depositary Shares upon the failure of any of the conditions specified above
in "-- Conditions to the Offer", (ii) waive any condition to the Offer (other
than the Minimum Distribution Condition) and accept all Depositary Shares
previously tendered pursuant to the Offer, (iii) extend the Expiration Date of
the Offer and retain all Depositary Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer until
the Expiration Date, subject, however, to all withdrawal rights of holders, see
"-- Withdrawal of Tenders", (iv) amend the terms of the Offer or (v) modify the
form of the consideration to be paid pursuant to the Offer. Any amendment
applicable to the Offer will apply to all Depositary Shares tendered pursuant to
the Offer. During any extension of the Offer, all Depositary Shares previously
tendered pursuant to the Offer and not withdrawn will remain subject to the
Offer.
 
     If the Trust makes a material change in the terms of the Offer, the Trust
will extend the Offer. The minimum period for which the Offer will be extended
following a material change, other than a change in the amount of Depositary
Shares sought for exchange or an increase or decrease in the consideration
offered to Holders of Depositary Shares, will depend upon the facts and
circumstances, including the relative materiality of the change. With respect to
an increase or decrease in the number of Depositary Shares sought in the Offer
or an increase or decrease in the consideration offered to Holders of Depositary
Shares, if required, the Offer will remain open for a minimum of ten Business
Days following public announcement of such change. In the case of any amendment,
withdrawal or termination of the Offer, a public announcement will be issued no
later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the
previously scheduled Expiration Date of the Offer subject to such extension. If
the Trust withdraws or terminates the Offer, it will give immediate notice to
the Exchange Agent, and all Depositary Shares theretofore tendered pursuant to
the Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering Holders thereof. See "--
Withdrawal of Tenders". In order to satisfy the NYSE listing requirements,
acceptance of Depositary Shares validly tendered in the Offer is subject to the
Minimum Distribution Condition, which condition may not be waived.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   40
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
     The tender of Depositary Shares by a Holder thereof pursuant to one of the
procedures set forth below will constitute an agreement between such Holder and
the Trust in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Each Holder of Depositary Shares wishing to participate in the Offer must
(i) properly complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal in accordance with the
instructions contained herein and in the Letter of Transmittal, together with
any required signature guarantees, and deliver the same to the Exchange Agent,
at one of its addresses set forth on the back cover page hereof prior to the
Expiration Date and either (a) certificates for the Depositary Shares must be
received by the Exchange Agent at such address or (b) such Depositary Shares
must be transferred pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described
below and a confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the
Exchange Agent, in each case prior to the Expiration Date, or (ii) comply with
the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
 
     IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER, HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES MUST
SUBMIT A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND COMPLY WITH THE OTHER PROCEDURES FOR
TENDERING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN AND IN THE LETTER
OF TRANSMITTAL PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
   
LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL, DEPOSITARY SHARES AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
SHOULD BE SENT ONLY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT -- -- NOT TO THE TRUST, FORD, THE
DEALER MANAGERS OR THE INFORMATION AGENT.
    
 
     Special Procedure for Beneficial Owners. Any beneficial owner whose
Depositary Shares are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial
bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact
such registered Holder promptly and instruct such registered Holder to tender on
such beneficial owner's behalf. If such beneficial owner wishes to tender on its
own behalf, such owner must, prior to completing and executing the Letter of
Transmittal and delivering its Depositary Shares, either make appropriate
arrangements to register ownership of the Depositary Shares in such owner's name
or obtain a properly completed stock power from the registered Holder. The
transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able
to be completed prior to the Expiration Date.
 
     THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF DEPOSITARY SHARES AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS IS AT
THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDER. IF SENT BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT
REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED, INSURANCE BE OBTAINED, AND
THE MAILING BE MADE SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF THE EXPIRATION DATE TO PERMIT
DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
     Signature Guarantees. If tendered Depositary Shares are registered in the
name of the signer of the Letter of Transmittal and the Preferred Securities to
be issued in exchange therefor are to be issued (and any untendered Depositary
Shares are to be reissued) in the name of the registered Holder, the signature
of such signer need not be guaranteed. If the tendered Depositary Shares are
registered in the name of someone other than the signer of the Letter of
Transmittal, or if Preferred Securities issued in exchange therefor are to be
issued in the name of any person other than the signer of the Letter of
Transmittal, such tendered Depositary Shares must be endorsed or accompanied by
written instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Trust and duly
executed by the registered Holder, and the signature on the endorsement or
instrument of transfer must be guaranteed by a financial institution (including
most banks, savings and loans associations and brokerage houses) that is a
participant in the Security Transfer Agents Medallion Program or the Stock
Exchange Medallion Program (any of the foregoing hereinafter referred to as an
"Eligible Institution"). If the Preferred Securities and/or the Depositary
Shares are not exchanged or are to be delivered to an address other than that of
the registered Holder appearing on the register for the Depositary Shares, the
signature in the Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
 
     Book-Entry Transfer. The Trust understands that the Exchange Agent will
make a request promptly after the date of this Prospectus to establish accounts
with respect to the Depositary Shares at a Depository Institution for the
purpose of facilitating the Offer, and subject to the establishment thereof, any
financial
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   41
 
institution that is a participant in a Depository Institution's system may make
book-entry delivery of Depositary Shares by causing the Depository Institution
to transfer such Depositary Shares into the Exchange Agent's account with
respect to the Depositary Shares in accordance with such Depository
Institution's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") procedures for such
book-entry transfers. However, the exchange for the Depositary Shares so
tendered will only be made after timely confirmation (a "Book-Entry
Confirmation") of such Book-Entry Transfer of Depositary Shares into the
Exchange Agent's account, and timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of an Agent's
Message (as such term is defined in the next sentence) and any other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal. The term "Agent's Message" means a
message, transmitted by a Depository Institution and received by the Exchange
Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that such
Depository Institution has received an express acknowledgment from a participant
tendering Depositary Shares that is the subject of such Book-Entry Confirmation,
that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Letter of Transmittal, and that the Trust may enforce such agreement against
such participant.
 
     Guaranteed Delivery. If a Holder desires to participate in the Offer and
time will not permit a Letter of Transmittal or Depositary Shares to reach the
Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date or the procedure for book-entry
transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected if the
Exchange Agent has received at one of its addresses on the back cover page
hereof prior to the Expiration Date, a letter, telegram or facsimile
transmission from an Eligible Institution setting forth the name and address of
the tendering Holder, the name(s) in which the Depositary Shares are registered
and, if the Depositary Shares are held in certificated form, the certificate
numbers of the Depositary Shares to be tendered, and stating that the tender is
being made thereby and guaranteeing that within three NYSE trading days after
the date of execution of such letter, telegram or facsimile transmission by the
Eligible Institution, the Depositary Shares in proper form for transfer together
with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (and any other
required documents), or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Depositary
Shares into the Exchange Agent's account at a Depository Institution, will be
delivered by such Eligible Institution. Unless the Depositary Shares being
tendered by the above-described method are deposited with the Exchange Agent
within the time period set forth above (accompanied or preceded by a properly
completed Letter of Transmittal and any other required documents) or a
confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Depositary Shares into the Exchange
Agent's account at the Depository Institution in accordance with such Depository
Institution's ATOP procedures is received, the Trust may, at its option, reject
the tender. In addition to the copy being transmitted herewith, copies of a
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery which may be used by Eligible Institutions for the
purposes described in this paragraph are available from the Exchange Agent and
the Information Agent.
 
     Miscellaneous. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of
Depositary Shares will be determined by the Trust, whose determination will be
final and binding. The Trust reserves the absolute right to reject any or all
tenders not in proper form or the acceptance for exchange of which may, in the
opinion of the Trust's counsel, be unlawful. The Trust also reserves the
absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the tender of any
Depositary Shares, and the Trust's interpretation of the terms and conditions of
the Offer (including the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal) will be
final and binding. None of the Trust, the Exchange Agent, the Dealer Managers,
the Information Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give
notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any liability
for failure to give any such notification.
 
     Tenders of Depositary Shares involving any irregularities will not be
deemed to have been made until such irregularities have been cured or waived.
Depositary Shares received by the Exchange Agent that are not validly tendered
and as to which the irregularities have not been cured or waived will be
returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering Holder (or in the case of
Depositary Shares tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's
account at a Depository Institution, such Depositary Shares will be credited to
an account maintained at the Depository Institution designated by the
participant therein who so delivered such Depositary Shares), unless otherwise
requested by the Holder in the Letter of Transmittal, as promptly as practicable
after the Expiration Date or the withdrawal or termination of the Offer.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   42
 
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
     The Letter of Transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms
and conditions, which are part of the Offer.
 
     The party tendering Depositary Shares for exchange (the "Transferor")
exchanges, assigns and transfers the Depositary Shares to the Trust, and
irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the Transferor's
agent and attorney-in-fact to cause the Depositary Shares to be assigned,
transferred and exchanged. The Transferor represents and warrants that it has
full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Depositary
Shares and the underlying Series B Preferred and to acquire Preferred Securities
issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Depositary Shares and that, when
such Transferor's Depositary Shares are accepted for exchange, the Trust will
acquire good and unencumbered title to such tendered Depositary Shares and the
underlying Series B Preferred, free and clear of all liens, restrictions,
charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim. The Transferor
also warrants that it will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional
documents deemed by the Trust to be necessary or desirable to complete the
exchange, assignment and transfer of tendered Depositary Shares or transfer
ownership of such Depositary Shares on the account books maintained by the
Depository Institution. All authority conferred by the Transferor will survive
the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of the Transferor and every obligation of
the Transferor shall be binding upon the heirs, legal representatives,
successors, assigns, executors and administrators of such Transferor.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
 
     Tenders of Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any
time prior to the Expiration Date and, unless accepted for exchange by the
Trust, may be withdrawn at any time after 40 Business Days after the date of
this Prospectus.
 
     To be effective, a written notice of withdrawal delivered by mail, hand
delivery or facsimile transmission must be timely received by the Exchange Agent
at one of its addresses set forth on the back cover page hereof. The method of
notification is at the risk and election of the Holder. Any such notice of
withdrawal must specify (i) the Holder named in the Letter of Transmittal as
having tendered Depositary Shares to be withdrawn, (ii) if the Depositary Shares
are held in certificated form, the certificate numbers of the Depositary Shares
to be withdrawn, (iii) that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such
Depositary Shares exchanged and (iv) the name of the registered Holder of such
Depositary Shares, and must be signed by the Holder in the same manner as the
original signature on the Letter of Transmittal (including any required
signature guarantees) or be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Trust
that the person withdrawing the tender has succeeded to the beneficial ownership
of the Depositary Shares being withdrawn. The Exchange Agent will return the
properly withdrawn Depositary Shares promptly following receipt of notice of
withdrawal. If Depositary Shares have been tendered pursuant to the procedure
for book-entry transfer, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and
number of the account at a Depository Institution to be credited with the
withdrawn Depositary Shares and otherwise comply with such Depository
Institution procedures. All questions as to the validity of notice of
withdrawal, including time of receipt, will be determined by the Trust, and such
determination will be final and binding on all parties. Withdrawals of tenders
of Depositary Shares may not be rescinded and any Depositary Shares withdrawn
will thereafter be deemed not validly tendered for purposes of the Offer.
Properly withdrawn Depositary Shares, however, may be retendered by following
the procedures therefor described elsewhere herein at any time prior to the
Expiration Date. See "-- Procedures for Tendering".
 
ACCEPTANCE OF SHARES AND PRORATION
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer, including the
Minimum Distribution Condition, if 44,600,000 or fewer Depositary Shares have
been validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, the Trust
will accept for exchange all such Depositary Shares. Upon the terms and subject
to the conditions of the Offer, if more than 44,600,000 Depositary Shares have
been validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, the Trust
will accept for exchange Depositary Shares from each
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   43
 
tendering Holder on a pro rata basis, subject to adjustment to avoid the
acceptance for exchange of fractional shares.
 
     If the Trust decides, in its sole discretion, to increase or decrease the
number of Depositary Shares sought in the Offer or to increase or decrease the
consideration offered to Holders of Depositary Shares, and if the Offer is
scheduled to expire less than ten Business Days from and including the date that
notice of such increase or decrease is first published, sent or given in the
manner specified in "-- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination",
then the Offer will be extended for a minimum of ten Business Days from and
including the date of such notice.
 
     All Depositary Shares not accepted pursuant to the Offer, including shares
not accepted because of proration, will be returned to the tendering Holders at
the Trust's expense as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT AND INFORMATION AGENT
 
     Chemical Bank has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Offer.
 
                             THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS:
 
                                 CHEMICAL BANK
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
                        By Mail:                                                   By Hand:
        c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services                   c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services
                    Midtown Station                                       Reorganization Department
                      P.O. Box 837                                         120 Broadway, 13th Floor
                   New York, NY 10018                                         New York, NY 10271
                 By Overnight Courier:                                    By Facsimile Transmission:
                                                                       (For Eligible Institutions Only)
        c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services
               Reorganization Department                                        (201) 296-4293
                   85 Challenger Road
               Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660                                    Confirm by Telephone:
                                                                                (201) 296-4209
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     Georgeson & Company Inc. has been retained as the Information Agent to
assist in connection with the Offer. Questions and requests for assistance
regarding the Offer, requests for additional copies of this Prospectus, the
Letter of Transmittal and requests for Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be
directed to the Information Agent.
    
 
                           THE INFORMATION AGENT IS:
 
                        (GEORGESON & COMPANY INC. LOGO)
                               Wall Street Plaza
                            New York, New York 10005
                           (800) 223-2064 (Toll-Free)
                        Banks and Brokers Call Collect:
                                 (212) 440-9800
 
     Ford will pay the Exchange Agent and Information Agent reasonable and
customary fees for their services and will reimburse them for all their
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   44
 
DEALER MANAGERS; SOLICITING DEALERS
 
   
     Merrill Lynch & Co., Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers, PaineWebber Incorporated and Smith Barney
Inc., as Dealer Managers, have agreed to solicit exchanges of Depositary Shares
for Preferred Securities. Ford will pay the Dealer Managers a fee of $0.125 per
Depositary Share accepted pursuant to the Offer. The maximum fee payable to the
Dealer Managers is approximately $5,575,000 plus any amount that the Dealer
Managers may be entitled to pursuant to the next paragraph. Ford will also
reimburse the Dealer Managers for certain reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in
connection with the Offer and will indemnify the Dealer Managers against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The Dealer Managers
engage in transactions with, and from time to time have performed services for,
Ford, including acting as underwriters for the issuance of the Depositary
Shares.
    
 
     Ford will pay to a Soliciting Dealer a solicitation fee of $0.50 per
Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the
Offer. As used in this Prospectus, "Soliciting Dealer" includes (i) any broker
or dealer in securities, including a Dealer Manager in its capacity as a broker
or dealer, who is a member of any national securities exchange or of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), (ii) any foreign
broker or dealer not eligible for membership in the NASD who agrees to conform
to the NASD's Rules of Fair Practice in soliciting tenders outside the United
States to the same extent as though it were an NASD member, or (iii) any bank or
trust company, any one of whom has solicited and obtained a tender pursuant to
the Offer. No solicitation fee shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer with
respect to the tender of depositary receipts evidencing Depositary Shares by a
Holder unless the Letter of Transmittal accompanying such tender designates such
Soliciting Dealer as such in the box captioned "Solicited Tenders".
 
     If tendered Depositary Shares are being delivered by book-entry transfer
made to an account maintained by the Exchange Agent with Depository
Institutions, the Soliciting Dealer must return a Notice of Solicited Tenders
(included in the materials provided to brokers and dealers) to the Exchange
Agent within three trading days after the Expiration Date in order to receive a
solicitation fee. No solicitation fee shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer in
respect of Depositary Shares (i) beneficially owned by such Soliciting Dealer or
(ii) registered in the name of such Soliciting Dealer unless such Depositary
Shares are held by such Soliciting Dealer as nominee and such Depositary Shares
are being tendered for the benefit of one or more beneficial owners identified
on the Letter of Transmittal or the Notice of Solicited Tenders. No solicitation
fee shall be payable to the Soliciting Dealer with respect to the tender of
Depositary Shares by the Holder of record, for the benefit of the beneficial
owner, unless the beneficial owner has designated such Soliciting Dealer.
 
   
     No solicitation fee shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer if such
Soliciting Dealer is required for any reason to transfer any portion of such fee
to a tendering Holder (other than itself). No broker, dealer, bank, trust
company or fiduciary shall be deemed to be the agent of Ford, the Trust, the
trustees, the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent or the Dealer Managers for
purposes of the Offer.
    
 
     Other than as described above, Ford will not pay any solicitation fees to
any broker, dealer, bank, trust company or other person for any Depositary
Shares exchanged in connection with the Offer. Ford will reimburse such persons
for customary handling and mailing expenses incurred in connection with the
Offer.
 
     Additional solicitations may be made by telephone, in person or otherwise
by officers and regular employees of Ford and its affiliates. No additional
compensation will be paid to any such officers and employees who engage in
soliciting tenders.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   45
 
       LISTING AND TRADING OF PREFERRED SECURITIES AND DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
   
     The Preferred Securities constitute a new issue of securities with no
established trading market. While the Preferred Securities have been approved
for listing on the NYSE, subject to notice of issuance, there can be no
assurance that an active market for the Preferred Securities will develop or be
sustained in the future on such exchange. Although the Dealer Managers have
indicated to the Trust that they intend to make a market in the Preferred
Securities following the Expiration Date as permitted by applicable laws and
regulations prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE, they are not
obligated to do so and may discontinue any such market-making at any time
without notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of,
or trading markets for, the Preferred Securities. In order to satisfy the NYSE
listing requirements, acceptance of Depositary Shares validly tendered in the
Offer is subject to the Minimum Distribution Condition, which condition may not
be waived.
    
 
     To the extent that Depositary Shares are tendered and accepted in the
Offer, the terms on which untendered Depositary Shares could subsequently be
sold could be adversely affected. In addition, if the Offer is substantially
subscribed or oversubscribed, there would be a significant risk that round lot
holdings of Depositary Shares outstanding following the Offer would be limited.
See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Lack of Established Trading
Market for Preferred Securities" and "-- Reduced Trading Market for Depositary
Shares".
 
               TRANSACTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING THE OFFER
 
     Except as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements,
understandings or relationships in connection with the Offer between Ford or any
of its directors or executive officers, the Trust or the Trustees and any person
with respect to any securities of Ford or the Trust, including the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the Series B Preferred, the Depositary Shares and the
Preferred Securities.
 
                       FEES AND EXPENSES; TRANSFER TAXES
 
   
     The expenses of soliciting tenders of the Depositary Shares will be borne
by Ford. For compensation to be paid to the Dealer Managers and Soliciting
Dealers, see "The Offer -- Dealer Managers; Soliciting Dealers". The total cash
expenditures to be incurred by Ford in connection with the Offer, other than
fees payable to the Dealer Managers and Soliciting Dealers, but including the
expenses of the Dealer Managers, printing, accounting and legal fees, and the
fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent, the
Institutional Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, are
estimated to be approximately $1,500,000.
    
 
     Ford will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of
Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer. If, however, certificates representing
Preferred Securities or Depositary Shares not tendered or accepted for exchange,
are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other
than the registered Holder of the Depositary Shares tendered or if a transfer
tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Depositary Shares
pursuant to the Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether
imposed on the registered Holder or any other persons) will be payable by the
tendering Holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption
therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such
transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering Holder.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   46
 
                        PRICE RANGE OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     The Depositary Shares are listed and principally traded on the NYSE. The
following table sets forth, for each period shown, the high and low sales prices
of the Depositary Shares as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                HIGH      LOW
                                                                                ----      ----
<S>                                                                             <C>       <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
  1st Quarter................................................................   $27       $25 1/4
  2nd Quarter................................................................    27  5/8  26 1/8
  3rd Quarter................................................................    27  3/4  26 3/4
  4th Quarter................................................................    28  5/8  26 1/2
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
  1st Quarter................................................................    28       25 5/8
  2nd Quarter................................................................    26       24 5/8
  3rd Quarter................................................................    26         25
  4th Quarter................................................................    25  1/4  23 1/2
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
  1st Quarter................................................................    26       24 1/4
  2nd Quarter................................................................    27  1/4  25 3/4
  3rd Quarter................................................................    27 11/16 26 1/2
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     On September 19, 1995, the last full day of trading prior to the first
public announcement of the Offer, the closing sales price of Depositary Shares
on the NYSE as reported on the Composite Tape was $27 1/2 per share.
Stockholders are urged to obtain a current market quotation for Depositary
Shares.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   47
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
     The Preferred Securities will be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Declaration which will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. The Bank of
New York as the Institutional Trustee, but not the other Trustees of the Trust,
will act as the indenture trustee for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act. The
terms of the Preferred Securities and the Declaration include those stated in
the Declaration and those made part of the Declaration by the Trust Indenture
Act. The description of the Preferred Securities and the Declaration set forth
below summarizes the material terms thereof and is subject to, and qualified in
its entirety by reference to, the Declaration, which has been filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, the
Business Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Declaration authorizes the Trust to issue the Preferred Securities,
which represent preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust, and the Common Securities, which represent common undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust. All of the Common Securities will be
owned, directly or indirectly, by Ford. The Common Securities and the Preferred
Securities will have equivalent terms except that (i) if an Event of Default
under the Declaration occurs and is continuing, the rights of the holders of the
Common Securities to payment in respect of periodic distributions and payments
upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise are subordinated to the rights of the
holders of the Preferred Securities and (ii) holders of Common Securities have
the exclusive right (subject to the terms of the Declaration) to appoint, remove
or replace Trustees and to increase or decrease the number of Trustees. The
Declaration does not permit the issuance by the Trust of any securities or other
evidences of beneficial ownership of, or beneficial interests in, the Trust
other than the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities, the incurrence of
any indebtedness for borrowed money by the Trust or the making of any investment
other than in the Junior Subordinated Debentures. The payment of distributions
out of moneys held by the Trust and payments on redemption of the Preferred
Securities or liquidation of the Trust are guaranteed by Ford on a subordinated
basis as and to the extent described under "Description of the Preferred
Securities Guarantee". The Institutional Trustee will hold the Preferred
Securities Guarantee for the benefit of holders of the Preferred Securities. The
Preferred Securities Guarantee is a full and unconditional guarantee from the
time of issuance of the Preferred Securities, but the Preferred Securities
Guarantee covers distributions and other payments on the Preferred Securities
only if and to the extent that Ford has made a payment to the Institutional
Trustee of interest or principal on the Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited
in the Trust as trust assets. The Preferred Securities Guarantee, when taken
together with Ford's obligations under the Junior Subordinated Debentures and
its obligation to pay costs, expenses and certain liabilities of the Trust
pursuant to the Declaration, constitutes a full and unconditional guarantee of
amounts due on the Preferred Securities.
    
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
 
   
     Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be fixed at a rate per annum
of 9% of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security.
Distributions in arrears will bear interest thereon at the rate per annum of 9%,
compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by applicable law. The term
"distributions" as used herein includes any such cash distributions and any such
interest payable unless otherwise stated. The amount of distributions payable
for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months and for any period shorter than a full quarterly period for which
distributions are computed, the amount of the distribution payable will be
computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in such a 30-day
month.
    
 
   
     Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be cumulative, will accrue
from the Accrual Date and, except as otherwise described below, will be payable
quarterly in arrears, on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each
year, commencing on December 31, 1995, but only if, and to the extent that,
interest payments are made in respect of Junior Subordinated Debentures held by
the Trust. In addition, holders of Preferred Securities will be entitled to an
additional cash distribution at the rate of 8.25% per annum of the liquidation
amount thereof from December 1, 1995 through the Expiration Date in lieu of
dividends accumulating after December 1, 1995 on their Depositary Shares
accepted for exchange, such additional
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   48
 
distribution to be made on December 31, 1995 to holders of the Preferred
Securities on the record date for such distribution.
 
   
     So long as Ford shall not be in default in the payment of interest on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, Ford has the right under the Indenture to defer
payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures by extending the
interest payment period from time to time on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods and, as a
consequence, quarterly distributions on the Preferred Securities would not be
made (but would continue to accrue with interest thereon at the rate of 9% per
annum, compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by applicable law) by the
Trust during any such Extension Period. If Ford exercises the right to extend an
interest payment period, Ford may not, during any such Extension Period, declare
or pay dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution or
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its common stock or preferred stock
or any other securities similar to the Preferred Securities or the Junior
Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect thereto;
provided that Ford will be permitted to pay dividends (and cash in lieu of
fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the option of Ford, of any
of its preferred stock, including its Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock, in accordance with the terms of such stock. Any Extension Period with
respect to payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will also
apply to distributions with respect to the Preferred Securities and all other
securities with similar terms. Prior to the termination of any such Extension
Period, Ford may further extend such Extension Period; provided that such
Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions thereof
may not exceed 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods. Upon the termination
of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due, Ford may
commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. Ford may
also pay on any Interest Payment Date all or any portion of the interest accrued
during an Extension Period. Consequently, there could be multiple Extension
Periods of varying lengths (up to six Extension Periods of 20 consecutive
quarterly interest periods each or more numerous shorter Extension Periods)
throughout the term of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, provided that no
Extension Period may extend beyond the maturity of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures. See "Special Considerations Relating to the Offer -- Ford May Defer
Interest Payments on Junior Subordinated Debentures"; "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures -- Interest" and "-- Option to Extend Interest Payment
Period". Payments of accrued distributions will be payable to holders of
Preferred Securities as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the
first record date after the end of an Extension Period.
    
 
     Distributions on the Preferred Securities must be paid on the dates payable
to the extent that the Institutional Trustee has cash on hand to permit such
payment. The funds available for distribution to the holders of the Preferred
Securities will be limited to payments received by the Trust in respect of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures that are deposited in the Trust as trust assets.
See "Description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures". If Ford does not make
interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Trust will not make
distributions on the Preferred Securities. Under the Declaration, if and to the
extent Ford does make interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
deposited in the Trust as trust assets, the Trust is obligated to make
distributions on the Trust Securities on a Pro Rata Basis. The payment of
distributions on the Preferred Securities is guaranteed by Ford on a
subordinated basis as and to the extent set forth under "Description of the
Preferred Securities Guarantee". The Preferred Securities Guarantee is a full
and unconditional guarantee from the time of issuance of the Preferred
Securities but the Preferred Securities Guarantee covers distributions and other
payments on the Preferred Securities only if and to the extent that Ford has
made a payment to the Trust of interest or principal on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures deposited in the Trust as trust assets. The liquidation amount of
each Common Security is $25 per share.
 
   
     Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be made to the holders
thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the relevant
record dates, which will be 15 days prior to the relevant distribution dates.
The Declaration provides that the payment dates or record dates for the
Preferred Securities shall be the same as the payment dates and record dates for
the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Distributions payable on any Preferred
Securities that are not punctually paid on any distribution date as a result of
Ford having failed to make the corresponding interest payment on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will forthwith cease to be payable to the person in
whose name such Preferred Security is registered on the relevant
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   49
 
record date, and such defaulted distribution will instead be payable to the
person in whose name such Preferred Security is registered on the special record
date established by the Regular Trustees, which record date shall correspond to
the special record date or other specified date determined in accordance with
the Indenture; provided, however, that distributions shall not be considered
payable on any distribution payment date falling within an Extension Period
unless Ford has elected to make a full or partial payment of interest accrued on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures on such distribution payment date.
Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be paid by the Trust. All
distributions paid with respect to the Trust Securities shall be paid on a Pro
Rata Basis to the holders thereof entitled thereto. If any date on which
distributions are to be made on the Preferred Securities is not a Business Day,
then payment of the distribution to be made on such date will be made on the
next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day is in
the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date.
 
SPECIAL EVENT REDEMPTION OR DISTRIBUTION
 
   
     If, at any time, a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event (each as
hereinafter defined, and each a "Special Event") shall occur and be continuing,
the Trust shall, unless the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed in the
limited circumstances described below, be dissolved with the result that, after
satisfaction of creditors of the Trust, Junior Subordinated Debentures with an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of
the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities would be distributed on a Pro
Rata Basis to the holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities
in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust, within 90 days following
the occurrence of such Special Event; provided, however, that in the case of the
occurrence of a Tax Event, as a condition of such dissolution and distribution,
the Regular Trustees shall have received an opinion of nationally recognized
independent tax counsel experienced in such matters (a "No Recognition
Opinion"), which opinion may rely on any then applicable published revenue
rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, to the effect that the holders of the
Preferred Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for United States
federal income tax purposes as a result of such dissolution and distribution of
Junior Subordinated Debentures; and, provided, further, that, if at the time
there is available to the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90-day
period, the Special Event by taking some ministerial action, such as filing a
form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable measure,
which has no adverse effect on the Trust or Ford or the holders of the Preferred
Securities, the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of dissolution.
Furthermore, if in the case of the occurrence of a Tax Event, (i) the Regular
Trustees have received an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters that, as a result
of a Tax Event, there is more than an insubstantial risk that Ford would be
precluded from deducting the interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for
United States federal income tax purposes even if the Junior Subordinated
Debentures were distributed to the holders of Preferred Securities and Common
Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust as described
above or (ii) the Regular Trustees shall have been informed by such tax counsel
that a No Recognition Opinion cannot be delivered to the Trust, Ford shall have
the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days' notice, to redeem the
Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole or in part for cash within 90 days
following the occurrence of such Tax Event, and promptly following such
redemption Preferred Securities and Common Securities with an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures so redeemed will be redeemed by the Trust at the
Redemption Price on a Pro Rata Basis; provided, however, that if at the time
there is available to Ford or the Regular Trustees the opportunity to eliminate,
within such 90-day period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial action, such
as filing a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar
reasonable measure, which has no adverse effect on the Trust, Ford or the
holders of the Preferred Securities, Ford, or the Regular Trustees on behalf of
the Trust, will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption and provided further
that Ford shall have no right to redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures while
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust are pursuing any such ministerial
action. The Common Securities will be redeemed on a Pro Rata Basis with the
Preferred Securities, except that if an Event of Default under the Declaration
has
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   50
 
occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities will have a priority over
the Common Securities with respect to payment of the Redemption Price.
 
   
     "Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have obtained an opinion
of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters (a
"Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that on or after the Expiration Date as
a result of (a) any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective
change) in, the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (b) any amendment
to, or change in, an interpretation or application of any such laws or
regulations by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory
authority (including the enactment of any legislation and the publication of any
judicial decision or regulatory determination), (c) any interpretation or
pronouncement that provides for a position with respect to such laws or
regulations that differs from the theretofore generally accepted position or (d)
any action taken by any governmental agency or regulatory authority, which
amendment or change is enacted, promulgated, issued or announced or which
interpretation or pronouncement is issued or announced or which action is taken,
in each case on or after the Expiration Date, there is more than an
insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date
thereof, subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income
accrued or received on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, (ii) the Trust is, or
will be within 90 days of the date thereof, subject to more than a de minimis
amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges or (iii) interest
payable by Ford to the Trust on the Junior Subordinated Debentures is not, or
within 90 days of the date thereof will not be, deductible by Ford for United
States federal income tax purposes.
    
 
     "Investment Company Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have
received an opinion of nationally recognized independent counsel experienced in
practice under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
that as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change
in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body,
court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"),
there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered
an "investment company" which is required to be registered under the 1940 Act,
which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the Expiration Date.
 
   
     On the date fixed for any distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures,
upon dissolution of the Trust, (i) the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and (ii) certificates
representing Trust Securities will be deemed to represent beneficial interests
in the Junior Subordinated Debentures having an aggregate principal amount equal
to the stated liquidation amount of, and bearing accrued and unpaid interest
equal to accrued and unpaid distributions on, such Trust Securities until such
certificates are presented to Ford or its agent for transfer or reissuance.
    
 
   
     There can be no assurance as to the market price for the Junior
Subordinated Debentures which may be distributed in exchange for Trust
Securities if a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust were to occur.
Accordingly, the Junior Subordinated Debentures which the investor may
subsequently receive on dissolution and liquidation of the Trust may trade at a
discount to the price of the Trust Securities exchanged. If the Junior
Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of Trust Securities upon
the dissolution of the Trust, Ford will use its best efforts to list the Junior
Subordinated Debentures on the NYSE or on such other exchange on which the
Preferred Securities are then listed.
    
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
 
     Upon the repayment of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, whether at
maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, the proceeds from such repayment or
payment will be promptly applied to redeem Preferred Securities and Common
Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures so repaid, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at the Redemption Price. The Common Securities will be entitled to be
redeemed on a Pro Rata Basis with the Preferred Securities, except that if an
Event of Default under the Declaration has occurred and is continuing, the
Preferred Securities will have a priority over the Common Securities with
respect to payment of the Redemption Price. Subject to the foregoing, if fewer
than all outstanding Preferred Securities and Common Securities are to be
redeemed, the Preferred Securities and Common Securities will be redeemed on a
Pro Rata Basis. In the event fewer than all
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   51
 
outstanding Preferred Securities are to be redeemed, Preferred Securities
registered in the name of and held by a Depository Institution or its nominee
will be redeemed pro rata as described under "-- Book-Entry; Delivery and Form"
below.
 
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
 
     The Trust may not redeem fewer than all the outstanding Preferred
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid distributions have been paid on all
Preferred Securities for all quarterly distribution periods terminating on or
prior to the date of redemption.
 
     If the Trust gives a notice of redemption in respect of Preferred
Securities (which notice will be irrevocable), then immediately prior to the
close of business on the redemption date, provided that Ford has paid to the
Trust a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related redemption or
maturity of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, distributions will cease to
accrue on the Preferred Securities called for redemption, such Preferred
Securities shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of holders
of such Preferred Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the
right of the holders of such Preferred Securities to receive the Redemption
Price, but without interest on such Redemption Price. Neither the Trustees nor
the Trust shall be required to register or cause to be registered the transfer
of any Preferred Securities which have been so called for redemption. If any
date fixed for redemption of Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then
payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment
in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such
date fixed for redemption. If Ford fails to repay Junior Subordinated Debentures
on maturity or on the date fixed for a redemption or if payment of the
Redemption Price in respect of Preferred Securities is improperly withheld or
refused and not paid by the Trust or by Ford pursuant to the Preferred
Securities Guarantee described under "Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee", distributions on such Preferred Securities will continue to accrue
from the original redemption date of the Preferred Securities to the date of
payment in which case the actual payment date will be considered the date fixed
for redemption for purposes of calculating the Redemption Price.
 
   
     The Trust shall not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or
exchange of any Trust Securities during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of Trust
Securities and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of the
relevant notice of redemption and (ii) register the transfer of or exchange of
any Trust Securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the
unredeemed portion of any Trust Securities being redeemed in part.
    
 
     If a partial redemption of the Preferred Securities would result in the
delisting of the Preferred Securities by any national securities exchange or
other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed, Ford
pursuant to the Indenture will only redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures in
whole and, as a result, the Trust may only redeem the Preferred Securities in
whole.
 
     Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including, without limitation,
United States federal securities laws), Ford or any of its subsidiaries may at
any time and from time to time purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by
tender, in the open market or by private agreement.
 
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
 
     In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or
termination of the Trust, the holders of the Preferred Securities and Common
Securities at the date of dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust
will be entitled to receive on a Pro Rata Basis solely out of the assets of the
Trust, after satisfaction of liabilities of creditors (to the extent not
satisfied by Ford as provided in the Declaration), an amount equal to the
aggregate of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Trust Security plus
accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount
being the "Liquidation Distribution"), unless, in connection with such
dissolution, winding-up or termination, Junior Subordinated Debentures in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of
such Trust Securities, and bearing accrued and unpaid interest in an amount
equal to the accrued and unpaid distributions on such Trust
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   52
 
Securities, shall be distributed on a Pro Rata Basis to the holders of the
Preferred Securities and Common Securities in exchange therefor.
 
     If, upon any such dissolution, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid
only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full
the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the
Trust on the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities shall be paid on a
Pro Rata Basis.
 
     The holders of the Common Securities will be entitled to receive
distributions upon any such dissolution on a Pro Rata Basis with the holders of
the Preferred Securities, except that if an Event of Default under the
Declaration has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have
a priority over the Common Securities with respect to payment of the Liquidation
Distribution.
 
     Pursuant to the Declaration, the Trust shall terminate: (i) on December 31,
2026, (ii) when all of the Trust Securities shall have been called for
redemption and the amounts necessary for redemption thereof shall have been paid
to the holders of Trust Securities in accordance with the terms of the Trust
Securities, or (iii) when all of the Junior Subordinated Debentures shall have
been distributed to the holders of Trust Securities in exchange for all of the
Trust Securities in accordance with the terms of the Trust Securities.
 
NO MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR AMALGAMATION OF THE TRUST
 
     The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets to, any
corporation or other entity.
 
DECLARATION EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     An Indenture Event of Default will constitute an Event of Default under the
Declaration; provided that pursuant to the Declaration, the holder of the Common
Securities will be deemed to have waived any such Event of Default with respect
to the Common Securities until all Events of Default with respect to the
Preferred Securities have been cured or waived. Until all such Events of Default
with respect to the Preferred Securities have been cured or waived, the
Institutional Trustee will be deemed to be acting solely on behalf of the
holders of the Preferred Securities, and only the holders of the Preferred
Securities will have the right to direct the Institutional Trustee with respect
to certain matters under the Declaration and consequently under the Indenture.
In the event that any Event of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities
is waived by the holders of the Preferred Securities as provided in the
Declaration, the holders of Common Securities pursuant to the Declaration have
agreed that such waiver also constitutes a waiver of such Event of Default with
respect to the Common Securities for all purposes under the Declaration without
any further act, vote or consent of the holders of the Common Securities. See
"-- Voting Rights".
 
     Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Institutional Trustee will
have the right under the Indenture to declare the principal of and interest on
the Junior Subordinated Debentures to be immediately due and payable. In
addition, the Institutional Trustee will have the power to exercise all rights,
powers and privileges under the Indenture. See "Description of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures".
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     Except as provided below, under "-- Modification and Amendment of the
Declaration" and "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee --
Amendments and Assignment" and as otherwise required by the Business Trust Act,
the Trust Indenture Act and the Declaration, the holders of the Preferred
Securities will have no voting rights.
 
   
     Subject to the requirements of the second to last sentence of this
paragraph, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities have the right (i) on behalf of all holders of Preferred
Securities, to waive any past default that is waivable under the Declaration and
(ii) to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the Institutional Trustee under the Declaration; provided,
however, that the holders of the Preferred Securities will vote as a single
class (the "Capital Trust Voting Class") with any holders of any other preferred
undivided beneficial interests of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust, such as
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   53
 
   
the Preferred Securities, similarly situated with respect to debt securities
issued pursuant to the Indenture (including the Junior Subordinated Debentures)
with respect to the right to direct an Institutional Trustee, to (x) direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Indenture Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
Indenture Trustee with respect to debt securities issued pursuant to the
Indenture (including the Junior Subordinated Debentures), (y) waive any past
default and its consequences that is waivable under Section 5.13 of the
Indenture with respect to debt securities issued pursuant to the Indenture
(including the Junior Subordinated Debentures) or (z) exercise any right to
rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all debt securities issued
pursuant to the Indenture (including the Junior Subordinated Debentures) shall
be due and payable; provided that where a consent under the Indenture would
require the consent of (1) holders of debt securities issued pursuant to the
Indenture (including Junior Subordinated Debentures) representing a specified
percentage greater than a majority in principal amount of such securities or (2)
each holder of such securities affected thereby, no such consent shall be given
by any Trustee without the prior consent of, in the case of clause (1) above,
holders of securities in the Capital Trust Voting Class representing such
specified percentage or, in the case of clause (2) above, each holder of
securities in the Capital Trust Voting Class affected thereby. The Institutional
Trustee shall not revoke or take any action inconsistent with any action
previously authorized or approved by a vote of the holders of Preferred
Securities. The Institutional Trustee shall notify all holders of record of
Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the Indenture
Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures. Other than with
respect to directing the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee or the Indenture Trustee as
set forth above, the Institutional Trustee shall be under no obligation to take
any of the foregoing actions at the direction of the holders of the Preferred
Securities unless the Institutional Trustee shall have obtained an opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel recognized as expert in such
matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified for United States
federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or a
partnership on account of such action and will be treated as a grantor trust for
United States federal income tax purposes following such action. If the
Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Declaration
(including, without limitation, its rights, powers and privileges as a holder of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures under the Indenture), any holder of Preferred
Securities may, upon such holder's written request to the Institutional Trustee
to enforce such rights, institute a legal proceeding directly against Ford to
enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights under the Declaration, without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the Institutional Trustee or any other
Person.
    
 
     A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default by the Institutional Trustee at
the direction of holders of the Preferred Securities will constitute a waiver of
the corresponding Event of Default under the Declaration in respect of the Trust
Securities.
 
   
     In the event the consent of the Trust as the holder of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures is required under the Indenture with respect to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, the Institutional Trustee shall request the direction
of the holders of the Trust Securities with respect to such amendment,
modification or termination and shall vote with respect to such amendment,
modification or termination as directed by a majority in liquidation amount of
the Trust Securities voting together in the Capital Trust Voting Class,
provided, however, that where any such amendment, modification or termination of
the Indenture would require the consent of (i) holders of debt securities issued
pursuant to the Indenture representing a specified percentage greater than a
majority in principal amount of such securities or (ii) each holder of such debt
securities, the Trustee may only give such consent at the direction of the
holders of securities in the Capital Trust Voting Class representing such
specified percentage in the case of clause (i) above, or each holder of
securities in the Capital Trust Voting Class affected thereby, in the case of
clause (ii) above; and, provided, further, that the Institutional Trustee shall
be under no obligation to take any such action in accordance with the directions
of the holders of the Trust Securities unless the Institutional Trustee has
obtained an opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel recognized
as expert in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified
for United States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a
corporation or a partnership on account of such action and will be treated as a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes following such
action.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   54
 
     Any required approval or direction of holders of Preferred Securities may
be given at a separate meeting of holders of Preferred Securities convened for
such purpose, at a meeting of all of the holders of Trust Securities or pursuant
to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any meeting at
which holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter
upon which action by written consent of such holders is to be taken, to be
mailed to each holder of record of Preferred Securities. Each such notice will
include a statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date by
which such action is to be taken, (ii) a description of any resolution proposed
for adoption at such meeting on which such holders are entitled to vote or of
such matter upon which written consent is sought and (iii) instructions for the
delivery of proxies or consents.
 
     No vote or consent of the holders of Preferred Securities will be required
for the Trust to redeem and cancel Preferred Securities or distribute Junior
Subordinated Debentures in accordance with the Declaration.
 
     Notwithstanding that holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote
or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the Preferred
Securities at such time that are owned by Ford or by any entity directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with Ford shall not be entitled to vote or consent and shall, for
purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.
 
     The procedures by which persons owning Preferred Securities registered in
the name of and held by a Depositary Institution or its nominee may exercise
their voting rights are described under "-- Book-Entry; Delivery and Form"
below.
 
     Holders of the Preferred Securities will have no rights to increase or
decrease the number of Trustees or to appoint, remove or replace a Trustee,
which rights are vested exclusively in the holders of the Common Securities.
 
MODIFICATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE DECLARATION
 
   
     The Declaration may be modified and amended on approval of a majority of
the Regular Trustees, provided that, if any proposed modification or amendment
provides for, or the Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any
action that would adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of
the Trust Securities, whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or
otherwise, or (ii) the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust other
than pursuant to the terms of the Declaration, then the holders of the
outstanding Trust Securities as a class will be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective
except with the approval of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities, provided that if any amendment or proposal referred to in
clause (i) above would adversely affect only the Preferred Securities or the
Common Securities, then only the affected class will be entitled to vote on such
amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective
except with the approval of a majority in liquidation amount of such class of
Trust Securities.
    
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no amendment or modification may be made
to the Declaration unless the Regular Trustees shall have obtained (A) either a
ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or a written unqualified opinion of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to the
effect that such amendment will not cause the Trust to be classified for United
States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or
a partnership and to the effect that the Trust will continue to be treated as a
grantor trust for purposes of United States federal income taxation and (B) a
written unqualified opinion of nationally recognized independent counsel
experienced in such matters to the effect that such amendment will not cause the
Trust to be an "investment company" which is required to be registered under the
1940 Act; (ii) certain specified provisions of the Declaration may not be
amended without the consent of all of the holders of the Trust Securities, (iii)
no amendment which adversely affects the rights, powers and privileges of the
Institutional Trustee shall be made without the consent of the Institutional
Trustee, (iv) Article IV of the Declaration relating to the obligation of Ford
to purchase the Common Securities and to pay certain obligations and expenses of
the Trust as described under "Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I" may not be
amended without the consent of Ford, and (v) the rights of holders of
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   55
 
Common Securities under Article V of the Declaration to increase or decrease the
number of, and to appoint, replace or remove, Trustees shall not be amended
without the consent of each holder of Common Securities.
 
   
     The Declaration further provides that it may be amended without the consent
of the holders of the Trust Securities to (i) cure any ambiguity, (ii) correct
or supplement any provision in this Declaration that may be defective or
inconsistent with any other provision of this Declaration, (iii) add to the
covenants, restrictions or obligations of Ford, (iv) preserve the status of the
Trust as a grantor trust for federal income tax purposes, and (v) to conform to
changes in, or a change in interpretation or application of, certain 1940 Act
requirements by the Commission, which amendment does not adversely affect the
rights, preferences or privileges of the holders of Trust Securities.
    
 
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
 
     Preferred Securities will be issued in fully registered form. Investors may
elect to hold their Preferred Securities directly or, subject to the rules and
procedures of a Depository Institution described below, hold interests in a
global certificate (the "Preferred Securities Global Certificate") registered in
the name of a Depository Institution or its nominee. However, tendering holders
of Depositary Shares held in global form shall initially receive an interest in
the Preferred Securities Global Certificate and tendering holders of Depositary
Shares held directly in certificated form shall initially receive Preferred
Securities in certificated form, in each case unless otherwise specified in the
Letter of Transmittal. See "The Offer -- Procedures for Tendering".
 
     The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws
may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global Preferred
Security.
 
     A Depository Institution holds securities that its participants
("Participants") deposit with the Depository Institution. A Depository
Institution also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities
transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through
electronic computerized book-entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations, and certain other organizations ("Direct Participants").
A Depository Institution is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by
the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Depository Institution's system is also
available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct
Participant, either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules
applicable to a Depository Institution and its Participants are on file with the
Commission.
 
     Upon issuance of a Preferred Securities Global Certificate, the Depository
Institution will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the
number of Preferred Securities represented by such Preferred Securities Global
Certificate to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with the
Depository Institution. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Preferred
Securities Global Certificate will be limited to Participants or persons that
may hold interests through Participants. The ownership interest of each actual
purchaser of each Preferred Security ("Beneficial Owner") is in turn to be
recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants' records. Beneficial Owners
will not receive written confirmation from the Depository Institution of their
purchases, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations
providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their
holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participants through which the Beneficial
Owners purchased Preferred Securities. Transfers of ownership interests in the
Preferred Securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of
Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners.
 
     A Depository Institution has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners
of the Preferred Securities; a Depository Institution's records reflect only the
identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Preferred Securities
are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants
will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their
customers. So long as a Depository Institution, or its nominee, is the owner of
a Preferred Securities Global Certificate, a Depository Institution or
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   56
 
such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder
of record of the Preferred Securities represented by such Preferred Securities
Global Certificate for all purposes.
 
     Conveyance of notices and other communications by a Depository Institution
to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by
Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be
governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
 
     Redemption notices shall be sent to the Depository Institution. If less
than all of the Preferred Securities are being redeemed, the Depository
Institution will reduce pro rata (subject to adjustment to eliminate fractional
Preferred Securities) the amount of interest of each Direct Participant in the
Preferred Securities to be redeemed.
 
     Although voting with respect to the Preferred Securities is limited, in
those instances in which a vote is required, the Depository Institution will not
consent or vote with respect to Preferred Securities. Under its usual
procedures, the Depository Institution would mail an Omnibus Proxy to the Trust
as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns the
Depository Institution's consenting or voting rights to those Direct
Participants to whose accounts the Preferred Securities are credited on the
record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
 
     Distribution payments on the Preferred Securities represented by a
Preferred Series Global Certificate will be made by the Trust to the Depository
Institution. The Depository Institution's practice is to credit Direct
Participants' accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance with their
respective holdings shown on a Depository Institution's records unless the
Depository Institution has reason to believe that it will not receive payments
on such payment date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the
responsibility of such Participants and not of a Depository Institution, the
Trust or Ford, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in
effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to a Depository Institution
is the responsibility of the Trust, disbursement of such payments to Direct
Participants is the responsibility of the Depository Institution, and
disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners is the responsibility of
Direct and Indirect Participants.
 
     A Depository Institution may discontinue providing its services as
securities depository with respect to the Preferred Securities at any time by
giving reasonable notice to the Trust. Under such circumstances, if a successor
securities depository is not obtained, Preferred Security certificates will be
required to be printed and delivered. Additionally, the Trust may decide to
discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through the Depository
Institution (or a successor depository). In that event, certificates for the
Preferred Securities will be printed and delivered.
 
     The information in this section concerning the Depository Institution and
the Depository Institution's book-entry system has been obtained from sources
that the Trust and Ford believe to be reliable, but the Trust and Ford take no
responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
 
REGISTRAR, TRANSFER AGENT AND PAYING AGENT
 
     Chemical Bank or one of its affiliates will act as registrar and transfer
agent for the Preferred Securities. Chemical Bank will also act as paying agent
and, with the consent of the Regular Trustees, may designate additional paying
agents.
 
     Registration of transfers of Preferred Securities will be effected without
charge by or on behalf of the Trust, but upon payment (with the giving of such
indemnity as the Trust or Ford may require) in respect of any tax or other
governmental charges that may be imposed in relation to it.
 
     The Trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the
transfer of Preferred Securities after such Preferred Securities have been
called for redemption.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   57
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE
 
     The Institutional Trustee, prior to a default with respect to the Trust
Securities, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth
in the Declaration and, after default, shall exercise the same degree of care as
a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs.
Subject to such provision, the Institutional Trustee is under no obligation to
exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Declaration at the request of any
holder of Preferred Securities, unless offered reasonable indemnity by such
holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred
thereby. The Institutional Trustee is not required to expend or risk its own
funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of its
duties if the Institutional Trustee reasonably believes that repayment or
adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.
 
     Ford and certain of its affiliates maintain deposit accounts and banking
relationships with the Institutional Trustee.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Declaration and the Preferred Securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
   
     The Preferred Securities have been approved for listing on the NYSE,
subject to notice of issuance. The Regular Trustees are authorized and directed
to take such action as they deem reasonable in order that the Trust will not be
deemed to be an "investment company" required to be registered under the 1940
Act or that the Trust will not be classified for United States federal income
tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or a partnership and
will be treated as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
purposes. In this connection, the Regular Trustees are authorized to take any
action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust or the
Declaration, that the Regular Trustees determine in their discretion to be
reasonable and necessary or desirable for such purposes, as long as such action
does not adversely affect the interests of holders of the Trust Securities.
    
 
     Ford and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust will be required to
provide to the Institutional Trustee annually a certificate as to whether or not
Ford and the Trust, respectively, are in compliance with all the conditions and
covenants under the Declaration.
 
               DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
 
     Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Preferred
Securities Guarantee that will be executed and delivered by Ford for the benefit
of the holders from time to time of Preferred Securities. The Preferred
Securities Guarantee is separately qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and
will be held by The Bank of New York acting in its capacity as indenture trustee
with respect thereto, for the benefit of the holders of the Preferred
Securities. The terms of the Preferred Securities Guarantee include those stated
in such Guarantee and those made part of the Preferred Securities Guarantee by
the Trust Indenture Act. The summary set forth below does not purport to be
complete and is subject in all respects to the provisions of, and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to, the Preferred Securities Guarantee, which is
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms
a part, and the Trust Indenture Act.
 
GENERAL
 
   
     Pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee, Ford will irrevocably and
unconditionally agree, to the extent set forth therein, to pay in full to the
holders of the Preferred Securities, the Guarantee Payments (as defined below)
(without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the Trust), to the extent
not paid by the Trust, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or
counterclaim that the Trust may have or assert. The following payments or
distributions with respect to the Preferred Securities to the extent not paid or
made by the Trust (the "Guarantee Payments") will be subject to the Guarantee
(without duplication): (i) any
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   58
 
   
accrued and unpaid distributions on the Preferred Securities and the redemption
price, including all accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of the
redemption, with respect to the Preferred Securities called for redemption by
the Trust but only if and to the extent that in each case Ford has made a
payment to the Institutional Trustee of interest or principal on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures and (ii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in connection with the
distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures to holders of Trust Securities or
the redemption of all of the Preferred Securities upon the maturity or
redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures) the lesser of (a) the
aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on
the Preferred Securities to the date of payment, to the extent the Trust has
funds available therefor, and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining
available for distribution to holders of Preferred Securities in liquidation of
the Trust. Ford's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by
direct payment of the required amounts by Ford to the holders of Preferred
Securities or by paying the required amount to the Trust and causing the Trust
to pay such amounts to such holders.
    
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF FORD
 
   
     In the Preferred Securities Guarantee, Ford will covenant that, so long as
any Preferred Securities remain outstanding, Ford will not declare or pay any
dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution or liquidation
payment with respect to, any of its common stock or preferred stock or any other
securities similar to the Preferred Securities or the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or make any guarantee payment with respect thereto if at such time
(i) Ford shall be in default with respect to its Guarantee Payments or other
payment obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee, (ii) there shall
have occurred and be continuing any event of default under the Indenture or
(iii) Ford shall have given notice of its selection of an Extension Period as
provided in the Indenture and such period, or any extension thereof, is
continuing; provided that Ford will be permitted to pay dividends (and cash in
lieu of fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the option of
Ford, of any of its preferred stock, including its Series A Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, in accordance with the terms of such stock. In
addition, so long as any Preferred Securities remain outstanding, Ford has
agreed (i) to remain the sole direct or indirect owner of all of the outstanding
Common Securities and shall not cause or permit the Common Securities to be
transferred except to the extent permitted by the Declaration; provided that any
permitted successor of Ford under the Indenture may succeed to Ford's ownership
of the Common Securities and (ii) will not take any action which will cause the
Trust to cease to be treated as a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes except in connection with a distribution of Junior Subordinated
Debentures.
    
 
AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT
 
     Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the rights
of holders of Preferred Securities (in which case no consent will be required),
the Preferred Securities Guarantee may be amended only with the prior approval
of the holders of not less than a majority in liquidation amount of the
outstanding Preferred Securities. The manner of obtaining any such approval of
holders of the Preferred Securities will be as set forth under "Description of
the Preferred Securities -- Voting Rights". All guarantees and agreements
contained in the Preferred Securities Guarantee shall bind the successors,
assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of Ford and shall inure to the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities then outstanding. Except in
connection with a consolidation, merger or sale involving Ford that is permitted
under the Indenture, Ford may not assign its obligations under the Preferred
Securities Guarantee.
 
TERMINATION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
 
     The Preferred Securities Guarantee will terminate and be of no further
force and effect as to the Preferred Securities upon full payment of the
Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities, or upon distribution of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to the holders of Preferred Securities in exchange for
all of the Preferred Securities, or upon full payment of the amounts payable
upon liquidation of the Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   59
 
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of Preferred
Securities must restore payment of any sums paid with respect to the Preferred
Securities or the Preferred Securities Guarantee.
 
STATUS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
 
   
     Ford's obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee to make the
Guarantee Payments will constitute an unsecured obligation of Ford and will rank
(i) subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of Ford,
including the Junior Subordinated Debentures, except obligations and securities
made pari passu or subordinate by their terms, and (ii) senior to all capital
stock now or hereafter issued by Ford, including the Depositary Shares, and to
any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by Ford in respect of any of its
capital stock. The Declaration provides that each holder of Preferred Securities
by acceptance thereof agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of
the Preferred Securities Guarantee.
    
 
   
     The Preferred Securities Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment
and not of collection (that is, the guaranteed party may institute a legal
proceeding directly against the guarantor to enforce its rights under the
guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against any other person
or entity). The Preferred Securities Guarantee will be deposited with the
Institutional Trustee, as Guarantee Trustee, to be held in trust for the benefit
of the holders of the Preferred Securities. The Institutional Trustee shall
enforce the Preferred Securities Guarantee on behalf of the holders of the
Preferred Securities. The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities have the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available in
respect of the Preferred Securities Guarantee, including the giving of
directions to the Institutional Trustee. If the Institutional Trustee fails to
enforce the Preferred Securities Guarantee as above provided, any holder of
Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against Ford to
enforce such holder's rights under the Preferred Securities Guarantee, without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust or any other person or
entity.
    
 
   
     Ford and certain of its affiliates maintain deposit accounts and banking
relationships with the Institutional Trustee.
    
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Preferred Securities Guarantee will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
 
               DESCRIPTION OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
 
   
     Set forth below is a description of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
which will be deposited in the Trust as trust assets. The terms of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures include those stated in the Indenture dated as of
December 1, 1995 between Ford and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the
"Indenture Trustee"), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated
as of December 1, 1995 between Ford and the Indenture Trustee (as so
supplemented, the "Indenture"), forms of which have been filed as exhibits to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, and those made
part of the Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act. The following description does
not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act. Whenever particular provisions or defined
terms in the Indenture are referred to herein, such provisions or defined terms
are incorporated by reference herein.
    
 
     The Indenture provides for the issuance of debentures, notes (including the
Junior Subordinated Debentures) or other evidences of indebtedness by Ford
("Securities") in an unlimited amount from time to time. The Junior Subordinated
Debentures constitute a separate series under the Indenture.
 
     Under certain circumstances involving the dissolution of the Trust
following the occurrence of a Special Event, Junior Subordinated Debentures may
be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in liquidation of the
Trust. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Special Event Redemption
or Distribution".
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   60
 
GENERAL
 
     The Junior Subordinated Debentures are unsecured, subordinated obligations
of Ford, limited in aggregate principal amount to (i) the aggregate liquidation
preference of the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust in the Offer and (ii)
the proceeds received by the Trust upon issuance of the Common Securities to
Ford (which proceeds will be used to purchase an equal principal amount of
Junior Subordinated Debentures).
 
     The Junior Subordinated Debentures mature on December 31, 2025. The Junior
Subordinated Debentures are not subject to any sinking fund.
 
   
     If Junior Subordinated Debentures are distributed to holders of Trust
Securities in dissolution of the Trust, such Junior Subordinated Debentures will
be so issued in fully registered certificated form in denominations of $25 and
integral multiples thereof and may be transferred or exchanged at the offices
described below.
    
 
     Payments of principal and interest on Junior Subordinated Debentures will
be payable, the transfer of the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
registrable, and Junior Subordinated Debentures will be exchangeable for Junior
Subordinated Debentures of other denominations of a like aggregate principal
amount, at the corporate trust office of the Indenture Trustee in The City of
New York; provided that payments of interest may be made at the option of Ford
by check mailed to the address of the persons entitled thereto and that the
payment of principal with respect to any Junior Subordinated Debenture will be
made only upon surrender of such Junior Subordinated Debenture to the Indenture
Trustee.
 
   
     If the Junior Subordinated Debentures are distributed to the holders of
Trust Securities upon the dissolution of the Trust, Ford will use its best
efforts to list the Junior Subordinated Debentures on the NYSE or on such other
exchange on which the Preferred Securities are then listed.
    
 
     The Indenture contains no provisions which would afford the holders of
Junior Subordinated Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction involving Ford or a change of control of Ford.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     Except as provided below, the Junior Subordinated Debentures may not be
redeemed prior to December 1, 2002. Ford shall have the right to redeem the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, in whole or in part, from time to time, on or
after December 1, 2002, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days' notice, at
a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus
any accrued and unpaid interest, to the redemption date, including interest
accrued during an Extension Period. Ford will also have the right to redeem the
Junior Subordinated Debentures at any time upon the occurrence of a Tax Event if
certain conditions are met as described under "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Special Event Redemption or Distribution".
 
   
     If Ford gives a notice of redemption in respect of Junior Subordinated
Debentures (which notice will be irrevocable) then, on or before the redemption
date, Ford will deposit irrevocably with the Indenture Trustee funds sufficient
to pay the applicable redemption price and will give irrevocable instructions
and authority to pay such redemption price to the holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds
deposited as required, then upon the date of such deposit, interest will cease
to accrue on the Junior Subordinated Debentures called for redemption, such
Junior Subordinated Debentures will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and
all rights of holders of such Junior Subordinated Debentures so called for
redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of such Junior
Subordinated Debentures to receive the applicable redemption price, but without
interest on such redemption price. If any date fixed for redemption of Junior
Subordinated Debentures is not a Business Day, then payment of the redemption
price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a
Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in the next calendar year, such
payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date fixed for redemption. If
payment of the redemption price in respect of Junior Subordinated Debentures is
improperly withheld or refused and not paid by Ford, interest on such
    
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   61
 
Junior Subordinated Debentures will continue to accrue compounded quarterly,
from the original redemption date to the date of payment, in which case the
actual payment date will be considered the date fixed for redemption for
purposes of calculating the applicable redemption price. If fewer than all of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures are to be redeemed, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures to be redeemed shall be selected by lot or pro rata or in some other
equitable manner determined by the Indenture Trustee.
 
   
     Ford shall not be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or
exchange of any Junior Subordinated Debentures during a period beginning at the
opening of business 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of
Junior Subordinated Debentures and ending at the close of business on the day of
the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption and (ii) register the transfer
of or exchange of any Junior Subordinated Debentures so selected for redemption,
in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Junior Subordinated
Debentures being redeemed in part.
    
 
INTEREST
 
   
     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of
9% from the Accrual Date. In addition, holders of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be entitled to Pre-Issuance Accrued Distribution at the rate of
8.25% per annum of the principal amount thereof from December 1, 1995 through
the Expiration Date, payable on December 31, 1995 to holders of the Preferred
Securities on the record date for such distributions. Interest will be payable
quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each
year (each, an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing on December 31, 1995, to the
person in whose name such Junior Subordinated Debenture is registered, subject
to certain exceptions, at the close of business on the Business Day next
preceding such Interest Payment Date. Interest payable on any Junior
Subordinated Debenture that is not punctually paid or duly provided for on any
Interest Payment Date will forthwith cease to be payable to the person in whose
name such Junior Subordinated Debenture is registered on the relevant record
date, and such defaulted interest will instead be payable to the person in whose
name such Junior Subordinated Debenture is registered on the special record date
or other specified date determined in accordance with the Indenture; provided,
however, that interest shall not be considered payable by Ford on any Interest
Payment Date falling within an Extension Period unless Ford has elected to make
a full or partial payment of interest accrued on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures on such Interest Payment Date.
    
 
   
     The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and for any period shorter than a full
quarterly period for which interest is computed, the amount of interest payable
will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in such a 30-
day month. If any Interest Payment Date is not a Business Day, then payment of
the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that
is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any
such delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business
Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.
    
 
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
 
   
     So long as Ford shall not be in default in the payment of interest on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, Ford shall have the right to extend the interest
payment period from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarterly interest periods. Ford has no current intention of exercising its
right to extend an interest payment period. No extension of interest will be
permitted with respect to interest accruing from December 1, 1995 through the
Expiration Date. No interest shall be due and payable during an Extension
Period, except at the end thereof. During any Extension Period, Ford shall not
declare or pay any dividends on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a
distribution or liquidation payment with respect to, any of its common stock or
preferred stock or any other securities similar to the Preferred Securities or
the Junior Subordinated Debentures or make any guarantee payments with respect
thereto; provided that Ford will be permitted to pay dividends (and cash in lieu
of fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the option of Ford, of
any of its preferred stock, including its Series A Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock, in accordance with the terms of such stock. Any Extension
Period with respect to payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated
    
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   62
 
   
Debentures will also apply to distributions with respect to the Preferred
Securities and all other securities with similar terms. Prior to the termination
of any such Extension Period, Ford may further extend the interest payment
period; provided that such Extension Period together with all such previous and
further extensions thereof may not exceed 20 consecutive quarterly interest
periods. On the interest payment date occurring at the end of each Extension
Period, Ford shall pay to the holders of Junior Subordinated Debentures of
record on the record date for such interest payment date (regardless of who the
holders of record may have been on other dates during the Extension Period) all
accrued and unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, together with
interest thereon at the rate specified for the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
Upon the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then
due, Ford may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above
requirements. Ford may also pay on any Interest Payment Date all or any portion
of the interest accrued during an Extension Period. Consequently, there could be
multiple Extension Periods of varying lengths (up to six Extension Periods of 20
consecutive quarterly interest periods each or more numerous shorter Extension
Periods) throughout the term of the Junior Subordinated Debentures provided that
no Extension Period may extend beyond the maturity of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures. The failure by Ford to make interest payments during an Extension
Period would not constitute a default or an event of default under the Indenture
or Ford's currently outstanding indebtedness.
    
 
   
     If the Trust shall be the sole holder of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, Ford shall give the Institutional Trustee and the Indenture Trustee
notice of its selection of such Extension Period ten Business Days prior to the
earlier of (i) the date the distributions on the Preferred Securities are
payable or (ii) the date the Trust is required to give notice to the NYSE or
other applicable self-regulatory organization or to holders of the Preferred
Securities of the record date or the date such distribution is payable, but in
any event not less than one Business Day prior to such record date. The Trust
shall give notice of Ford's selection of such Extension Period to the holders of
the Preferred Securities.
    
 
   
     If Junior Subordinated Debentures have been distributed to holders of Trust
Securities, Ford shall give the holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
and the Indenture Trustee notice of its selection of such Extension Period ten
Business Days prior to the earlier of (i) the next succeeding Interest Payment
Date or (ii) the date Ford is required to give notice to the NYSE (if the Junior
Subordinated Debentures are then listed thereon) or other applicable
self-regulatory organization or to holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
of the record or payment date of such related interest payment.
    
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF FORD APPLICABLE TO THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
 
   
     In the Indenture, Ford will covenant that, so long as any Preferred
Securities remain outstanding, Ford will not declare or pay any dividends on, or
redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution or liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its common stock or preferred stock or any other securities
similar to the Preferred Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debentures or
make any guarantee payment with respect thereto if at such time (i) Ford shall
be in default with respect to its Guarantee Payments or other payment
obligations under the Preferred Securities Guarantee, (ii) there shall have
occurred any Indenture Event of Default with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or (iii) Ford shall have given notice of its selection of an
Extension Period as provided in the Indenture and such period, or any extension
thereof, is continuing; provided that Ford will be permitted to pay dividends
(and cash in lieu of fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the
option of Ford, of any of its preferred stock, including its Series A Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, in accordance with the terms of such stock. In
addition, so long as the Preferred Securities remain outstanding, Ford has
agreed (i) not to cause or permit the Common Securities to be transferred except
to the extent permitted by the Declaration; provided that any permitted
successor of Ford under the Indenture may succeed to Ford's ownership of the
Common Securities, (ii) to comply fully with all of its obligations and
agreements contained in the Declaration and (iii) not to take any action which
would cause the Trust to cease to be treated as a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes except in connection with a distribution of
Junior Subordinated Debentures.
    
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   63
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     The Indenture provides that the Securities are subordinate and junior in
right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of Ford. In the event (a) of any
insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation,
reorganization or other similar proceedings in respect of Ford or its property
or any proceeding for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of
Ford, or (b) that Securities of any series are declared due and payable before
their expressed maturity because of the occurrence of an Event of Default under
the Indenture (under circumstances other than as set forth in clause (a) above),
then the holders of all Senior Indebtedness shall first be entitled to receive
payment of the full amount due thereon in money, before the holders of any of
the Securities are entitled to receive a payment on account of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on the indebtedness evidenced by such Securities.
In the event and during the continuation of any default in payment of any Senior
Indebtedness or if any event of default shall exist and all grace periods with
respect thereto shall have expired under any Senior Indebtedness, as "event of
default" is defined therein or in the agreement under which the same is
outstanding, no payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the
Securities shall be made.
 
   
     The term "Senior Indebtedness" means (a) the principal of and premium, if
any, and interest on all indebtedness of Ford, whether outstanding on the date
of the Indenture or thereafter created, (i) for money borrowed by Ford, (ii) for
money borrowed by, or obligations of, others and either assumed or guaranteed,
directly or indirectly, by Ford, (iii) in respect of letters of credit and
acceptances issued or made by banks, or (iv) constituting purchase money
indebtedness, or indebtedness secured by property included in the property,
plant and equipment accounts of Ford at the time of the acquisition of such
property by Ford, for the payment of which Ford is directly liable, (b) all
deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of, and amendments, modifications
and supplements to, any such indebtedness, and (c) all other general unsecured
obligations and liabilities of Ford, including without limitation, trade
payables. As used in the preceding sentence the term "purchase money
indebtedness" means indebtedness evidenced by a note, debenture, bond or other
instrument (whether or not secured by any lien or other security interest)
issued or assumed as all or a part of the consideration for the acquisition of
property, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, unless by its
terms such indebtedness is subordinate to other indebtedness of Ford.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Indenture or the Securities,
Senior Indebtedness shall not include (i) any indebtedness of Ford which, by its
terms or the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing it, is subordinate
in right of payment to or pari passu with the Securities, as the case may be,
and, in particular, the Securities shall rank pari passu with all other debt
securities and guarantees in respect of those debt securities, issued to any
other Ford Motor Company Capital Trust or (ii) any indebtedness of Ford to a
subsidiary.
    
 
   
     The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of indebtedness,
including Senior Indebtedness, that may be issued. As of September 30, 1995,
Senior Indebtedness of Ford (on a consolidated basis) aggregated approximately
$211.6 billion. There are no terms in the Preferred Securities, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures or the Preferred Securities Guarantee that limit Ford's
ability to incur additional indebtedness, including indebtedness that ranks
senior to or pari passu with the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the
Preferred Securities Guarantee, or the ability of its subsidiaries to incur
additional indebtedness. See "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee
- -- Status of the Preferred Securities Guarantee".
    
 
RESTRICTIONS ON MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS
 
     Nothing contained in the Indenture or in the Securities will prevent any
consolidation of Ford with, or merger of Ford with or into, any other
corporation or corporations (whether or not affiliated with Ford), or successive
consolidations or mergers to which Ford or its successor will be a party, or
will prevent any sale, lease or conveyance of the property of Ford, as an
entirety or substantially as an entirety; provided that upon any such
consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance to which Ford is a party and in
which Ford is not the surviving corporation, the due and punctual performance
and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Indenture to be
performed or observed by Ford and the due and punctual payment of the principal
of and interest on all of the Securities, according to their tenor, shall be
expressly assumed by supplemental indenture satisfactory in form to the
Indenture Trustee, executed and delivered to the Indenture Trustee, by
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   64
 
the corporation formed by such consolidation, or into which Ford shall have been
merged, or which shall have acquired such property.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND NOTICE THEREOF
 
     The Indenture defines an Event of Default with respect to any series of
Securities as being any one of the following events: (a) failure to pay interest
for 30 days after becoming due; (b) failure to pay principal or premium, if any,
for five business days after becoming due at maturity, upon redemption or
otherwise; (c) failure to make a sinking fund payment for five business days
after becoming due; (d) failure to perform any other covenant of Ford (other
than a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more
series of Securities other than such series or a covenant default the
performance of which would be covered by clause (f) below) for 90 days after
notice; (e) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Ford;
and (f) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of such
series. No Event of Default provided with respect to a particular series of
Securities (except as to events described in clauses (d) and (e)) necessarily
constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of Securities.
 
   
     If an Event of Default in respect of a particular series of Securities
outstanding occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities outstanding of such
series (and, in the case of any series of Securities held as trust assets of a
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with respect to which a Security Exchange
has not theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of the Preferred
Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as
may be required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust) may declare the principal amount (or, if the Securities of such
series are Original Issue Discount Securities (as defined in the Indenture),
such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such
series) of all of the Securities of such series to be due and payable
immediately. At any time after such a declaration of acceleration in respect of
a particular series of Securities has been made, but before a judgment or decree
for the payment of money due upon acceleration has been obtained by the Trustee,
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities
outstanding of such series (and, in the case of any series of Securities held as
trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with respect to which a
Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of the
Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust) may, under certain circumstances, waive all
defaults and rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if all
Events of Default in respect of the Securities of such series, other than the
non-payment of principal due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have
been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.
    
 
     The Indenture contains a provision entitling the Trustee, subject to the
duty of the trustee during a default to act with the required standard of care,
to be indemnified by the holders of Securities (treated as one class) (and, in
the case of any series of Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust and with respect to which a Security Exchange has not
theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of the Preferred Securities and
the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be
required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital
Trust), before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the Indenture at
the request of such holders. Subject to such provisions in the Indenture for the
indemnification of the Trustee and certain other limitations, the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities (treated as one
class) (and, in the case of any series of Securities held as trust assets of a
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with respect to which a Security Exchange
has not theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of the Preferred
Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as
may be required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust), may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred on the Trustee.
 
     The Indenture provides that no holder of Securities may institute any
action against Ford under the Indenture (except actions for payment of overdue
principal or interest, provided that a declaration of a valid Extension Period
by Ford shall not constitute a failure to pay interest for this purpose) unless
such holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of default
and continuance thereof and unless the
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   65
 
holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of all
affected series (treated as one class) (and, in the case of any series of
Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with
respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, such consent
of holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of Trust of
such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust), then outstanding shall have requested
the Trustee to institute such action and shall have offered the Trustee
reasonable indemnity, the Trustee shall not have instituted such action within
60 days of such request and the Trustee shall not have received direction
inconsistent with such written request by the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Securities of all affected series (treated as one class) (and, in
the case of any series of Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust and with respect to which a Security Exchange has not
theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of the Preferred Securities and
the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be
required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital
Trust).
 
     The Indenture contains a covenant that Ford will file annually with the
Trustee a certificate that no default existed or a certificate specifying any
default that existed, each as of the end of the fiscal year so ended.
 
DISCHARGE, DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
   
     The Indenture provides with respect to each series of Securities that,
except to the extent the terms of such series of Securities provide otherwise,
Ford may elect either (a) to defease and be discharged from any and all
obligations with respect to the Securities of such series (except for the
obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the Securities of such
series, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities
of such series, to maintain an office or agency in respect of the Securities of
such series and to hold moneys for payment in trust) ("legal defeasance") or (b)
to be released from its obligations with respect to the Securities of such
series (except for the obligations set forth as exceptions in the preceding
clause (a) and except for the obligations to pay the principal of and interest,
if any, on the Securities, to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to
appoint a successor Trustee) ("covenant defeasance"), upon the deposit with the
Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust for such purpose, of money or
U.S. Government Obligations (as defined in the Indenture) which through the
payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide
money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and any
interest on the Securities of such series, and any mandatory sinking fund or
analogous payments thereon, on the due date thereof. Such a trust may (except to
the extent the terms of the Securities of such series otherwise provide) only be
established, if among other things, Ford has delivered to the Trustee an opinion
of counsel (as specified in the Indenture) to the effect that the holders of the
Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal
income tax purposes as a result of such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance
and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same
manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such legal defeasance
or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion, in the case of legal
defeasance under clause (a) above, must (except to the extent the terms of the
Securities of the relevant series otherwise provide) refer to and be based upon
a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable Federal
income tax law occurring after the date of the Indenture.
    
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
 
     The Indenture provides that Ford and the Trustee may enter into
supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of Securities to: (a)
secure any Securities, (b) evidence the assumption by a successor corporation of
the obligations of Ford, (c) add covenants for the protection of the holders of
Securities, (d) cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the
Indenture, (e) establish the forms or terms of Securities of any series, (f)
provide for uncertificated Securities and (g) evidence the acceptance of
appointment by a successor trustee.
 
     The Indenture also contains provisions permitting Ford and the Trustee,
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount
of all Securities then outstanding and affected (treated as one class) (and, in
the case of any series of Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust and with respect to which a Security Exchange has not
theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of the
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   66
 
   
Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust), to add any provisions to, or change in any manner
or eliminate any of the provisions of, the Indenture or modify in any manner the
rights of the holders of the Securities of each series so affected; provided
that Ford and the Trustee may not, without the consent of the holder of each
outstanding Security affected thereby, (a) extend the stated maturity of the
principal of any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or reduce the
rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon (except that a
declaration of a valid Extension Period by Ford shall not constitute an
extension of time of payment of interest for this purpose), or reduce any amount
payable on the redemption thereof or change the currency in which the principal
thereof (including any amount in respect of original issue discount), premium,
if any, or any interest thereon is payable or reduce the principal amount of any
original issue discount security payable upon acceleration or provable in
bankruptcy or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on any Security when due or (b) reduce the aforesaid percentage in
principal amount of Securities of any series, the consent of the holders of
which is required for any such modification.
    
 
CONCERNING THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE
 
     Ford and its subsidiaries maintain ordinary banking relationships with The
Bank of New York and its affiliates and a number of other banks.
 
BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT
 
   
     If any Junior Subordinated Debentures are distributed to holders of Trust
Securities (see "Description of the Preferred Securities"), such Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be issued in fully registered form. In such event,
investors may elect to hold their Junior Subordinated Debentures directly or,
subject to the rules and procedures of a Depository Institution, hold interests
in a global certificate registered in the name of a Depository Institution or
its nominee.
    
 
     For a description of a Depository Institution and a Depository
Institution's book-entry system, see "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Book-Entry; Delivery and Form". As of the date of this Prospectus, the
description herein of a Depository Institution's book-entry system and
Depository Institution's practices as they relate to purchases, transfers,
notices and payments with respect to the Preferred Securities apply in all
material respects to any Junior Subordinated Debentures registered in the name
of and held by a Depository Institution or its nominee.
 
          DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES B PREFERRED AND DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
   
     The summary of the terms of the Series B Preferred and the Depositary
Shares set forth below does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of Ford's Certificate
of Incorporation and the Certificate of Designation for the Series B Preferred
and the Deposit Agreement (as defined herein). Whenever defined terms in the
Deposit Agreement are referred to in this "Description of the Series B Preferred
and Depositary Shares", such defined terms are incorporated by reference herein.
    
 
   
GENERAL
    
 
     The Series B Preferred consists of 22,800 shares. The Series B Preferred is
not convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series
of stock of Ford. The Series B Preferred, with respect to dividend rights and
rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, ranks (i) senior to the
common stock of Ford and all other securities junior to the Series B Preferred
("Junior Securities"), (ii) on a parity with the outstanding preferred stock of
Ford and all other securities on a parity with the Series B Preferred ("Parity
Securities") and (iii) junior to all securities senior to the Series B
Preferred.
 
   
     Each Depositary Share represents ownership of 1/2,000 of a share of Series
B Preferred. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement among Ford, the
Depositary and holders of Depositary Shares (the "Deposit
    
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   67
 
   
Agreement"), each holder of a Depositary Share is entitled to all the rights and
preferences of 1/2,000 of a share of Series B Preferred (including dividend,
voting, redemption and liquidation rights and preferences). The Depositary is
Chemical Bank, and its principal office is currently located at 450 West 33rd
Street, New York, New York 10001.
    
 
   
SERIES B PREFERRED
    
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Holders of shares of Series B Preferred are entitled to receive, when and
as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds of Ford legally available for
payment, cumulative cash dividends at the rate per annum of 8.25% per share on
the liquidation preference thereof or $2.0625 per 1/2,000 share of Series B
Preferred. Dividends on the Series B Preferred are payable quarterly on the
first business day of March, June, September and December of each year at such
annual rate. Each such dividend is payable to holders of record as they appear
on the stock records of Ford at the close of business on such record dates, not
exceeding 60 days preceding the payment dates thereof, as shall be fixed by the
Board of Directors of Ford. Dividends are cumulative, whether or not in any
dividend period or periods there shall be funds of Ford legally available for
the payment of such dividends. Accumulations of dividends on shares of Series B
Preferred shall not bear interest. Dividends payable on the Series B Preferred
for any period greater or less than a full dividend period shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends
payable on the Series B Preferred for each full dividend period are computed by
dividing the annual dividend rate by four.
 
     All dividends declared on the Series B Preferred for any dividend period
and on any class or series of stock of Ford ranking on a parity with the Series
B Preferred as to dividends (including Ford's Series A Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock) shall be declared pro rata so that the amounts of dividends per
share declared for such period on the Series B Preferred and on such other class
or series of stock ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred as to
dividends that were outstanding during such period shall in all cases bear to
each other the same ratio that the accrued dividends per share on the shares of
the Series B Preferred and such other stock bear to each other.
 
     Ford shall not (i) declare or pay any dividend or other distribution with
respect to any junior stock of Ford or (ii) redeem or set apart funds for the
purchase or redemption of any junior stock through a sinking fund or otherwise,
unless (A) all accrued and unpaid dividends with respect to the Series B
Preferred and any other stock ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred as
to dividends or upon liquidation ("Parity Stock") at the time such dividends are
payable have been paid or funds have been set apart for payment of such
dividends and (B) sufficient funds have been set apart for the payment of the
dividend for the current dividend period with respect to the Series B Preferred
and any Parity Stock.
 
   
     As used herein, (i) the term "dividend" does not include dividends payable
solely in shares of junior stock on junior stock, or options, warrants or rights
to holders of junior stock to subscribe for or purchase any junior stock, and
(ii) the term "junior stock" means the Common Stock, the Class B Stock of Ford
and any other class of capital stock of Ford now or hereafter issued and
outstanding that ranks junior as to dividends and upon liquidation to the Series
B Preferred.
    
 
     Payment of dividends on Series B Preferred are and may be further
restricted by loan agreements, indentures or other transactions entered into by
Ford.
 
REDEMPTION
 
   
     Shares of Series B Preferred will not be redeemable prior to December 1,
2002. Subject to the conditions described below, the shares of Series B
Preferred will be redeemable at the option of Ford, in whole or in part, at any
time or from time to time, out of funds legally available therefor, on and after
December 1, 2002, on not less than 10 nor more than 60 days' notice by mail at a
redemption price of $25 per 1/2,000 share of Series B Preferred, plus in each
case an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, to the redemption
date, whether or not earned or declared. If fewer than all of the shares of
Series B Preferred are to be redeemed, the
    
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   68
 
shares to be redeemed shall be selected by lot or pro rata or in some other
equitable manner determined by Ford.
 
     No shares of Series B Preferred may be redeemed unless within the two-year
period ending on the relevant redemption date Ford shall have issued sufficient
shares of Common Stock to result in receipt by Ford of net proceeds from such
issuances of an aggregate amount at least equal to the aggregate liquidation
preference of the shares of Series B Preferred proposed to be redeemed.
 
     In the event that full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred and
any other series of stock ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with the Series
B Preferred have not been paid or declared and set apart for payment, the Series
B Preferred may not be redeemed in part and Ford may not purchase or acquire
shares of Series B Preferred or such other stock otherwise than pursuant to a
purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of shares of
Series B Preferred and such other stock.
 
     On and after the date fixed for redemption, provided that the redemption
price (including any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for
redemption) has been duly paid or provided for, dividends shall cease to accrue
on the Series B Preferred called for redemption, such shares shall no longer be
deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares as
stockholders of Ford shall cease except the right to receive the moneys payable
upon such redemption, without interest from the date of notice of redemption,
upon surrender of the certificates evidencing such shares.
 
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE
 
   
     The amount which the holders of shares of Series B Preferred shall be
entitled to receive in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of Ford, whether voluntary or involuntary, shall be $25 per 1/2,000 share of
Series B Preferred (the "liquidation preference") plus an amount per share of
Series B Preferred equal to all dividends (whether or not declared), accrued,
accumulated and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such
holders, and no more.
    
 
     In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Ford, whether
voluntary or involuntary, before any payment or distribution of the assets of
Ford (whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders
of junior stock, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of the
shares of Series B Preferred shall be entitled to receive the liquidation
preference with respect thereto plus an amount equal to all dividends (whether
or not earned or declared) accrued and accumulated and unpaid thereon to the
date of final distribution to such holders; but such holders shall not be
entitled to any further payment. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of Ford, the assets of Ford, or proceeds thereof, distributable among
the holders of the shares of Series B Preferred shall be insufficient to pay in
full the preferential amount aforesaid and the liquidation preference with
respect to any other shares of stock ranking, as to liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, on a parity with the Series B Preferred, then such assets, or the
proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among the holders of shares of Series B
Preferred and any such other stock ratably in accordance with the respective
amounts which would be payable on such shares of Series B Preferred and any such
other stock if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. Neither a
consolidation or merger of Ford with another corporation nor a sale or transfer
of all or substantially all of Ford's assets nor a statutory share exchange will
be considered a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or
involuntary, of Ford.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
     Except as indicated below, or except as otherwise from time to time
required by applicable law, the holders of shares of Series B Preferred will
have no voting rights.
 
     During any period in which dividends on the Series B Preferred are
cumulatively in arrears for such number of dividend periods which shall in the
aggregate contain not less than 540 days, the number of directors of Ford will
be increased by two and the holders of shares of Series B Preferred, voting
together as a class with the holders of any other class or series of Parity
Stock upon which the same voting rights as those of the Series B Preferred have
been conferred and are exercisable, will have the right to elect two additional
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   69
 
directors to Ford's Board of Directors at Ford's next annual meeting of
stockholders and at each subsequent annual meeting until all such dividends on
the Series B Preferred have been paid in full.
 
     The approval of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred
shall be required in order to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to affect
materially and adversely the rights, preferences or voting powers of the holders
of the Series B Preferred or to authorize, create, issue or increase the
authorized or issued amount of, any class of stock having rights senior or
superior with respect to dividends and upon liquidation to the Series B
Preferred; provided, however, that any increase in the amount of authorized
preferred stock or the creation and issuance of other series of preferred stock,
or any increase in the amount of authorized shares of such series or of any
other series of preferred stock, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior
to the Series B Preferred with respect to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be
deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences or voting
powers.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
     Chemical Bank, New York, is the transfer agent and registrar for the Series
B Preferred.
 
   
DEPOSITARY SHARES
    
 
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
 
     The Depositary will distribute all dividends or other cash distributions
received in respect of the Series B Preferred to the record holders of
Depositary Shares in proportion to the number of such Depositary Shares owned by
such holders, subject to certain obligations of holders to file proofs,
certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and expenses to
the Depositary.
 
     In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Depositary will
distribute property received by it to the record holders of Depositary Shares
entitled thereto, subject to certain obligations of holders to file proofs,
certificates and other information and to pay certain charges and expenses to
the Depositary, unless the Depositary determines that it is not feasible to make
such distribution, in which case the Depositary may, with the approval of Ford,
sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such
holders.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF STOCK
 
   
     Upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts at the corporate trust office of
the Depositary (unless the related Depositary Shares have previously been called
for redemption), the holder of the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby is
entitled to delivery at such office to or upon his order, of the number of whole
shares of the Series B Preferred and any money or other property represented by
such Depositary Shares. Holders of Depositary Shares are entitled to receive
whole shares of the Series B Preferred on the basis of one share of Series B
Preferred for each 2,000 Depositary Shares, but holders of such whole shares of
Series B Preferred will not thereafter be entitled to receive Depositary Shares
therefor. If the Depositary Receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number
of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing
the number of whole shares of Series B Preferred to be withdrawn, the Depositary
will deliver to such holder at the same time a new Depositary Receipt evidencing
such excess number of Depositary Shares.
    
 
REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     Whenever Ford redeems shares of Series B Preferred held by the Depositary,
the Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of
Depositary Shares representing shares of the Series B Preferred so redeemed,
provided that Ford shall have paid in full to the Depositary the redemption
price of the Series B Preferred to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any
accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption. The
redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to 1/2,000 of the redemption
price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the Series B
Preferred. If less than all the Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the
Depositary Shares to be redeemed will be selected by the Depositary by lot or
pro rata or other equitable method, in each case as may be determined by Ford.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   70
 
VOTING THE SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Series B
Preferred are entitled to vote, the Depositary will mail the information
contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the Depositary
Shares relating to Series B Preferred. Each record holder of such Depositary
Shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for
the Series B Preferred) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the
exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Series B Preferred
represented by such holder's Depositary Shares. The Depositary will endeavor,
insofar as practicable, to vote the amount of Series B Preferred represented by
such Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and Ford will agree
to take all reasonable action which may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in
order to enable the Depositary to do so. The Depositary will abstain from voting
shares of Series B Preferred to the extent it does not receive specific
instructions from the holders of Depositary Shares representing Series B
Preferred.
 
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
 
     The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any
provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between Ford and the Depositary. However, any amendment which materially and
adversely alters the rights of the holders of Depositary Shares will not be
effective unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a
majority (or, in the case of amendments relating to or affecting rights to
receive dividends or distributions or voting, redemption or conversion rights,
two-thirds) of the Depositary Shares then outstanding.
 
     The Deposit Agreement may be terminated by Ford upon not less than 60 days'
notice whereupon the Depositary shall deliver or make available to each holder
of Depositary Receipts, upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts held by such
holder, such number of whole or fractional shares of Series B Preferred
represented by such receipts. The Deposit Agreement will automatically terminate
if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares have been redeemed or (ii) there has
been a final distribution in respect of the Series B Preferred in connection
with any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Ford and such distribution
has been distributed to the holders of Depositary Receipts.
 
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY
 
     Ford will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising
solely from the existence of the Depositary arrangements. Ford will pay the fees
and expenses of the Depositary in connection with the performance of its duties
under the Deposit Agreement. Holders of Depositary Receipts will pay transfer
and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly
provided in the Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
     The Depositary will forward to holders of Depositary Shares any reports and
communications from Ford which are received by the Depositary.
 
   
     Neither the Depositary nor Ford will be liable if it is prevented from or
delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its control, performing its
obligations under the Deposit Agreement. The obligations of Ford and the
Depositary under the Deposit Agreement are limited to performing their duties
thereunder without negligence or willful misconduct, and Ford and the Depositary
are not obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any
Depositary Shares or any Series B Preferred unless satisfactory indemnity is
furnished. Ford and the Depositary may rely on advice of counsel or accountants,
or information provided by persons presenting Series B Preferred for deposit,
holders of Depositary Shares or other persons believed to be authorized or
competent and on documents believed to be genuine.
    
 
   
     In the event the Depositary receives conflicting claims, requests or
instructions from any holders of Depositary Receipts, on the one hand, and Ford,
on the other hand, the Depositary will be entitled to act on such claims,
requests or instructions received from Ford.
    
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   71
 
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF DEPOSITARY
 
     The Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to Ford notice of its
election to do so, and Ford may at any time remove the Depositary, any such
resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor
Depositary, which successor Depositary must be appointed within 60 days after
delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust
company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined
capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000.
 
     RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PREFERRED SECURITIES, THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED
               DEBENTURES AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEE
 
     As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover
distributions and other payments due on the Preferred Securities primarily
because (i) the aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures
held as trust assets will be equal to the sum of the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities and the proceeds received by the
Trust upon issuance of the Common Securities to Ford; (ii) the interest rate and
interest and other payment dates on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will
match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates for the
Preferred Securities; (iii) the Declaration provides that Ford shall pay for all
debts and obligations (other than with respect to the Trust Securities) and all
costs and expenses of the Trust, including any taxes and all costs and expenses
with respect thereto, to which the Trust may become subject, except for United
States withholding taxes; and (iv) the Declaration further provides that the
Trustees shall not cause or permit the Trust, among other things, to engage in
any activity that is not consistent with the limited purposes of the Trust.
 
     Payments of distributions and other payments due on the Preferred
Securities are guaranteed by Ford on a subordinated basis as and to the extent
set forth under "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee". If Ford
does not make interest or other payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures,
the Trust will not make distributions or other payments on the Preferred
Securities. Under the Declaration, if and to the extent Ford does make interest
or other payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Institutional
Trustee is obligated to make distributions or other payments on the Preferred
Securities. The Preferred Securities Guarantee is a full and unconditional
guarantee from the time of issuance of the Preferred Securities, but the
Preferred Securities Guarantee covers distributions and other payments on the
Preferred Securities only if and to the extent that Ford has made a payment of
interest or principal on the Junior Subordinated Debentures deposited in the
Trust as trust assets.
 
     The Institutional Trustee will have the power to exercise all rights,
powers and privileges under the Indenture with respect to the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, including its rights as the holder of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures to enforce Ford's obligations under the Junior
Subordinated Debentures upon the occurrence of an Indenture Event of Default,
and will also have the right to enforce the Preferred Securities Guarantee on
behalf of the holders of the Preferred Securities. In addition, the holders of
at least a majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities will have
the right to direct the Institutional Trustee with respect to certain matters
under the Declaration and the Preferred Securities Guarantee. If the
Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Indenture or fails
to enforce the Preferred Securities Guarantee, any holder of Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding against Ford to enforce such rights
or the Preferred Securities Guarantee, as the case may be. See "Description of
the Preferred Securities" and "Description of the Preferred Securities
Guarantee".
 
     Ford and the Trust believe that for accounting purposes, the Preferred
Securities Guarantee, when taken together with Ford's obligations under the
Junior Subordinated Debentures and its obligation to pay costs, expenses and
certain liabilities of the Trust pursuant to the Declaration, constitutes a full
and unconditional guarantee of amounts due on the Preferred Securities.
 
   
     If a Special Event shall occur and be continuing, the Trust shall be
dissolved (unless the Junior Subordinated Debentures are redeemed) with the
result that Junior Subordinated Debentures held by the Trust having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the
Preferred
    
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   72
 
Securities and Common Securities will be distributed on a Pro Rata Basis in
exchange for the outstanding Preferred Securities and Common Securities, subject
in the case of a Tax Event to Ford's right in certain circumstances to redeem
Junior Subordinated Debentures as described under "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Special Event Redemption or Distribution". The Preferred
Securities represent preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of
the Trust, a statutory business trust which exists for the purpose of (a)
issuing (i) its Preferred Securities in exchange for Depositary Shares validly
tendered in the Offer and delivering such Depositary Shares to Ford in
consideration for the deposit by Ford of Junior Subordinated Debentures in the
Trust as trust assets, and (ii) its Common Securities to Ford in exchange for
cash and investing the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount of Junior
Subordinated Debentures and (b) engaging in such other activities as are
necessary or incidental thereto.
 
   
     Upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of
the Trust, the holders of Trust Securities will be entitled to receive the
Liquidation Distribution in cash or Junior Subordinated Debentures and will be
entitled to the benefits of the Preferred Securities Guarantee with respect to
any such distribution. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution". Upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation or bankruptcy of Ford, the holders of Junior Subordinated Debentures
would be subordinated creditors of Ford, subordinated in right of payment to all
Senior Indebtedness, but entitled to receive payment in full of principal,
premium, if any, and interest, before any stockholders of Ford receive payments
or distributions.
    
 
     A default or event of default under any Senior Indebtedness would not
constitute a default or event of default under the Junior Subordinated
Debentures. However, in the event of payment defaults under, or acceleration of,
Senior Indebtedness, the subordination provisions of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures provide that no payments may be made in respect of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures. Failure to make required payments on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures would constitute an event of default under the
Indenture.
 
                                    TAXATION
 
     In the opinion of Dennis E. Ross, Chief Tax Officer of Ford and tax counsel
to the Trust, the following are the material United States federal income tax
consequences of the issuance of Preferred Securities in exchange for the
Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer, and of the ownership and disposition of
Preferred Securities. Unless otherwise stated, this summary deals only with
Preferred Securities held as capital assets by holders who acquire the Preferred
Securities pursuant to the Offer ("Initial Holders"). It does not deal with
special classes of holders, such as dealers in securities or currencies, life
insurance companies, persons holding Preferred Securities as a hedge against or
which are hedged against currency risks or as part of a straddle, or persons
whose functional currency is not the United States dollar. This summary is based
on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury
Regulations thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof,
as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change (possibly on a
retroactive basis).
 
     ALL HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS
AS TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OF
DEPOSITARY SHARES FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES AND OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION
OF PREFERRED SECURITIES IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, AS WELL AS
THE EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
 
EXCHANGE OF DEPOSITARY SHARES FOR PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
     The exchange of Depositary Shares for Preferred Securities pursuant to the
Offer will be a taxable transaction. In the case of an Initial Holder who
actually or constructively owns solely Depositary Shares, or not more than one
percent of such stock and not more than one percent of any other class of Ford
stock, gain or loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the difference
between the fair market value on the Expiration Date of the Preferred Securities
(representing an undivided interest in the Junior Subordinated Debentures)
received in the exchange and the exchanging Holder's tax basis in the Depositary
Shares exchanged therefor
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   73
 
and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Depositary Share has been held
for more than one year as of such date. A holder's aggregate tax basis in his or
her pro rata share of the underlying Junior Subordinated Debentures will be
equal to his pro rata share of their "issue price" on the Expiration Date as
defined below.
 
     Holders of Depositary Shares who actually or constructively own more than
one percent of any other class of Ford stock are advised to consult their tax
advisors as to the income tax consequences of exchanging Depositary Shares.
 
CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST
 
     In connection with the issuance of the Preferred Securities, Dennis E.
Ross, Chief Tax Officer of Ford and tax counsel to the Trust, will render his
opinion generally to the effect that, under then current law and assuming full
compliance with the terms of the Declaration, the Trust will be classified for
United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an
association taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, each Securityholder will be
considered the owner of a pro rata portion of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
held by the Trust and will be required to include in gross income his or her pro
rata share of the income accrued on the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
 
ACCRUAL OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT AND PREMIUM
 
     The Junior Subordinated Debentures will be considered to have been issued
with "original issue discount" and each Securityholder, including a taxpayer who
otherwise uses the cash method of accounting, will be required to include his or
her pro rata share of original issue discount on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures in income as it accrues, in accordance with a constant yield method
based on a compounding of interest, before the receipt of cash distributions on
the Preferred Securities. Generally, all of a Securityholder's taxable interest
income with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be accounted for
as "original issue discount" and actual distributions of stated interest will
not be separately reported as taxable income. So long as the interest payment
period is not extended, cash distributions received by an Initial Holder for any
quarterly interest period (assuming no disposition prior to the record date for
such distribution) will equal or exceed the sum of the daily accruals of income
for such quarterly interest period, unless the issue price of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures (as defined below) is less than $25.
 
   
     The total amount of "original issue discount" on the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will equal the difference between the "issue price" of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures and their "stated redemption price at maturity." Because
Ford has the right to extend the interest payment period of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, all of the stated interest payments on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures will be includible in determining their "stated
redemption price at maturity." The "issue price" of each $25 principal amount of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be equal to the fair market value of a
Preferred Security on the Expiration Date, which may be more or less than $25,
with the result that the total amount of original issue discount on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures may be more or less than the amount of stated interest
payable with respect thereto. The issue price of each $25 principal amount of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be reduced by the Pre-issuance Accrued
Distribution. If a Securityholder computes the issue price of his or her pro
rata share of the Junior Subordinated Debentures in this manner, then the
payment of such amount will be treated as a return of capital rather than as an
interest payment. Ford and the Trust may elect to compute the issue price of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures in this manner and, if so, will report the
payment of such amount on Form 1099-B.
    
 
   
     A Securityholder's initial tax basis for his or her pro rata share of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures will be equal to the fair market value on the
Expiration Date of the Preferred Securities held by such Securityholder, and
will be increased by original issue discount accrued with respect thereto, and
reduced by the amount of cash distributions (including the amount of
Pre-issuance Accrued Distribution) paid to such Securityholder. No portion of
the amounts received on the Preferred Securities will be eligible for the
dividends received deduction for corporate holders.
    
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   74
 
POTENTIAL EXTENSION OF PAYMENT PERIOD ON THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
 
   
     Securityholders will continue to accrue original issue discount with
respect to their pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated Debentures during an
Extension Period, and any holders who dispose of Preferred Securities prior to
the record date for the payment of interest following such extended interest
payment period will not receive from the Trust any cash related thereto.
    
 
DISTRIBUTION OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES TO HOLDERS OF PREFERRED
SECURITIES
 
     Under current law, a distribution by the Trust of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures as described under the caption "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Special Event Redemption or Distribution" will be non-taxable and
will result in the Securityholder receiving directly his or her pro rata share
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures previously held indirectly through the
Trust, with a holding period and tax basis equal to the holding period and
adjusted tax basis such Securityholder was considered to have had in his or her
pro rata share of the underlying Junior Subordinated Debentures prior to such
distribution.
 
MARKET DISCOUNT AND BOND PREMIUM
 
     Securityholders other than Initial Holders may be considered to have
acquired their pro rata interest in the Junior Subordinated Debentures with
market discount, acquisition premium or amortizable bond premium. Such holders
are advised to consult their tax advisors as to the income tax consequences of
the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Preferred Securities.
 
DISPOSITION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
     Upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the Preferred Securities
(including a distribution of cash in redemption of a Securityholder's Preferred
Securities upon redemption or repayment of the underlying Junior Subordinated
Debentures, but excluding the distribution of Junior Subordinated Debentures), a
Securityholder will be considered to have disposed of all or part of his or her
pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, and will recognize gain or
loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the
Securityholder's adjusted tax basis in his or her pro rata share of the
underlying Junior Subordinated Debentures deemed disposed of. Gain or loss will
be capital gain or loss (except to the extent of any accrued market discount
with respect to such Securityholder's pro rata share of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures not previously included in income). See "-- Market Discount and Bond
Premium" above. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the
Preferred Securities have been held for more than one year.
 
     The Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect
the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying Junior
Subordinated Debentures. In such event, a Securityholder who disposes of
Preferred Securities and does not receive a payment of interest from the Trust
for the period in which the disposition occurs will nevertheless be required to
include accrued but unpaid interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures
through the date of disposition in income as ordinary income, and to add such
amount to his or her adjusted tax basis in his or her pro rata share of the
underlying Junior Subordinated Debentures deemed disposed of. Accordingly, such
a Securityholder will recognize a capital loss to the extent the selling price
(which may not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest) is less
than the Securityholder's adjusted tax basis (which will include accrued but
unpaid interest). Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot
be applied to offset ordinary income for United States income tax purposes.
 
UNITED STATES ALIEN HOLDERS
 
     For purposes of this discussion, a "United States Alien Holder" is any
corporation, individual, partnership, estate or trust that is, as to the United
States, a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a foreign
partnership or a non-resident fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust.
 
     Under present United States federal income tax law:
 
          (i) payments by the Trust or any of its paying agents to any holder of
     a Preferred Security who or which is a United States Alien Holder will not
     be subject to United States federal withholding tax,
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   75
 
     provided that (a) the beneficial owner of the Preferred Security does not
     actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting
     power of all classes of stock of Ford entitled to vote, (b) the beneficial
     owner of the Preferred Security is not a controlled foreign corporation
     that is related to Ford through stock ownership, and (c) either (A) the
     beneficial owner of the Preferred Security certifies to the Trust or its
     agent, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a United States holder
     and provides its name and address or (B) a securities clearing
     organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers'
     securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business (a "Financial
     Institution") and holds the Preferred Security certifies to the Trust or
     its agent under penalties of perjury that such statement has been received
     from the beneficial owner by it or by a Financial Institution between it
     and the beneficial owner and furnishes the Trust or its agent with a copy
     thereof;
 
          (ii) a United States Alien Holder of a Preferred Security will not be
     subject to United States federal withholding tax on any gain realized upon
     the sale or other disposition of a Preferred Security; and
 
          (iii) any gain realized by a United States Alien Holder upon the
     exchange of Depositary Shares for Preferred Securities will not be subject
     to United States federal withholding tax.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING TO HOLDERS
 
     The Trust will report the original issue discount that accrued during the
year with respect to the Junior Subordinated Debentures, and any gross proceeds
received by the Trust from the retirement or redemption of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, annually to the holders of record of the Preferred
Securities and the Internal Revenue Service. The Trust currently intends to
deliver such reports to holders of record prior to January 31 following each
calendar year. It is anticipated that persons who hold Preferred Securities as
nominees for beneficial holders will report the required tax information to
beneficial holders on Form 1099.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
     Payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of Preferred Securities may be
subject to a "backup" withholding tax of 31% unless the holder complies with
certain identification requirements. Any withheld amounts will generally be
allowed as a credit against the holder's federal income tax, provided the
required information is timely filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the Preferred
Securities will be passed upon for the Trust by Morris, Nichols, Arsht &
Tunnell, special Delaware counsel to the Trust. The validity of the Preferred
Securities Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures, and certain legal
matters in connection with the Preferred Securities, the Preferred Securities
Guarantee and the Junior Subordinated Debentures, will be passed upon for the
Trust and Ford by J.M. Rintamaki, Secretary and an Assistant General Counsel of
Ford. Any tax matters with respect to the Preferred Securities, the Junior
Subordinated Debentures, and the Preferred Securities Guarantee will be passed
on for Ford and the Trust by Dennis E. Ross, Chief Tax Officer of Ford and tax
counsel to the Trust. Mr. Rintamaki and Mr. Ross are full-time employees of Ford
and own, and hold options to purchase, shares of Common Stock of Ford, and Mr.
Rintamaki owns depositary shares, each representing 1/1,000 of a share of Series
A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of Ford. Certain legal matters in
connection with the Preferred Securities will be passed upon for the Dealer
Managers by Shearman & Sterling, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
Shearman & Sterling act as counsel to the Compensation and Option Committee and
the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Ford and have in the past
provided, and may continue to provide, legal services to Ford and its
subsidiaries.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   76
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements of Ford which are incorporated in this Prospectus
by reference to Ford's 1994 10-K Report have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P., independent certified public accountants, to the extent indicated in
their report therein, and have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of
that firm given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     With respect to the unaudited interim financial information of Ford for the
periods ending March 31, 1995 and June 30, 1995, incorporated in this Prospectus
by reference to Ford's 1995 10-Q Reports, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. have reported
that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with professional
standards for a review of such information. However, their reports included in
Ford's 1995 10-Q Reports state that they did not audit and they do not express
an opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of
reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of
the limited nature of the review procedures applied. The accountants are not
subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for
their reports on the unaudited interim financial information because such
reports do not constitute "reports" or a "part" of the registration statement
prepared or certified by the accountants within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11
of the Securities Act.
 
                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
 
     Generally, employee benefit plans that are subject to the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), or Section 4975 of the Code
("Plans"), may purchase Preferred Securities, subject to the investing
fiduciary's determination that the investment in Preferred Securities satisfies
ERISA's fiduciary standards and other requirements applicable to investments by
the Plan.
 
     In any case, Ford and/or any of its affiliates may be considered a "party
in interest" (within the meaning of ERISA) or a "disqualified person" (within
the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code) with respect to certain plans
(generally, Plans maintained or sponsored by, or contributed to by, any such
persons). The acquisition and ownership of Preferred Securities by a Plan (or by
an individual retirement arrangement or other Plans described in Section
4975(e)(i) of the Code) with respect to which Ford or any of its affiliates is
considered a party in interest or a disqualified person, may constitute or
result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code,
unless such Preferred Securities are acquired pursuant to and in accordance with
an applicable exemption.
 
     As a result, Plans with respect to which Ford or any of its affiliates is a
party in interest or a disqualified person should not acquire Preferred
Securities. Any other Plans or other entities whose assets include Plan assets
subject to ERISA proposing to acquire Preferred Securities should consult with
their own ERISA counsel.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   77
 
     Facsimile copies of the Letter of Transmittal will be accepted. Letters of
Transmittal, certificates representing Depositary Shares and any other required
documents should be sent by each Holder of Depositary Shares or his broker,
dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to the Exchange Agent at
one of the addresses as set forth below:
 
                             THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS:
 
                                 CHEMICAL BANK
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
                        By Mail:                                                   By Hand:
        c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services                   c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services
                    Midtown Station                                       Reorganization Department
                      P.O. Box 837                                         120 Broadway, 13th Floor
                   New York, NY 10018                                         New York, NY 10271
                 By Overnight Courier:                                    By Facsimile Transmission:
                                                                       (For Eligible Institutions Only)
        c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services                                (201) 296-4293
               Reorganization Department                                        
                   85 Challenger Road                                       Confirm by Telephone: 
               Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660                                        (201) 296-4209 
                                                                                
</TABLE>
    
 
                           THE INFORMATION AGENT IS:
 
                        (GEORGESON & COMPANY, INC. LOGO)
                               Wall Street Plaza
                            New York, New York 10005
   
                           (800) 223-2064 (Toll-Free)
    
   
                        Banks and Brokers Call Collect:
    
   
                                 (212) 440-9800
    
 
     Any questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of this
Prospectus, the Letter of Transmittal or for copies of the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery may be directed to the Information Agent at its telephone number and
location set forth above. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial
bank or trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer.
 
                     THE DEALER MANAGERS FOR THE OFFER ARE:
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                             World Financial Center
                          North Tower -- Seventh Floor
                            New York, New York 10281
                            (212) 236-4565 (Collect)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
               DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.                                  A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
                  2 World Trade Center                                        1 North Jefferson
                       65th Floor                                       St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2205
                New York, New York 10048                                  (800) 640-1705 (Toll-Free)
               (800) 488-4490 (Toll-Free)
                  GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.                                         LEHMAN BROTHERS
                    85 Broad Street                                        3 World Financial Center
                New York, New York 10004                                   New York, New York 10285
               (800) 828-3182 (Toll-Free)                                 (800) 438-3242 (Toll-Free)
                PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED                                      SMITH BARNEY INC.
              1285 Avenue of the Americas                                    388 Greenwich Street
                New York, New York 10019                                   New York, New York 10013
               (800) 324-0210 (Toll-Free)                                 (800) 813-3754 (Toll-Free)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   78
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
"Delaware Law") empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any persons who
are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or
completed legal action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such
corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer or director
of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as
a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The
indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such officer or
director acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, for criminal proceedings,
had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was illegal. A Delaware
corporation may indemnify officers and directors against expenses (including
attorneys' fees) in connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or
in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no
indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or
director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or
director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action
referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses which
such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.
 
     In accordance with the Delaware Law, the Certificate of Incorporation of
Ford contains a provision to limit the personal liability of the directors of
Ford for violations of their fiduciary duty. This provision eliminates each
director's liability to Ford or its stockholders for monetary damages except (i)
for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Ford or its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the
Delaware Law providing for liability of directors for unlawful payment of
dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions, or (iv) for any
transaction from which a director derived an improper personal benefit. The
effect of this provision is to eliminate the personal liability of directors for
monetary damages for actions involving a breach of their fiduciary duty of care,
including any such actions involving gross negligence.
 
     Section 6 of the form of dealer manager agreement filed as Exhibit 1 to
this Registration Statement provides for indemnification of directors, officers
who sign the Registration Statement and controlling persons of the Registrant by
the dealer managers, and for indemnification of each dealer manager and its
controlling persons by the Registrant, against certain liabilities. Similar
provisions are contained in agreements entered into between the Registrant and
groups of dealer managers or underwriters on past occasions.
 
   
     The Declaration provides that no Trustee, affiliate of any Trustee or any
officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives
or agents of any Trustee or any employee or agent of the Trust or its affiliates
(each, an "Indemnified Person") shall be liable, responsible or accountable in
damages or otherwise to the Trust or any officer, director, shareholder,
partner, member, representative, employee or agent of the Trust or its
affiliates, any officer, director, shareholder, employee, representative or
agent of Ford or its affiliates or to any holders from time to time of Trust
Securities of the Trust for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any
act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on
behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed
to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by
the Declaration or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for
any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's
gross negligence (or, in the case of the Institutional Trustee, negligence) or
willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omission. The Declaration also
provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Ford shall
indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against any loss,
damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of any act or
omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf
of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be
within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by the
Declaration, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be
indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   79
 
by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence (or, in the case of the
Institutional Trustee, negligence) or willful misconduct with respect to such
acts or omissions. The Declaration further provides that to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by an
Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding
shall, from time to time, be advanced by Ford prior to the final disposition of
such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by Ford of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it
shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be
indemnified pursuant to the Declaration.
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                          DOCUMENT
- -----------      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>         <C>  <S>
      1      --  Form of Dealer Manager Agreement*
    4.1      --  Form of Indenture between Ford and The Bank of New York, as Trustee
    4.2      --  Form of First Supplemental Indenture to Indenture
    4.3      --  Declaration of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I*
    4.4      --  Certificate of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I*
    4.5      --  Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital
                 Trust I
    4.6      --  Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.5 above)
    4.7      --  Form of Junior Subordinated Debenture (included in Exhibit 4.2 above)
    4.8      --  Form of Guarantee Agreement with respect to Preferred Securities*
    5.1      --  Opinion of J. M. Rintamaki, Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of Ford
    5.2      --  Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell
      8      --  Tax Opinion of Dennis E. Ross, Chief Tax Officer of Ford
     12      --  Ford Motor Company Computation of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
                 Preferred Stock Dividends
     15      --  Letter of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. regarding unaudited interim financial
                 information
   23.1      --  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
   23.2      --  Consents of J. M. Rintamaki and Dennis E. Ross (included in Exhibits 5.1 and 8
                 above, respectively)
   23.3      --  Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell (included in Exhibit 5.2 above)
   24.1      --  Powers of Attorney for Ford Motor Company
   24.2      --  Power of Attorney for Ford Motor Company, as sponsor, to sign this Registration
                 Statement on behalf of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I (included in Exhibit
                 4.3 above)*
   25.1      --  Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                 The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture
   25.2      --  Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                 The Bank of New York, as Institutional Trustee, under the Amended and Restated
                 Declaration of Trust
   25.3      --  Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                 The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee, under the Preferred Securities
                 Guarantee
   99.1      --  Form of Letter of Transmittal
   99.2      --  Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
   99.3      --  Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other
                 Nominees
   99.4      --  Form of Letter to Clients
   99.5      --  Form of Exchange Agent Agreement
   99.6      --  Form of Information Agent Agreement
   99.7      --  Form of Newspaper Announcement
   99.8      --  Form of Ford Letter to Holders of 8.25% Preferred Stock, Series B
   99.9      --  Questions and Answers Regarding Preferred Securities
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------------------
   
* Previously filed.
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   80
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     Each of the Registrants hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each filing of Ford's Annual Report pursuant to
     Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and,
     where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report
     pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to
     be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein,
     and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (2) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
     Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
     controlling persons of the Registrants pursuant to the foregoing
     provisions, or otherwise, the Registrants have been advised that in the
     opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
     against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
     unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
     liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrants of expenses incurred
     or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrants in
     the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
     such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
     securities being registered, the Registrants will, unless in the opinion of
     their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit
     to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
     indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
     will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
          (3) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by
     reference into the Prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of Form
     S-4, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the
     incorporated documents by first-class mail or equally prompt means. This
     includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the
     effective date of the Registration Statement through the date responding to
     the request.
 
          (4) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
     concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein,
     that was not the subject of and included in the Registration Statement when
     it became effective.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   81
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Ford Motor
Company, has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in Dearborn, Michigan, on the 27th day of October, 1995.
    
 
                                          FORD MOTOR COMPANY
 
                                          By          /s/ ALEX TROTMAN*
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       (Alex Trotman)
                                             Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            SIGNATURE                                TITLE                                DATE
- ---------------------------------   ---------------------------------------        -------------------
<C>                                 <S>                                            <C>
          ALEX TROTMAN*             Director and Chairman of the Board of
- ---------------------------------   Directors, President and Chief
         (Alex Trotman)             Executive Officer (Principal Executive
                                    Officer)

       COLBY H. CHANDLER*           Director
- ---------------------------------
       (Colby H. Chandler)

       MICHAEL D. DINGMAN*          Director
- ---------------------------------
      (Michael D. Dingman)

        EDSEL B. FORD II*           Director, Vice President--Ford and
- ---------------------------------   President and Chief Operating Officer,
       (Edsel B. Ford II)           Ford Motor Credit Company

       WILLIAM CLAY FORD*           Director                                        October 27, 1995
- ---------------------------------
       (William Clay Ford)

     WILLIAM CLAY FORD, JR.*        Director and Chairman of the Finance
- ---------------------------------   Committee
    (William Clay Ford, Jr.)

                                    Director
- ---------------------------------
      (Roberto C. Goizueta)

    IRVINE O. HOCKADAY, JR.*        Director
- ---------------------------------
    (Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.)

       MARIE-JOSEE KRAVIS*          Director
- ---------------------------------
      (Marie-Josee Kravis)

           DREW LEWIS*              Director
- ---------------------------------
          (Drew Lewis)

        ELLEN R. MARRAM*            Director
- ---------------------------------
        (Ellen R. Marram)
</TABLE>
 
   
                                                                
    
<PAGE>   82
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                                DATE
- ---------------------------------   -----------------------------------------        -----------------
<C>                                 <S>                                              <C>
        KENNETH H. OLSEN*           Director
- ---------------------------------
       (Kenneth H. Olsen)

       CARL E. REICHARDT*           Director
- ---------------------------------
       (Carl E. Reichardt)

         LOUIS R. ROSS*             Director and Vice Chairman and Chief
- ---------------------------------   Technical Officer
         (Louis R. Ross)

    CLIFTON R. WHARTON, JR.*        Director
- ---------------------------------                                                    October 27, 1995
    (Clifton R. Wharton, Jr.)

         JOHN M. DEVINE*            Group Vice President and Chief Financial
- ---------------------------------   Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
        (John M. Devine)

       DANIEL R. COULSON*           Director of Accounting (Principal
- ---------------------------------   Accounting Officer)
       (Daniel R. Coulson)

  * By    /s/ PETER SHERRY, JR.
- --------------------------------
       (Peter Sherry, Jr.,
        Attorney-in-Fact)
</TABLE>
 
   
                                                                
    
<PAGE>   83
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I, has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Dearborn, Michigan, on this 27th day
of October, 1995.
    
 
                                          FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
 
                                          By: Ford Motor Company, as Sponsor
 
                                          By: /s/ J.M. RINTAMAKI
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Name: J.M. Rintamaki
                                            Title:  Secretary
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   84
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                                          DOCUMENT
- -----------      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>         <C>  <S>
      1      --  Form of Dealer Manager Agreement*
    4.1      --  Form of Indenture between Ford and The Bank of New York, as Trustee
    4.2      --  Form of First Supplemental Indenture to Indenture
    4.3      --  Declaration of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I*
    4.4      --  Certificate of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I*
    4.5      --  Form of Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital
                 Trust I
    4.6      --  Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.5 above)
    4.7      --  Form of Junior Subordinated Debenture (included in Exhibit 4.2 above)
    4.8      --  Form of Guarantee Agreement with respect to Preferred Securities*
    5.1      --  Opinion of J. M. Rintamaki, Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of Ford
    5.2      --  Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell
      8      --  Tax Opinion of Dennis E. Ross, Chief Tax Officer of Ford
     12      --  Ford Motor Company Computation of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
                 Preferred Stock Dividends
     15      --  Letter of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. regarding unaudited interim financial
                 information
   23.1      --  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
   23.2      --  Consents of J. M. Rintamaki and Dennis E. Ross (included in Exhibits 5.1 and 8
                 above, respectively)
   23.3      --  Consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell (included in Exhibit 5.2 above)
   24.1      --  Powers of Attorney for Ford Motor Company
   24.2      --  Power of Attorney for Ford Motor Company, as sponsor, to sign this Registration
                 Statement on behalf of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I (included in Exhibit
                 4.3 above)*
   25.1      --  Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                 The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture
   25.2      --  Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                 The Bank of New York, as Institutional Trustee, under the Amended and Restated
                 Declaration of Trust
   25.3      --  Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                 The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee, under the Preferred Securities
                 Guarantee
   99.1      --  Form of Letter of Transmittal
   99.2      --  Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
   99.3      --  Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other
                 Nominees
   99.4      --  Form of Letter to Clients
   99.5      --  Form of Exchange Agent Agreement
   99.6      --  Form of Information Agent Agreement
   99.7      --  Form of Newspaper Announcement
   99.8      --  Form of Ford Letter to Holders of 8.25% Preferred Stock, Series B
   99.9      --  Questions and Answers Regarding Preferred Securities
</TABLE>
    
 
- -------------------------
   
* Previously filed.
    

<PAGE>   1




                                                                     Exhibit 4.1
================================================================================



                              FORD MOTOR COMPANY,
                                              Issuer

                                      and


   
                             THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
    
   
                                              as Trustee
    





       _________________________________________________________________



                                   INDENTURE
   
                          Dated as of December 1, 1995
    



       _________________________________________________________________


                          SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES


================================================================================
<PAGE>   2

                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY

   
               Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act
              of 1939 and Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Trust Indenture                                                                      Indenture
  Act Section                                                                         Section 
- -----------------                                                                    ---------
<S>                                                                          <C>
Section  310(a)(1)    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
      (a)(2)          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               6.07
      (b)             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               6.08
Section  312(c)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               7.01
Section  314(a)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               7.03
      (c)(1)          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               1.02
      (c)(2)          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               1.02
      (e)             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               1.02
Section  315(b)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               6.01
Section  316(a)(last   
      sentence)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1.01 ("Outstanding")
      (a)(1)(A)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               5.02, 5.12
      (a)(1)(B)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               5.13
      (b)             . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               5.08
Section  317(a)(1)    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               5.03
      (a)(2)          . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .               5.04
Section  318(a)       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              17.04
</TABLE>
    

_________________

Note:  This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE>   3

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS*


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                             Page
                                                                                                                             ----
<S>                                                                                                                          <C>
PARTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1
                                                                                                                        
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1
                                                                                                                  
PURPOSE OF INDENTURE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1


                                  ARTICLE ONE

                        DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
                             OF GENERAL APPLICATION


         SECTION 1.01.  Certain Terms Defined.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1
         SECTION 1.02.  Compliance Certificates and Opinions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         10
         SECTION 1.03.  Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11
         SECTION 1.04.  Acts of Holders.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         11
         SECTION 1.05.  Trust Indenture Act of 1939.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         12
         SECTION 1.06.  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         12
         SECTION 1.07.  Separability Clause.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         12
         SECTION 1.08.  Benefits of Indenture.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         12
         SECTION 1.09.  Legal Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         13

                                  ARTICLE TWO

                                 SECURITY FORMS

         SECTION 2.01.  Forms Generally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        13
         SECTION 2.02.  Form of Face of Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        13
         SECTION 2.03.  Form of Reverse of Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        16
         SECTION 2.04.  Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        21
         SECTION 2.05.  Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        21
</TABLE>
    





__________________________________

*     The table of contents, consisting of pages i to viii, is not part of this
Indenture.
<PAGE>   4

                                 ARTICLE THREE

                                 THE SECURITIES
   
<TABLE>
        <S>            <C>                                                                                                      <C>
         SECTION 3.01.  Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    22
         SECTION 3.02.  Denominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    25
         SECTION 3.03.  Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    25
         SECTION 3.04.  Temporary Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    26
         SECTION 3.05.  Registration; Registration of Transfer and Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    27
         SECTION 3.06.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    28
         SECTION 3.07.  Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    29
         SECTION 3.08.  Persons Deemed Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    30
         SECTION 3.09.  Cancellation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    30
         SECTION 3.10.  Computation of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    30
         SECTION 3.11.  CUSIP Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    30
                                                                               
                                  ARTICLE FOUR
                                                                               
                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
                                                                               
         SECTION 4.01.  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    31
         SECTION 4.02.  Application of Trust Money  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    32
         SECTION 4.03.  Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    32
         SECTION 4.04.  Repayment of Moneys Held by Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    32
                                                                              
                                  ARTICLE FIVE                                 
                                                                               
                          EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES                          
                                                                               
         SECTION 5.01.  Events of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    32
         SECTION 5.02.  Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    34
         SECTION 5.03.  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    35
         SECTION 5.04.  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    36
         SECTION 5.05.  Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    36
         SECTION 5.06.  Application of Money Collected  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    37
         SECTION 5.07.  Limitation on Suits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    37
         SECTION 5.08.  Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    38
         SECTION 5.09.  Restoration of Rights and Remedies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    38
         SECTION 5.10.  Rights and Remedies Cumulative  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    38
         SECTION 5.11.  Delay or Omission Not Waiver  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    38
         SECTION 5.12.  Control by Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    39
         SECTION 5.13.  Waiver of Past Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    39
         SECTION 5.14.  Undertaking for Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    40
                                                                               
</TABLE>
    

<PAGE>   5
                                                        
                                                        
                                  ARTICLE SIX           
                                                        
                                  THE TRUSTEE           
   
<TABLE>                                                 
         <S>            <C>                                                                       <C>
         SECTION 6.01.  Notice of Defaults  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    40
         SECTION 6.02.  Certain Rights of Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    41
         SECTION 6.03.  Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals in Indenture or in Securities  . .    42
         SECTION 6.04.  May Hold Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    42
         SECTION 6.05.  Money Held in Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    42
         SECTION 6.06.  Compensation and Reimbursement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    42
         SECTION 6.07.  Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    43
         SECTION 6.08.  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor . . . . . . . . . . .    43
         SECTION 6.09.  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    45
         SECTION 6.10.  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business . . . . . .    46
                                                        
                                ARTICLE SEVEN           
                                                           
                    HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE  
                                  AND COMPANY              
                                                           
         SECTION 7.01.  Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . .    47
         SECTION 7.02.  Reports by Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    47
         SECTION 7.03.  Reports by Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    47
         SECTION 7.04.  Notice of Default.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    48
                                                             
                                 ARTICLE EIGHT               
                                                             
                   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE 
                                                             
         SECTION 8.01.  Consolidations and Mergers of Company and Conveyances                   
              Permitted Subject to Certain Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    48
         SECTION 8.02.  Successor Corporation Substituted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    49
         SECTION 8.03.  Opinion of Counsel to Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    49
                                                             
                                  ARTICLE NINE               
                                                             
                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES          
                                                             
         SECTION 9.01.  Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders  . . . . . . . . . .    49
         SECTION 9.02.  Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders . . . . . . . . . . . .    51
         SECTION 9.03.  Execution of Supplemental Indentures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    53
         SECTION 9.04.  Effect of Supplemental Indentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    53
         SECTION 9.05.  Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures  . . . . . . . . . .    53
                                                                                                
</TABLE>      
    
                                                             
<PAGE>   6
                                                                       
                                  ARTICLE TEN

                      PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

   
<TABLE>
         <S>             <C>                                                                                                     <C>
         SECTION 10.01.  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
         SECTION 10.02.  Maintenance of Office or Agency  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
         SECTION 10.03.  Money for Securities Payments to be Held in Trust  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
         SECTION 10.04.  Statement by Officers as to Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
         SECTION 10.05.  Further Instruments and Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

         SECTION 11.01.  Applicability of Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
         SECTION 11.02.  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
         SECTION 11.03.  Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
         SECTION 11.04.  Notice of Redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
         SECTION 11.05.  Deposit of Redemption Price  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
         SECTION 11.06.  Securities Payable on Redemption Date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
         SECTION 11.07.  Securities Redeemed in Part  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                         REPAYMENT AT OPTION OF HOLDERS

         SECTION 12.01.  Applicability of Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
         SECTION 12.02.  Repayment of Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
         SECTION 12.03.  Exercise of Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
         SECTION 12.04.  When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and 
                         Payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
         SECTION 12.05.  Securities Repaid in Part  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                                 SINKING FUNDS

         SECTION 13.01.  Applicability of Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
         SECTION 13.02.  Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
         SECTION 13.03.  Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
</TABLE>   
    

<PAGE>   7

                                ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                                 SUBORDINATION

   
<TABLE>
         <S>             <C>                                                                                             <C>
         SECTION 14.01.  Subordination  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   61
         SECTION 14.02.  Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   61
         SECTION 14.03.  Payments and Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   62
         SECTION 14.04.  Payments by the Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   64
         SECTION 14.05.  Appointment of the Trustee by Holders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   64
         SECTION 14.06.  Notice to Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   64
         SECTION 14.07.  Rights of Trustee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   65
         SECTION 14.08.  Paying Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   65

                                ARTICLE FIFTEEN

                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

         SECTION 15.01.  Applicability of Article; Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance . . . .   65
         SECTION 15.02.  Defeasance and Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   65
         SECTION 15.03.  Covenant Defeasance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   66
         SECTION 15.04.  Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   66
         SECTION 15.05.  Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to be Held in Trust;
                         Other Miscellaneous Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   68
         SECTION 15.06.  Reinstatement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   68

                                ARTICLE SIXTEEN
               IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS,
                            DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES

         SECTION 16.01.  Exemption from Individual Liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   69

                               ARTICLE SEVENTEEN

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

         SECTION 17.01.  Successors and Assigns of Company Bound by Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   69
         SECTION 17.02.  Acts of Board, Committee or Officer of Successor Corporation Valid . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   69
         SECTION 17.03.  Required Notices or Demands  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   69
         SECTION 17.04.  Indenture and Securities to be Construed
                         in Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   70
         SECTION 17.05.  Indenture May be Executed in Counterparts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   70
</TABLE>
    

TESTIMONIUM
SIGNATURES AND SEALS
<PAGE>   8

   
           INDENTURE, dated as of the 1st day of December, 1995, among FORD
MOTOR COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Delaware (hereinafter sometimes called the "Company"), and THE BANK OF
NEW YORK, a New York banking corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of New York (hereinafter sometimes called the "Trustee").
    

                            RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

           WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company deems it
necessary to issue its securities and has duly authorized the execution and
delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its
subordinated debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (herein
called the "Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as in this
Indenture provided;

           WHEREAS, this Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, that are required to
be part of and govern indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended; and

           WHEREAS, all things necessary to constitute these presents a valid
indenture and agreement according to its terms have been done and performed by
the Company, and the execution of this Indenture has in all respects been duly
authorized by the Company, and the Company, in the exercise of legal right and
power in it vested, executes this Indenture;

           NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

           That in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the
Securities are made, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company
and the Trustee covenant and agree with each other, for the equal and
proportionate benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the
Securities or of series thereof, as follows:


                                  ARTICLE ONE

                        DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
                             OF GENERAL APPLICATION

           SECTION 1.01.  Certain Terms Defined.  The terms defined in this
Section 1.01 (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the
context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any
indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in
this Section 1.01.  All other terms used in this Indenture which are defined in
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or which are by reference therein defined in
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (except as herein otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires), shall have the meanings
assigned to such terms in said Trust Indenture Act and in said Securities Act
as in force at the date of this Indenture as originally executed.
<PAGE>   9

                                       2

           Certain terms, used principally in Article Six, are defined in that
Article.

Act:

           The term "Act", when used with respect to any Holder, shall have the
meaning specified in Section 1.04.

Affiliate; Control:

           The term "Affiliate" of any specified Person shall mean any other
Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or
indirect common control with such specified Person.  For the purposes of this
definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person shall mean
the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or
indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" shall have meanings
correlative to the foregoing.

Authorized Newspaper:

           The term "Authorized Newspaper" shall mean a newspaper printed in
the English language and customarily published at least once a day on each
business day in each calendar week and of general circulation in the Borough of
Manhattan, the City and State of New York, whether or not such newspaper is
published on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

Board of Directors:

           The term "Board of Directors" or "Board", when used with reference
to the Company, shall mean the board of directors of the Company or any
committee of such board duly authorized to act with respect hereto.

Board Resolution:

           The term "Board Resolution", when used with reference to the
Company, shall mean a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of
Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification
and delivered to the Trustee.

business day:

           The term "business day", when used with respect to any Place of
Payment, shall mean any day which is not a Saturday or a Sunday or a day on
which banking institutions in such Place of Payment are authorized or obligated
by law or regulation to close.
<PAGE>   10

                                       3


Commission:

           The term "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange
Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or, if at any time after the execution of
this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now
assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, then the body performing
such duties at such time.

Common Securities:

           The term "Common Securities" shall mean the common undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the applicable Ford Motor Company Capital
Trust.

Company:

           The term "Company" shall mean Ford Motor Company, a Delaware
corporation, and, subject to the provisions of Article Eight, shall also
include its successors and assigns.

 Company Request; Company Order:

           The term "Company Request" or "Company Order" shall mean a written
request or order signed in the name of the Company by any two of its Chairman
of the Board, its President, an Executive Vice President, a Vice President, its
Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Controller, an Assistant Controller, its
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary and delivered to the Trustee.

Corporate Trust Office:

   
           The term "Corporate Trust Office" or other similar term shall mean
the principal office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
New York, the State of New York, at which at any particular time its corporate
trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of this
Indenture is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
    

corporation:

           The term "corporation" includes corporations, associations,
companies and business trusts.

Declaration of Trust:

           The term "Declaration of Trust" shall mean the Declaration of Trust
of the Ford Motor Company Capital Trust, if any, specified in the applicable
Board Resolution or
<PAGE>   11

                                       4

supplemental indenture establishing a particular series of Securities pursuant
to Section 3.01 hereof.

Defaulted Interest:

           The term "Defaulted Interest" shall have the meaning specified in
Section 3.07.

Depository:

           The term "Depository" shall mean, with respect to Securities of any
series for which the Company shall determine that such Securities will be
issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York,
another clearing agency or any successor registered under the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation,
which, in each case, shall be designated by the Company pursuant to either
Section 2.05 or 3.01.

Event of Default:

           The term "Event of Default" shall have the meaning specified in
Section 5.01.

Ford Motor Company Capital Trust:

           Ford Motor Company Capital Trust shall mean any statutory business
trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware specified in the
applicable Board Resolution or supplemental indenture establishing a particular
series of Securities pursuant to Section 3.01 hereof.

Global Security:

           The term "Global Security" shall mean, with respect to any series of
Securities, one or more Securities executed by the Company and authenticated
and delivered by the Trustee to the Depository or pursuant to the Depository's
instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and pursuant to a Company
Order, which (i) shall be registered in the name of the Depository or its
nominee and (ii) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal
to the aggregate principal amount of such of the Outstanding Securities of such
series as shall be specified therein.

Holder:

           The term "Holder" shall mean a Person in whose name a Security is
registered in the Security Register.
<PAGE>   12

                                       5

Indenture:

           The term "Indenture" shall mean this instrument as originally
executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or
more indentures  supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable
provisions hereof and shall include the terms of the or those particular series
of Securities established as contemplated by Section 3.01; provided, however,
that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this
instrument, "Indenture" shall mean, with respect to any one or more series of
Securities for which a Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally
executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or
more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable
provisions hereof and shall include the terms of the or those particular series
of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by
Section 3.01, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate
solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee,
regardless of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any
provisions or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental
hereto executed and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to
which such Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.

interest:

           The term "interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue
Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, shall
mean interest payable after Maturity.

Interest Payment Date:

           The term "Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any
Security, shall mean the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such
Security.

Maturity:

           The term "Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, shall
mean the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of
principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the
Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or
otherwise.

Officers' Certificate:

           The term "Officers' Certificate", when used with reference to the
Company, shall mean a certificate signed by any two of the Chairman of the
Board, the President, an Executive Vice President, a Vice President, the
Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company and delivered to the
Trustee.  Each such certificate shall include (except as otherwise
<PAGE>   13

                                       6

provided in this Indenture) the statements provided for in Section 1.02, if and
to the extent required by the provisions thereof.

Opinion of Counsel:

           The term "Opinion of Counsel" shall mean an opinion in writing
signed by legal counsel, who may be an employee of or of counsel to the
Company, and delivered to the Trustee.  Each such opinion shall include the
statements provided for in Section 1.02, if and to the extent required by the
provisions thereof.

Original Issue Discount Security:

           The term "Original Issue Discount Security" shall mean any Security
which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due
and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant
to Section 5.02.

Outstanding:

           The term "Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, shall
mean, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated
and delivered under this Indenture, except:

           (i)    Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered
     to the Trustee for cancellation;

           (ii)   Securities or portions thereof for whose payment, redemption
     or repayment at the option of the Holder money in the necessary amount has
     been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other
     than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the
     Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders
     of such Securities; provided that, if such Securities or portions thereof
     are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant
     to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has
     been made; and

           (iii)  Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 3.06 or
     in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been
     authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;

provided, however, that, in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under this Indenture,
Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor on the Securities or any
Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and
deemed not to be Outstanding for the purposes of such determination, except
that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying
<PAGE>   14

                                       7

upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or
waiver, only Securities which the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so
disregarded.  Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be
regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the
Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that
the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor on the Securities or any
Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

Paying Agent:

           The term "Paying Agent" shall mean any Person authorized by the
Company to pay the principal of (and premium, if any, on) or interest, if any,
on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

Person:

           The term "Person" shall mean any individual, corporation,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.

Place of Payment:

           The term "Place of Payment", when used with respect to the
Securities of any series, shall mean the place or places where the principal of
(and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that
series are payable, as specified as contemplated by Section 3.01.

Predecessor Security:

           The term "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security shall
mean every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as
that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this
definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.06 in
exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security
shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen Security.

Preferred Securities:

           The term "Preferred Securities" means the preferred undivided
beneficial interests in the assets of the applicable Ford Motor Company Capital
Trust.
<PAGE>   15

                                       8

Redemption Date:

           The term "Redemption Date" shall mean, when used with respect to any
Security to be redeemed, in whole or in part, the date fixed for such
redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

Redemption Price:

           The term "Redemption Price" shall mean, when used with respect to
any Security to be redeemed, the price at which it is to be redeemed by or
pursuant to this Indenture.

Regular Record Date:

           The term "Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any
Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series shall mean the date
specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 3.01.

Repayment Date:

           The term "Repayment Date" shall mean, when used with respect to any
Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, the date fixed for such
repayment by or pursuant to this Indenture.

Repayment Price:

           The term "Repayment Price" shall mean, when used with respect to any
Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, the price at which it is to
be repaid by or pursuant to this Indenture.

responsible officer:

           The term "responsible officer" when used with respect to the Trustee
shall mean any officer within the Trustee's corporate trust department (or any
successor group) including without limitation any vice president, any assistant
vice president, any assistant secretary or any other officer of the Trustee
customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the
above-designated officers, and also means with respect to a particular
corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred
because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Securities:

           The term "Securities" shall have the meaning stated in the first
recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Securities
authenticated and delivered under this
<PAGE>   16

                                       9

Indenture; provided, however, that, if at any time there is more than one
Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, "Securities" with respect to the
series as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the
first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean Securities
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of
Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.

Security Exchange:

           The term "Security Exchange," when used with respect to the
Securities of any series which are held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust pursuant to the Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust, shall mean the distribution of the Securities of such series by
such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust in exchange for the Preferred Securities
and Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust in dissolution
of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust pursuant to the Declaration of Trust
of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust.

Security Register; Security Registrar:

           The terms "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" shall have
the respective meanings set forth in Section 3.05.

   
Senior Indebtedness:

           The term "Senior Indebtedness" shall mean (a) the principal of and
premium, if any, and interest on all indebtedness of the Company, whether
outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, (i) for money
borrowed by the Company, (ii) for money borrowed by, or obligations of, others
and either assumed or guaranteed, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (iii)
in respect of letters of credit and acceptances issued or made by banks, or
(iv) constituting purchase money indebtedness, or indebtedness secured by
property included in the property, plant and equipment accounts of the Company
at the time of the acquisition of such property by the Company, for the payment
of which the Company is directly liable, (b) all deferrals, renewals,
extensions and refundings of, and amendments, modifications and supplements to,
any such indebtedness and (c) all other general unsecured obligations,
including without limitation, trade payables. As used in the preceding sentence
the term "purchase money indebtedness" means indebtedness evidenced by a note,
debenture, bond or other instrument (whether or not secured by any lien or
other security interest) issued or assumed as all or a part of the
consideration for the acquisition of property, whether by purchase, merger,
consolidation or otherwise, unless by its terms such indebtedness is
subordinate to other indebtedness of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Indenture or the Securities, Senior Indebtedness shall not
include (i) any indebtedness of the Company which, by its terms or the terms of
the instrument creating or evidencing it, is subordinate in right of payment to
or pari passu with the Securities, as the case may be, and, in particular, the
Securities shall rank pari passu with all other debt
    

<PAGE>   17

                                       10

   
securities and guarantees in respect of those debt securities issued to any
other Ford Motor Company Capital Trust or (ii) any indebtedness of the Company
to a Subsidiary.
    

Special Record Date:

           The term "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted
Interest shall mean a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.07.

Stated Maturity:

           The term "Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security
or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, shall mean the
date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of
such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

Trustee:

   
           The term "Trustee" shall mean The Bank of New York and, subject to
the provisions of Article Six, shall also include its successors and assigns,
and, if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee hereunder,
"Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the
Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
    

Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or TIA:

           The term "Trust Indenture Act of 1939" or "TIA" (except as herein
otherwise expressly provided) shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, as in force at the date of this Indenture as originally executed.

           SECTION 1.02.  Compliance Certificates and Opinions.  Upon any
application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under
any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided
for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with
and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such
conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case
of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents
is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such
particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be
furnished.

           Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture, other than pursuant to
section 10.04, shall include:

           (1)    a statement that each individual signing such certificate or
     opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein
     relating thereto;
<PAGE>   18

                                       11

           (2)    a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
     examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions
     contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

           (3)    a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he
     has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him
     to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or
     condition has been complied with; and

           (4)    a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of each such
     individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

           SECTION 1.03.  Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.  In any case
where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion
of any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified
by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so
certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or
give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons
as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to
such matters in one or several documents.

           Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be
based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion
of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the
exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or
representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or
opinion is based are erroneous.  Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may
be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or
opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company
stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the
possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations
with respect to such matters are erroneous.

           Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.

           SECTION 1.04.  Acts of Holders.  (a)  Any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by
this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of the Outstanding Securities of
all series or one or more series, as the case may be, may be embodied in and
evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by
such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as
herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when
such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is
hereby expressly required, to the Company.  Such instrument or instruments (and
the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes
referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing
<PAGE>   19

                                       12

such instrument or instruments.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or
of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of
this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made
in the manner provided in this Section 1.04.

   
           (b)    The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such
instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such
execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by
law to take acknowledgements of deeds, certifying that the individual signing
such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof.  Where
such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual
capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof
of his authority.  The fact and date of execution of any such instrument or
writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved
in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
    

           (c)    The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security
Register.

           (d)    Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every
future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon
the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof
in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, the
Security Registrar, any Paying Agent or the Company in reliance thereon,
whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

           SECTION 1.05.  Trust Indenture Act of 1939.  This Indenture is
subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of the TIA required to be
part of and govern indentures qualified under the TIA.

           SECTION 1.06.  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.  The
Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

           SECTION 1.07.  Separability Clause.  In case any provision in this
Indenture or in any Security shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in
any way be affected or impaired thereby.

           SECTION 1.08.  Benefits of Indenture.  Nothing in this Indenture or
in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the
parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or
any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
<PAGE>   20

                                       13

           SECTION 1.09.  Legal Holidays.  In any case where any Interest
Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a
business day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision
of this Indenture or of the Securities) payment of interest or principal (and
premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but
may be made on the next  succeeding business day at such Place of Payment with
the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption
Date, or at the Stated Maturity; provided that no interest shall accrue for the
period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated
Maturity, as the case may be.


                                  ARTICLE TWO

                                 SECURITY FORMS

           SECTION 2.01.  Forms Generally.  The Securities of each series shall
be in substantially the form set forth in this Article, or in such other form
or forms as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution of the
Company or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with
such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as
are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers
or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed
thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange
or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such
Securities, as evidenced by their execution thereof.  If the form or forms of
Securities of any series are established by action taken pursuant to a Board
Resolution of the Company, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall
be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order
contemplated by Section 3.03 for the authentication and delivery of such
Securities.

           The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in 
substantially the form set forth in this Article.

           The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved
on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as
determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their
execution thereof.

           SECTION 2.02.  Form of Face of Security.  [If the Security is an
Original Issue Discount Security, insert--FOR PURPOSES OF SECTIONS 1273 AND
1275 OF THE UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, THE AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE
DISCOUNT ON THIS SECURITY IS    % OF ITS PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AND THE ISSUE DATE IS
____________, 19  [, -- AND] THE YIELD TO MATURITY IS ___ %.  [THE METHOD USED 
TO DETERMINE THE YIELD  IS ____________ AND THE AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE 
DISCOUNT APPLICABLE TO THE SHORT ACCRUAL PERIOD OF 
<PAGE>   21

                                       14

_____________, 19__ TO ___________, 19__ is ___% OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
THIS SECURITY.]]


                          FORD MOTOR COMPANY
                          ___% NOTE DUE ______________

                          ______________________________________
                                        [CUSIP No. ___________]
$                                                      No.

           FORD MOTOR COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Delaware (herein called the "Company", which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred
to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to

                                        , or registered assigns, the principal
sum of         Dollars on [If the Security is to bear interest prior to
Maturity, insert--, and to pay interest thereon from   or from the most recent
Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for,
semi-annually on  and    in each year, commencing           , at the rate of   %
per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [If
applicable, insert--, and (to the extent that the payment of such interest
shall be legally enforceable) at the rate of    % per annum on any overdue
principal and premium and on any overdue installment of interest].  The
interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest
Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in
whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered
at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which
shall be the     or    (whether or not a business day), as the case may be,
next preceding such Interest Payment Date.  Any such interest not so punctually
paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on
such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name
this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted
Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders
of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record
Date, or be paid at any  time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with
the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this
series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange,
all as more fully provided in said Indenture].

           [If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity,
insert--The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the
case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption,
upon repayment at the option of the Holder or at Stated Maturity and in such
case the overdue principal of this Security shall bear interest at the rate of
   % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally
<PAGE>   22

                                       15

enforceable), which shall accrue from the date of such default in payment to
the date payment of such principal has been made or duly provided for.
Interest on any overdue principal shall be payable on demand.  Any such
interest on any overdue principal that is not so paid on demand shall bear
interest at the rate of     % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such
interest shall be legally enforceable), which shall accrue from the date of
such demand for payment to the date payment of such interest has been made or
duly provided for, and such interest shall also be payable on demand.]

           Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and [if
applicable, insert--any such] interest on this Security will be made at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of
Manhattan, the City and State of New York in such coin or currency of the
United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment
of public and private debts [if applicable, insert--; and in immediately
available funds] [if applicable, insert--; provided, however, that at the
option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the
address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the
Security Register] [if applicable, insert--; provided, however, that at the
option of the Company payment of interest may be made by wire transfer [of
immediately available funds] to an account of the Person entitled thereto as
such account shall be provided to the Security Registrar and shall appear on
the Security Register].

   
           The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Security is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto.  Each Holder
of this Security, by accepting the same (a) agrees to and shall be bound by
such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for
any and all such purposes.  Each Holder of this Security, by his acceptance of
the same, hereby waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination
provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of Senior
Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives
reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.
    

           Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security
set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all
purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

           Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this
Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid
or obligatory for any purpose.
<PAGE>   23

                                       16

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Security to be
signed by its Chairman of the Board, or its President, or one of its Executive
Vice Presidents, or one of its Vice Presidents, and by its Treasurer or one of
its Assistant Treasurers, or its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries,
manually or in facsimile, and a facsimile of its corporate seal to be imprinted
hereon.

   
    

[CORPORATE SEAL]

                                                   FORD MOTOR COMPANY


                                                   By______________________

                                                   By______________________
          
Attest:

_____________________________


   
                 SECTION 2.03.  Form of Reverse of Security.  This Security is
one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the
"Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an
Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995 (herein called the "Indenture"),
between the Company and The Bank of New York, Trustee (herein called the
"Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture with
respect to the series of which this Security is a part), to which Indenture and
all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of
the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder
of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms
upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.
This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof[, limited in
aggregate principal amount to $        ].
    

                 [If applicable, insert--The securities of this series are not
subject to redemption.]

   
                 [If applicable, insert--The Securities of this series are
subject to redemption upon not less than 10 days' notice by mail, [if
applicable, insert--(1)       on in any year commencing with the year       and
ending with the year            at a Redemption Price equal to        % of the
principal amount, and (2)] at any time [on or after       , 19    ], as a whole
or in part, at the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices
(expressed as percentages of the principal amount):  If redeemed [on or before
        %, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning 
of the years indicated,
    

<PAGE>   24

                                       17

<TABLE>
                             Redemption                                                Redemption
       Year                    Price                              Year                   Price   
       ----                  ----------                           ----                 ---------- 
       <S>                   <C>                                   <C>                 <C>
</TABLE>





and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to      % of the principal amount,
together in the case of any such redemption with accrued interest to the
Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior
to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or
one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the
relevant Regular Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided
in the Indenture.]

                 [If applicable, insert--The Securities of this series are
subject to redemption upon not less than 10 days' notice by mail, (1) on ______
in any year commencing with the year      and ending with the year
through operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices
for redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages
of the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [on
or after      ], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the
Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the
sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in
the table below:  If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning
of the years indicated,

<TABLE>
                                  Redemption Price
                                    For Redemption                          Redemption Price For
                                  Through Operation                         Redemption Otherwise
                                         of the                           Than Through Operation
       Year                          Sinking Fund                           of the Sinking Fund 
       ----                       -----------------                       ----------------------
       <S>                        <C>                                     <C>
</TABLE>





and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to      % of the principal amount,
together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the
sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but
interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption
Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more
Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant
Regular Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the
Indenture.]
<PAGE>   25

                                       18

                 [Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to
, redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [Clause (2) of] the
preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding
operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having
an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally
accepted financial practice) of less than ___% per annum.]

                 [The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption
on    in each year beginning with the year       and ending with the year
of [not less than] $      [("mandatory sinking fund")] and not more than $
aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series. [Securities of this
series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [mandatory]
sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent [mandatory] sinking
fund payments otherwise required to be made in the [describe order] order in
which they become due.]]

                 In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a
new Security or Securities of this series for the unredeemed portion hereof
will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

   
                 [If applicable, insert--The Securities of this series are
subject to the [defeasance] [covenant defeasance]  [defeasance and covenant
defeasance] provisions set forth in Article Fifteen of the Indenture.]
    

                 [If applicable, insert--The Securities of this series are
subject to repayment in whole [or in part] [but not in part], in integral
multiples of $   , on             [and    ] at the option of the Holder hereof
at a Repayment Price equal to           % of the principal amount thereof [to
be repaid], together with interest thereon accrued to the Repayment Date, all
as provided in the Indenture[; provided, however, that the principal amount of
this Security may not be repaid in part if following such repayment, the unpaid
principal amount of this Security would be less than [$      ] [the minimum
authorized denomination for Securities of this series]].  To be repaid at the
option of the Holder, this Security, with the "Option to Elect Repayment" form
duly completed by the Holder hereof, must be received by the Company at its
office or agency maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the
City and State of New York, not earlier than 30 days nor later than 15 days
prior to the Repayment Date.  Exercise of such option by the Holder of this
Security shall be irrevocable unless waived by the Company.  [In the event of
repayment of this Security at the option of the Holder in part only, a new
Security or Securities of this series for the portion hereof not repaid will be
issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]]

                 [If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security,
insert--If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall
occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be
declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the
Indenture.]
<PAGE>   26

                                       19

                 [If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security,
insert--If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall
occur and be continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this
series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect
provided in the Indenture.  Such amount shall be equal to--insert formula for
determining the amount.  Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so
declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal and
overdue interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest
shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of
the payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on the Securities of this
series shall terminate.]

                 The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein
provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and
obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of
each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series to be affected.
The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified
percentages in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series,
on behalf of the Holders of all Outstanding Securities of such series, to waive
compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain
past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences.  Any such consent or
waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such
Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued
upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange or in lieu hereof,
whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

                 No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this
Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the amount of principal of
(and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on this Security herein
provided, and at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein
prescribed.

                 As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain
limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in
the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of
transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the
principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on this Security
are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly
executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and
thereupon one or more new Securities of this series, of authorized
denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to
the designated transferee or transferees.

                 The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered
form without coupons in denominations of $        and any integral multiple
thereof.  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein set forth, Securities of this series are
<PAGE>   27

                                       20

exchangeable for a like  aggregate principal amount of Securities of this
series of different authorized denominations as requested by the Holder
surrendering the same.

                 No service charge shall be made for any such registration of
transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

                 Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee
may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner
hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither
the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the
contrary.

                 All terms used in this Security which are defined in the
Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

[If applicable, insert--


                           OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT

                 The undersigned hereby irrevocably requests and instructs the
Company to repay the within Security [(or the portion thereof specified
below)], pursuant to its terms, on the "Repayment Date" first occurring after
the date of receipt of the within Security as specified below, at a Repayment
Price equal to ___% of the principal amount thereof, together with interest
thereon accrued to the Repayment Date, to the undersigned at:

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

          (Please Print or Type Name and Address of the Undersigned.)


                 For this Option to Elect Repayment to be effective, this
Security with the Option to Elect Repayment duly completed must be received not
earlier than 30 days prior to the Repayment Date and not later than 15 days
prior to the Repayment Date by the Company at its office or agency in the
Borough of Manhattan, the City and State of New York.

                 [If less than the entire principal amount of the within
Security is to be repaid, specify the portion thereof (which shall be $
or an integral multiple thereof) which is to be repaid:   $                 .
The principal amount of this Security may not be repaid in part if, following
such repayment, the unpaid principal amount of this Security would be less than
[$               ] [the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of this
series].]
<PAGE>   28

                                       21

         [If less than the entire principal amount of the within Security is to
be repaid, specify the denomination(s) of the Security(ies) to be issued for
the unpaid amount ($         or any integral multiple of $             ):  $
 .]



Dated:


                                         _______________________________________
                                         Note:  The signature to this Option 
                                         to Elect Repayment must correspond 
                                         with the name as written upon the 
                                         face of the within Security in every 
                                         particular without alterations or 
                                         enlargement or any change whatsoever.]

                 SECTION 2.04.  Form of Trustee's Certificate of
Authentication.  This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein
referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
   
Dated:
    
   
                                        The Bank of New York,
    
                                          as Trustee


                                        By _______________________________
                                           Authorized Signatory


                 SECTION 2.05.  Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global
Security.  (a)  If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 3.01 that
the Securities of a particular series are to be issued as a Global Security,
then, notwithstanding clause (8) of Section 3.01, the Company shall execute and
the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 3.03 and the Company Order
delivered to the Trustee thereunder, authenticate and deliver, the Global
Security, which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount
equal to the aggregate principal amount of such  of the Outstanding Securities
of such series as shall be specified therein, (ii) shall be registered in the
name of the Depository or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee
to the Depository or pursuant to the Depository's instruction and (iv) shall
bear a legend substantially to the following effect:  "Except as otherwise
provided in Section 2.05 of the Indenture, this Security may be transferred, in
whole but not in part, only to another nominee of the Depository or to a
successor Depository or to a nominee of such successor Depository."
<PAGE>   29

                                       22

                 (b)      Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section
2.05 or of Section 3.05, the Global Security of a series may be transferred, in
whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 3.05, only to
another nominee of the Depository for such series, or to a successor Depository
for such series selected or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such
successor Depository.

                 (c)      If at any time the Depository for a series of
Securities notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
Depository for such series or if at any time the Depository for such series
shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or regulation and a
successor Depository for such series is not appointed by the Company within 90
days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such condition,
as the case may be, this Section 2.05 shall no longer be applicable to the
Securities of such series and the Company will execute, and the Trustee will
authenticate and deliver, Securities of such series in definitive registered
form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security of such
series, in exchange for such Global Security.  In addition, the Company may at
any time determine that the Securities of any series shall no longer be
represented by a Global Security and that the provisions of this Section 2.05
shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series.  In such event the
Company will execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officers' Certificate
evidencing such determination by the Company, will authenticate and deliver
Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in
authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Global Security of such series, in exchange for such
Global Security.  Upon the exchange of the Global Security for such Securities
in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the
Global Security shall be cancelled by the Trustee.  Such  Securities in
definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global Security pursuant
to this Section 2.05(c) shall be registered in such names and in such
authorized denominations as the Depository, pursuant to instructions from its
direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee.  The
Trustee shall deliver such Securities to the Persons in whose names such
Securities are so registered.


                                 ARTICLE THREE

                                 THE SECURITIES

                 SECTION 3.01.  Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.  The
aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture is not limited.
<PAGE>   30

                                       23

                 The Securities may be issued in one or more series.  There
shall be established in or pursuant to Board Resolutions of the Company and set
forth in Officers' Certificates of the Company, or established in one or more
indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any
series, any or all of the following as applicable:

                 (1)      the title of the Securities of the series (which
         shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other series
         of Securities);

                 (2)  any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the
         Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered
         under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and
         delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in
         lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 2.05,
         3.04, 3.05, 3.06, 9.05, 11.07 or 12.05);

                 (3)  the date or dates on which the principal of the
         Securities of the series is payable or the manner in which such dates
         are determined;

                 (4)  the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series
         shall bear interest, or the manner in which such rates are determined,
         the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, or the manner
         in which such dates are determined, the Interest Payment Dates on
         which such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Dates, if
         any, for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;

                 (5)      the place or places where the principal of (and
         premium, if any, on) and any interest, if any, on Securities of the
         series shall be payable;

                 (6)      the period or periods within which, the price or
         prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of
         the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the
         Company;

                 (7)      the obligation of the Company to redeem, purchase or
         repay Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or
         analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the
         period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the
         price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which
         Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in
         whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

                 (8)      if other than denominations of $1,000 and any
         integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which Securities of
         the series shall be issuable;

                 (9)      if other than the Trustee, the identity of the
         Security Registrar and/or Paying Agent;
<PAGE>   31

                                       24

                 (10)     if other than the principal amount thereof, the
         portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which
         shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity
         thereof pursuant to Section 5.02;

                 (11)     if other than such coin or currency of the United
         States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for
         payment of public or private debts, the coin or currency or currency
         unit in which payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) or
         interest, if any, on the Securities of the series shall be payable;

                 (12)     if the amount of payment of principal of (and
         premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the
         series may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other
         method based on a coin currency or currency unit other than that in
         which the Securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which
         such amounts shall be determined;

                 (13)     if the principal of (and premium, if any, on) or
         interest, if any, on the Securities of the series are to be payable,
         at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a coin or
         currency or currency unit other than that in which the Securities are
         stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the
         terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made;

                 (14)     whether the Securities of the series are issuable as
         a Global Security and, in such case, the identity of the Depository
         for such series;

                 (15)     the forms of the Securities of that series (if other
         than the form set forth in Article Two);

   
                 (16)     any provisions in modification of, in addition to or
         in lieu of the provisions of Article Fifteen that shall be applicable
         to the Securities of the series; and
    

                 (17)     any other terms, conditions, rights and preferences
         (or limitations on such rights and preferences) relating to the series
         (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this
         Indenture).

                 All Securities of any one series shall be substantially
identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in
or pursuant to such Board Resolution and set forth in such Officers'
Certificate or in any indenture supplemental hereto.  Not all Securities of any
one series need be issued at the same time, and, unless otherwise provided, a
series may be reopened for issuances of additional Securities of such series.

                 If any of the terms of the series are established by action
taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, such Board Resolution and the Officers'
Certificate setting forth the terms
<PAGE>   32

                                       25

of the series shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of
the Company Order for authentication and delivery of Securities of such series.

                 SECTION 3.02.  Denominations.  The Securities of each series
shall be issuable in definitive registered form without coupons and, except for
any Global Security, in such denominations as shall be specified as
contemplated by Section 3.01.  In the absence of any such provisions with
respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series, other
than a Global Security, shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any
integral multiple thereof.

                 SECTION 3.03.  Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the
Board, its President, one of its Executive Vice Presidents or one of its Vice
Presidents and its Treasurer or one of its Assistant Treasurers, its Secretary
or one of its Assistant Secretaries, under its corporate seal reproduced
thereon.  Such signatures upon the Securities may be the manual or facsimile
signatures of the present or any future such authorized officers and may be
imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Securities.

                 Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of
individuals who were at the time they signed such Securities the proper
officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such
individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the
authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at
the date of such Securities.

                 At any time and from time to time after the execution and
delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series
executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a
Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the
Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver
such Securities.  If not all the Securities of any series are to be issued at
one time and if the Board Resolution or supplemental indenture establishing
such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set forth procedures
acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Securities and determining
terms of particular Securities of such series such as interest rate, maturity
date, date of issuance and date from which interest shall accrue.  In
authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities
under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be
entitled to receive, and (subject to TIA Section 315) shall be fully protected
in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating:

                 (a)      that the form or forms and terms of such Securities
         have been established in conformity with the provisions of this
         Indenture;

                 (b)      that all conditions precedent to the authentication
         and delivery of such Securities have been complied with and that such
         Securities, when completed by appropriate insertions and executed by
         the Company and delivered to the Trustee for
<PAGE>   33

                                       26

         authentication in accordance with this Indenture, authenticated and
         delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture and issued
         by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified
         in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute the legal, valid and
         binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with
         their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
         reorganization and other similar laws of general applicability
         relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights, to
         general equitable principles and to such other qualifications as such
         counsel shall conclude do not materially affect the rights of Holders
         of such Securities; and

                 (c)      that all laws and requirements in respect of the
         execution and delivery by the Company of such Securities have been
         complied with.

                 If not all the Securities of any series are to be issued at
one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Opinion of Counsel at the
time of issuance of each Security, but such opinion with appropriate
modifications shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first
Security of such series.

                 The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate and deliver
any such Securities if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that
such action (i) may not lawfully be taken or (ii) would expose the Trustee to
personal liability to existing Holders of Securities.

                 Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

                 No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this
Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on
such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form
provided for herein, executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such
certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only
evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered
hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

                 SECTION 3.04.  Temporary Securities.  Pending the preparation
of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon
Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities
which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise
produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the
definitive Securities in lieu of which they  are issued and with such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the
officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their
execution of such Securities.

                 If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company
will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without
unreasonable delay.  After the preparation of definitive Securities of such
series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for
definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary
<PAGE>   34

                                       27

Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of
Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder.  Upon surrender for
cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company
shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange
therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of
authorized denominations.  Until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any
series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture as the definitive Securities of such series.

                 SECTION 3.05.  Registration; Registration of Transfer and
Exchange.  The Company shall cause to be kept at the office or agency of the
Company maintained pursuant to Section 10.02 a register (the register
maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a
Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the
"Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may
prescribe, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.05,
provide for the registration of Securities and transfers of Securities.  The
Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering
Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

                 Subject to the provisions of Section 2.05, upon surrender for
registration of transfer of any definitive Security of any series at the office
or agency in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and
the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated
transferee or transferees, one or more new definitive Securities of the same
series of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal
amount.

                 Subject to the provisions of Section 2.05, at the option of
the Holder, definitive Securities of any series may be exchanged for other
definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and
of a like  aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the definitive
Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency.  Whenever any definitive
Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the definitive Securities which the
Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

                 All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or
exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company,
evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or
exchange.

                 Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of
transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee)
be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, in
form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by
the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.
<PAGE>   35

                                       28

                 No service charge shall be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be
imposed in relation thereto.

   
                 The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, register the
transfer of or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at
the opening of business 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of
Securities of that series under Section 11.04 and ending at the close of
business on the day of the mailing of notice of redemption, (ii) to register
the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or
in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part,
or (iii) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security which has
been surrendered for repayment at the option of the Holder, except the portion,
if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.
    

                 SECTION 3.06.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen
Securities.  If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in
exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and
principal amount, and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, or,
in case any such mutilated Security has become or is about to become due and
payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security,
pay such Security.

                 If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i)
evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any
Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save
each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of
notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a
bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen
Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal
amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding or, in case any
such destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due
and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new
Security, pay such Security.

                 Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the
Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other
expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

                 Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this
Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an
original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the
destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone,
and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and
proportionately with any and all other Securities of that series duly issued
hereunder.
<PAGE>   36

                                       29

                 The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to
the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

                 SECTION 3.07.  Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose
name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest at the office or
agency of the Company maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 10.02;
provided, however, that each installment of interest on any Security may at the
Company's option be paid by mailing a check for such interest, payable to or
upon the written order of the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 3.08,
to the address of  such Person as it appears on the Security Register or by
wire transfer to an account of the Person entitled thereto as such account
shall be provided to the Security Registrar and shall appear on the Security
Register.

                 Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable
but is not punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date
(herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the
Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such
Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election
in each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:

                 (1)      The Company may elect to make payment of any
         Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of
         such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are
         registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the
         payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the
         following manner.  The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of
         the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security
         of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same
         time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money
         equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such
         Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the
         Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed
         payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit
         of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause
         provided.  Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for
         the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15
         days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed
         payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of
         the notice of the proposed payment.  The Trustee shall promptly notify
         the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the
         expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of
         such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be
         mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Securities of
         such series at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not
         less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date.  Notice of the
         proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record
         Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be
<PAGE>   37

                                       30

         paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or
         their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close
         of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable
         pursuant to the following clause (2).

                 (2)      The Company may make payment of any Defaulted
         Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner
         not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on
         which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
         required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to
         the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such
         manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

                 Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each
Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in
exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to
interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other
Security.

                 SECTION 3.08.  Persons Deemed Owners.  Prior to due
presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the
Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in
whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the
purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and
(subject to Section 3.07) interest, if any, on such Security and for all other
purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.

   
                 SECTION 3.09.  Cancellation.  All Securities surrendered for
payment, redemption, repayment at the option of the Holder, registration of
transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if
surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee
and shall be promptly cancelled by it.  The Company may at any time deliver to
the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and
delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner
whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the
Trustee.  No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for
any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly
permitted by this Indenture.  Cancelled Securities held by the Trustee may be
destroyed by it and, if so destroyed, the Trustee shall deliver its certificate
of such destruction to the Company, unless by Company Order the Company directs
their return to it.
    

                 SECTION 3.10.  Computation of Interest.  Except as otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for Securities of any series, any
interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

                 SECTION 3.11.  CUSIP Numbers.  The Company in issuing the
Securities may use CUSIP numbers (if then generally in use) and, if so, the
Trustee shall use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to
Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made
as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as
contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may

<PAGE>   38

                                       31

   
be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities,
and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of
such numbers.
    

                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

   
                 SECTION 4.01.  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.  This
Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect (except as
to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities
herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company,
shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of
this Indenture, when
    

   
                 (1)      either (A) all Securities theretofore authenticated
         and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed,
         lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in
         Section 3.06 and (ii) Securities for whose payment money has
         theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by
         the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from
         such trust, as provided in Section 10.03) have been delivered to the
         Trustee for cancellation; or  (B) all such Securities not
         theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become
         due and payable, (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated
         Maturity within one year, or (iii) are to be called for redemption
         within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the
         giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the
         expense, of the Company, and the Company, in the case of (B)(i),
         (B)(ii) or (B)(iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited
         with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount
         sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such
         Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation,
         for principal (and premium, if any) and interest to the date of such
         deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable)
         or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
    

   
                 (2)      the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other
         sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
    

   
                 (3)      the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
         Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
         conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction
         and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
    

   
                 In the event there are Securities of two or more series
hereunder, the Trustee shall be required to execute an instrument acknowledging
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture only if requested to do so with
respect to Securities of all series as to which it is Trustee and if the other
conditions thereto are met.  In the event there are two or more Trustees
hereunder, then the effectiveness of any such instrument shall be conditioned
upon receipt of such instruments from all Trustees hereunder.
    

<PAGE>   39

                                       32

   
                 Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 6.06
and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause
(B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section
4.02 and the last paragraph of Section 10.03 shall survive.
    

   
                 SECTION 4.02.  Application of Trust Money.  Subject to the
provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.03, all money deposited with the
Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in
accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the
payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company
acting as a Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled
thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, for whose
payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not
be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
    

   
                 SECTION 4.03.  Repayment of Moneys Held by Paying Agent.  In
connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture all moneys
then held by any Paying Agent (other than the Trustee, if the Trustee be a
Paying Agent) under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand of the
Company, be repaid to it or paid to the Trustee and thereupon such Paying Agent
shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.
    

   
                 SECTION 4.04.  Repayment of Moneys Held by Trustee.  Any
moneys deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent for the payment of the
principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Security of
any series and not applied but remaining unclaimed by the Holders for two years
after the date upon which the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or
interest, if any, on such Security shall have become due and payable, shall be
repaid to the Company by the Trustee or such Paying Agent on demand; and the
Holder of any of the Securities entitled to receive such payment shall
thereafter look only to the Company for the payment thereof and all liability
of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such moneys shall thereupon
cease.
    

                                  ARTICLE FIVE

   
                          EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES
    

                 SECTION 5.01.  Events of Default.  "Event of Default",
wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, shall mean any
one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and
whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law
or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or
regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
<PAGE>   40

                                       33

                 (1)      default in the payment of any interest upon any
         Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and
         continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

                 (2)      default in the payment of the principal of (or
         premium, if any, on) any Security of that series at its Maturity, and
         continuance of such default for five business days; or

                 (3)      default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment,
         when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series, and
         continuance of such default for five business days; or

                 (4)      default in the performance, or breach, of any
         covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a
         covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is
         elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has
         expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of
         series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such
         default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given,
         by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to
         the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in
         principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a
         written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to
         be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default"
         hereunder; or

                 (5)      the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the
         premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company
         in an involuntary case or proceeding under Title 11 of the United
         States Code or any other similar Federal or State law or (B) a decree
         or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving
         as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement,
         adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any
         applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver,
         liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official
         of the Company or of any substantial part of the property of the
         Company, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of
         the Company, and the continuance of any such decree or order for
         relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a
         period of 90 consecutive days; or

   
                 (6)       the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case
         or proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other
         similar Federal or State law or of any other case or proceeding to be
         adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by the Company to
         the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in
         an involuntary case or proceeding under Title 11 of the United States
         Code or any other similar Federal or State law or to the commencement
         of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against the
         Company, or the filing by the Company of a petition or answer or
         consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal
         or State law, or the consent by the Company to the filing of such
    

<PAGE>   41

                                       34
   
         petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian,
         receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar
         official of the Company or of any substantial part of the property of
         the Company, or the making by the Company of an assignment for the
         benefit of creditors, or the admission by the Company in writing of
         its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; or
    

                 (7)       any other Event of Default provided with respect to
         Securities of that series.

   
                 SECTION 5.02.  Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and
Annulment.  If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at
the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series (and, in the case of any series of
Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with
respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, such consent
of the holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of
Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust) may declare the principal
amount (or, if the Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount
Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the
terms of that series) of all of the Securities of that series to be due and
payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee
if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or
specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable.
    

                 At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with
respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or
decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as
hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series (and, in the case of any
series of Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust
and with respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofor occurred, such
consent of the holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of
such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration
of Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust), by written notice to the
Company and the Trustee, may waive all defaults and rescind and annul such
declaration and its consequences if

                 (1)      the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee 
         a sum sufficient to pay

                          (A)     all overdue interest on all Securities of
                 that series,

                          (B)     the principal of (and premium, if any, on)
                 and any sinking fund payments with respect to any Securities
                 of that series which have become due otherwise than by such
                 declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate
                 or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,
<PAGE>   42

                                       35


                          (C)     to the extent that payment of such interest
                 is enforceable under applicable law, interest upon overdue
                 interest to the date of such payment or deposit at the rate or
                 rates prescribed therefor in such Securities or, if no such
                 rate or rates are so prescribed, at the rate borne by the
                 Securities during the period of such default, and

                          (D)     all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee
                 hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses,
                 disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
                 counsel;

         and

                 (2)      all Events of Default with respect to Securities of
         that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities
         of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of
         acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.13.

No such waiver or rescission and annulment shall affect any subsequent default
or impair any right consequent thereon.

                 SECTION 5.03.  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for
Enforcement by Trustee.  The Company covenants that (1) in case default shall
be made in the payment of any installment of interest on any Security of any
series, as and when the same shall become due and payable, and such default
shall have continued for a period of 30 days, or (2) in case default shall be
made in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Security
of any series on its Maturity or otherwise, then, upon demand of the Trustee,
the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such
Securities of such series, the whole amount that then shall have become due and
payable on all such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) or interest,
if any, or both, as the case may be, with interest upon the overdue principal
and (to the extent that payment of such  interest is enforceable under
applicable law) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate borne by the
Securities during the period of such default; and, in addition thereto, such
further amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the
Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and
liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result
of its negligence or bad faith.

                 In case the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith
upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express
trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings
at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may
prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may
enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company or any other
obligor upon such Securities of such series and collect in the manner provided
by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such
Securities of such series wherever situated the moneys adjudged or decreed to
be payable.
<PAGE>   43

                                       36


                 If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to
protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of
such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem
most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific
enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the
exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

                 SECTION 5.04.  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.  In case of
the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial
proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or
the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the
Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities shall then be
due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and
irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company
for the payment of overdue principal or interest, shall be entitled and
empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,

                 (i)      to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of
         principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, owing and unpaid
         in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or
         documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims
         of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation,
         expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
         counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding and

                 (ii)     to collect and receive any moneys or other property
         payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or
other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by
each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the
Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders,
to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel,
and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 6.06.

                 Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the
Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder
any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting
the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee
to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

                 SECTION 5.05.  Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession
of Securities.  All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the
Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession
of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating
thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by
<PAGE>   44

                                       37

the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust,
and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the
Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

                 SECTION 5.06.  Application of Money Collected.  Any money or
property collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in
the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of
the distribution of such money or property on account of principal (or premium,
if any) or interest, if any, upon presentation of the Securities and the
notation thereon of  the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender
thereof if fully paid:

                 FIRST:  To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under
         Section 6.06;

                 SECOND:  To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for
         principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the
         Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money
         or property has been collected, ratably, without preference or
         priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such
         Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any,
         respectively; and

                 THIRD:  To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the
         Company, its successors or assigns or to whosoever may be lawfully
         entitled to receive the same, or as a court of competent jurisdiction
         may direct.

                 SECTION 5.07.  Limitation on Suits.  No Holder of any Security
of any series or of any Coupon appertaining thereto shall have any right by
virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any
action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise upon or
under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a trustee,
receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official or for any other
remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee
written notice of default and of the continuance thereof, as herein before
provided, and unless also the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Securities of all affected series then Outstanding
(treated as a single class) (and, in the case of any series of Securities held
as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with respect to which
a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of
the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust), shall have made written request upon the Trustee
to institute such action or proceedings in its own name as trustee hereunder
and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may
require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or
thereby and the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request
and offer of indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or
proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have
been given to the Trustee
<PAGE>   45

                                       38

pursuant to Section 5.12; it being understood and intended, and being expressly
covenanted by the taker and Holder of every Security or Coupon with every other
taker and Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders of Securities of
any series or Coupons appertaining to such Securities shall have any right in
any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture
to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holder of
Securities or Coupons appertaining to such Securities, or to obtain or seek to
obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any
right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the
equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders of Securities of the
applicable series and Coupons appertaining to such Securities. For the
protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every
Holder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either
at law or in equity.

                 SECTION 5.08.  Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive
Principal, Premium and Interest.  Notwithstanding any other provision in this
Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute
and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any,
on) and (subject to Section 3.07) interest, if any, on such Security on the
Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of
redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder, on the Redemption Date or
Repayment Date, as the case may be) and to institute suit for the enforcement
of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent
of such Holder.

                 SECTION 5.09.  Restoration of Rights and Remedies.  If the
Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or
remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or
abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to
such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such
proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter
all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though
no such proceeding had been instituted.

                 SECTION 5.10.  Rights and Remedies Cumulative.  Except as
otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 3.06, no
right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the
Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every
right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in
addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any
right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

                 SECTION 5.11.  Delay or Omission Not Waiver.  No delay or
omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any
right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right
or remedy or constitute a waiver of any
<PAGE>   46

                                       39

such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein.  Every right and remedy given
by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised
from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or
by the Holders, as the case may be.

                 SECTION 5.12.  Control by Holders.  The Holders of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series affected (with
all such series voting as a single class) (and, in the case of any series of
Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with
respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, such consent
of holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of Trust
of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust) at the time Outstanding shall have
the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series by this
Indenture; provided that such direction shall not be otherwise than in
accordance with law and the provisions of this Indenture and provided further
that (subject to the provisions of Section 6.01) the Trustee shall have the
right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee, being advised by
counsel, shall determine that the action or proceeding so directed may not
lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors,
the executive committee, or a trust committee of directors or responsible
officers of the Trustee shall determine that the action or proceedings so
directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability or if the Trustee in
good faith shall so determine that the actions or forebearances specified in or
pursuant to such direction would be unduly prejudicial to the interests of
Holders of the Securities of all series so affected not joining in the giving
of said direction, it being understood that (subject to Section 6.01) the
Trustee shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or
forebearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders.

                 Nothing in this Indenture shall impair the right of the
Trustee in its discretion to take any action deemed proper by the Trustee and
which is not inconsistent with such direction or directions by Holders.

                 SECTION 5.13.  Waiver of Past Defaults.  Prior to the
acceleration of the maturity of the Securities as provided in Section 5.02, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all
series at the time Outstanding with respect to which an event of default shall
have occurred and be continuing (voting as a single class) (and, in the case of
any series of Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital
Trust and with respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofore
occurred, such consent of holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under
the Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust) may on
behalf of the Holders of all such Securities waive any past default or Event of
Default described in Section 5.01 and its consequences, except a default in
respect of a covenant or provision hereof which cannot be modified or amended
without the consent of the Holder of each Security affected. In the case of any
such waiver, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of all such Securities of
each series
<PAGE>   47

                                       40

affected shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder,
respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
default or impair any right consequent thereon.

                 Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist and be
deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred, and any Event of Default
arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, and not to have occurred
for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent
thereon.

                 SECTION 5.14.  Undertaking for Costs.  All parties to this
Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof
shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require,
in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or
in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it
as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to
pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess
reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party
litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the
claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this
Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Company, to any suit
instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of
Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder
for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on)
or interest, if any, on any Security on or after the Stated Maturity or
Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on or
after the Redemption Date).


                                  ARTICLE SIX

                                  THE TRUSTEE

                 SECTION 6.01.  Notice of Defaults.  Within 90 days after the
occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any
series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities of such
series, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, notice of
such default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such default shall have
been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default
in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if
any, on any Security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund
installment with respect to Securities of such series,  the Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors,
the executive committee, or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible
Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such
notice is in the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series; and
provided further that in the case of any default of the character specified in
Section 5.01(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to
Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after
<PAGE>   48

                                       41

the occurrence thereof.  For the purpose of this Section, the term "default"
means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would
become, an Event of Default (not including periods of grace, if any) with
respect to Securities of such series.

                 SECTION 6.02.  Certain Rights of Trustee.  Subject to the
provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):

                 (a)      the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting
         or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement,
         instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent,
         order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness, approval
         or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have
         been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

                 (b)      any request or direction of the Company mentioned
         herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company
         Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company may
         be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

                 (c)      whenever in the administration of this Indenture the
         Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proven or established
         prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
         Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may,
         in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers'
         Certificate;

   
                 (d)      the Trustee may consult with counsel of its choosing,
         and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall
         be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any
         action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in
         reliance thereon;
    

                 (e)      the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise
         any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the
         request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture,
         unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable
         security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
         which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or
         direction;

                 (f)      except during the continuance of an Event of Default,
         the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the
         facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement,
         instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent,
         order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other
         paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such
         further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may
         see fit; and

   
                 (g)      the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
         hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or
         through agents or attorneys and
    

<PAGE>   49

                                       42

         the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence
         on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
         hereunder.

   
    

                 No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to
expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any personal financial
liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise
of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable grounds for
believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk
or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

                 SECTION 6.03.  Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals in
Indenture or in Securities.  The recitals contained herein and in the
Securities, except the Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken
as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for
their correctness.  The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or
sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee
represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture,
authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the
statements made by it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the
Company are true and accurate, subject to the qualifications set forth therein.
The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company
of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

                 SECTION 6.04.  May Hold Securities.  The Trustee, any Paying
Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its
individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities
and, subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311, may otherwise deal with the
Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Paying
Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.

                 SECTION 6.05.  Money Held in Trust.  Subject to the provisions
of Section 4.04, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or
applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they
were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent
required by law.  The Trustee shall pay such interest on any moneys received by
it hereunder as it may agree with the Company to pay thereon.  So long as no
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, all interest allowed on
any such moneys shall be paid from time to time upon the receipt of a Company
Order with respect thereto.

                 SECTION 6.06.  Compensation and Reimbursement.  The Company
covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee
shall be entitled to, such compensation as the Company and the Trustee shall
agree in writing for all services rendered by it hereunder (which shall not be
limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of
an express trust), and, except as otherwise expressly provided,
<PAGE>   50

                                       43

   
the Company will pay or reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all
reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee
in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the
reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents,
attorneys and counsel and of all persons not regularly in its employ) except
any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise from its negligence or
bad faith.  If any property other than cash shall at any time be subject to a
lien in favor of the Holders, the Trustee, if and to the extent authorized by a
receivership or bankruptcy court of competent jurisdiction or by the
supplemental instrument subjecting such property to such lien, shall be
entitled to make advances for the purpose of preserving such property or of
discharging tax liens or other prior liens or encumbrances thereon.  The
Company also covenants to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless
against, any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or expense (including taxes
(other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the
Trustee)) incurred without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this
trust, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim
or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its
powers or duties hereunder.  The obligations of the Company under this Section
to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for
expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional indebtedness
hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
Such additional indebtedness shall be secured by a lien prior to that of the
Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee, as
such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of (or premium,
if any, on) or interest, if any, on the Securities.
    

                 SECTION 6.07.  Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.  There
shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be eligible to act as
Trustee under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and
surplus of at least $5,000,000.  If such corporation publishes reports of
condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the
combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of
condition so published.  If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible
in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately
in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in Section 6.08.

                 SECTION 6.08.  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of
Successor.  (a)  No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of
a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the
applicable requirements of Section 6.09.

                 (b)      The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to
the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the
Company and by mailing notice thereof to the Holders of Securities of such one
or more series, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register.
If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee
<PAGE>   51

                                       44

required by Section 6.09 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30
days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor
Trustee with respect to the Securities of such one or more series, or any
Holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security or Securities of such one
or more series for at  least six months may, subject to the provisions of
Section 5.14, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition
any such court for the appointment of a successor Trustee.  Such court may
thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe,
appoint a successor Trustee.

                 (c)      The Trustee may be removed and a successor Trustee
appointed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of
such series, delivered to the Trustee so removed, to the successor Trustee and
to the Company.

                 (d)      If at any time:

                 (1)      the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions
         of TIA Section 310(b) after written request therefor by the Company or
         by any Holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security for at
         least six months, or

                 (2)      the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section
         6.07 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the
         Company or by any such Holder, or

                 (3)      the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall
         be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of
         its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take
         charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the
         purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, one
copy of which Board Resolution shall be delivered to the Trustee so removed and
one copy to the successor Trustee, or (ii) subject to TIA Section 315(e), any
Holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Security for at least six months
may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court
of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all
Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.  Such court
may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe,
remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee.

                 (e)      If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become
incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for
any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company,
by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees
with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood
that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities
of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only
one
<PAGE>   52

                                       45

Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall
comply with the applicable requirements of Section 6.09.  If, within one year
after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such
vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall
be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring
Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its
acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements
of Section 6.09, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of
such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the
Company.  If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series
shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted
appointment in the manner required by Section 6.09, any Holder who has been a
bona fide holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on
behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect
to the Securities of such series.

                 SECTION 6.09.  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.  (a)
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all
Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an
instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal
of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request
of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon
payment of its charges pursuant to Section 6.06, execute and deliver an
instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and
trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to
such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee
hereunder.

                 (b)      In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor
Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the
Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture
supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such
appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary
or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee
all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect
to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such
successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with
respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed
necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and
duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those
series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be
vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the
provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate
the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being
understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall
constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such
Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from
any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any
<PAGE>   53

                                       46

other such Trustee; and, upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental
indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become
effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee,
without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such
retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor
Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with
respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of
such successor Trustee relates.

                 (c)      Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the
Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly
vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and
trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

                 (d)      No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment
unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified
and eligible under this Article.

                 (e)      Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee
as provided in this Section, the Company shall mail notice of the succession of
such Trustee hereunder to the Holders of the Securities of one or more or all
series, as the case may be, to which the appointment of such successor Trustee
relates as their names and addresses appear on the Security Register.  If the
Company fails to mail such notice within 10 days after acceptance of
appointment by the successor Trustee, the successor Trustee shall cause such
notice to be mailed at the expense of the Company.

                 SECTION 6.10.  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession
to Business.  Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted
or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any
merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or
any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust
business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder,
provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this
Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the
part of any of the parties hereto.  In case any Securities shall have been
authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor
by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt
such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same
effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities;
and in case at that time any of the Securities shall not have been
authenticated, any successor Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in
the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor Trustee;
and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is
anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate
of the Trustee shall have; provided, however, that the right to adopt the
certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate
Securities in the
<PAGE>   54

                                       47

name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its successor or successors
by merger, conversion or consolidation.

   
    


                                 ARTICLE SEVEN

                     HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE
                                  AND COMPANY

                 SECTION 7.01.  Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.
Each and every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees
with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any Security Registrar nor any Paying Agent shall be held accountable by reason
of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the
Holders in accordance with TIA Section 312, regardless of the source from which
such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held
accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under
TIA Section 312(b).

                 SECTION 7.02.  Reports by Trustee.  On or before July 15,
1996, and on or before July 15 in every year thereafter, so long as required by
TIA Section 313(a), and so long as any Securities are Outstanding hereunder,
the Trustee shall transmit to the Holders, in the manner and to the extent
provided in TIA Section 313(c), and to the Company a brief report, dated as of
the preceding May 15 and required by TIA Section 313(a).

                 SECTION 7.03.  Reports by Company.  (a)  The Company covenants
and agrees to file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is
required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and
of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of
any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and
regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the
Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents
or reports
<PAGE>   55

                                       48

pursuant to either of such Sections, then to file with the Trustee and the
Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to
time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information,
documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in respect of a security listed and registered
on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in
such rules and regulations.

                 (b)      The Company covenants and agrees to file with the
Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations
prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information,
documents, and  reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the
conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture as may be required from
time to time by such rules and regulations.

                 (c)      The Company covenants and agrees to transmit to the
Holders within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner
and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), such summaries of any
information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant
to Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section as may be required by rules and
regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.

   
                 SECTION 7.04.  Notice of Default.  The Company shall file with
the Trustee written notice of the occurrence of any Event of Default within
thirty business days of its becoming aware of any such Event of Default.
    


                                 ARTICLE EIGHT

                   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE

                 SECTION 8.01.  Consolidations and Mergers of Company and
Conveyances Permitted Subject to Certain Conditions.  Nothing contained in this
Indenture or in any of the Securities shall prevent any consolidation or merger
of the Company into any other corporation or corporations (whether or not
affiliated with the Company), or successive consolidations or mergers to which
the Company or its respective successor or successors shall be a party or
parties, or shall prevent any sale, lease or conveyance of the property of the
Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety; provided, that upon any
such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance to which the Company is a
party and in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, the due and
punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions of
this Indenture to be performed or observed by the Company and the due and
punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all of the Securities,
according to their tenor, shall be expressly assumed by supplemental indenture
satisfactory in form to the Trustee, executed and delivered to the Trustee, by
the corporation formed by such consolidation, or into which the Company shall
have been merged, or which shall have acquired such property.
<PAGE>   56

                                       49

                 SECTION 8.02.  Successor Corporation Substituted.  In case of
any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, and following such an
assumption by the successor corporation, such successor corporation shall
succeed to and be substituted for the Company, with the same effect as if it
had been named herein. Such successor corporation may cause to be signed, and
may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company prior to such
succession any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder which theretofore
shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and,
upon the order of such successor corporation instead of the Company and subject
to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the
Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities which previously
shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company to the
Trustee for authentication, and any Securities which such successor corporation
thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that
purpose. All of the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same
legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or
thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all
of such Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

                 In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or
conveyance such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be
made in the Securities or Coupons thereafter to be issued as may be
appropriate.

                 In the event of any such sale or conveyance (other than a
conveyance by way of lease) the Company or any successor corporation which
shall theretofore have become such in the manner described in this Article
shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and
the Securities and may be liquidated and dissolved.

                 SECTION 8.03.  Opinion of Counsel to Trustee. The Trustee,
subject to the provisions of Sections 6.01 and 6.02, may receive an Opinion of
Counsel, prepared in accordance with Section 1.02, as conclusive evidence that
any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, and any such
assumption, and any such liquidation or dissolution, complies with the
applicable provisions of this Indenture.


                                  ARTICLE NINE

                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

                 SECTION 9.01.  Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of
Holders.  The Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution and the Trustee
may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures
supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date of the execution thereof) for one
or more of the following purposes:
<PAGE>   57

                                       50

                 (1)      to evidence the succession of another corporation to
         the Company, or successive successions, and the assumption by the
         successor corporation of the covenants, agreements and obligations of
         the Company pursuant to Article Eight hereof;

                 (2)      to add to the covenants of the Company for the
         benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such
         covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
         Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included
         solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or
         power herein conferred upon the Company;

                 (3)      to add any additional Events of Default for the
         benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such
         Events of Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
         Securities, stating that such Events of Default are expressly being
         included solely for the benefit of such series); provided, however,
         that in respect of any such additional Events of Default such
         supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace
         after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed
         in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate
         enforcement upon such default or may limit the remedies available to
         the Trustee upon such default or may limit the right of the Holders of
         a majority in aggregate principal amount of that or those series of
         Securities to which such additional Events of Default apply to waive
         such default;

                 (4)      to add to or change any of the provisions of this
         Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate
         the issuance of Securities in (i) bearer form, registrable or not
         registrable as to principal, and/or (ii) coupon form, registrable or
         not registrable as to principal, and to provide for exchangeability of
         such Securities with Securities issued hereunder in fully registered
         form;

                 (5)      to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this
         Indenture, provided that any such change or elimination shall become
         effective only when there is no Outstanding Security of any series
         created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is
         entitled to the benefit of such provision;

   
                 (6)      to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge to
         the Trustee as security for the Securities of one or more series any
         property or assets;
    

                 (7)      to establish the form or terms of Securities of any
         series thereof as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 3.01;

                 (8)      to evidence and provide for the acceptance of
         appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the
         Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the
         provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for
<PAGE>   58

                                       51

         or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than
         one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 6.09(b); and

                 (9)      to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any
         provision herein or in any supplemental indenture which may be
         defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein or in any
         supplemental indenture, or to make such other provisions with respect
         to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided that
         such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of
         Securities of any series in any material respect.

                 The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company in
the execution of any such supplemental indenture, to make any further
appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to
accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property
thereunder.

                 Any supplemental indenture authorized by the provisions of
this Section 9.01 may be executed by the Company and the Trustee without the
consent of the Holders of any of the Outstanding Securities, notwithstanding
any of the provisions of Section 9.02.

   
                 SECTION 9.02.  Supplemental Indentures With Consent of
Holders.  With the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 1.04) of
the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities at the time Outstanding of all series affected by such supplemental
indenture (voting as one class) (and, in the case of any series of Securities
held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with respect to
which a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, such consent of holders
of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of Trust of such
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust), the Company, when authorized by a Board
Resolution (which resolution may provide general terms or parameters for such
action and may provide that the specific terms of such action may be determined
in accordance with or pursuant to an Company Order), and the Trustee may, from
time to time and at any time, enter into an indenture or indentures
supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in
any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any
supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each such series or of the Coupons appertaining to such
Securities; provided, that no such supplemental indenture shall (a) extend the
Stated Maturity of any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or
reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon (except that
a valid extension of an interest payment period by the Company in accordance
with the terms of any indenture supplemental hereto, shall not constitute an
extension of interest for this purpose), or reduce any amount payable on
redemption thereof or make the principal thereof (including any amount in
respect of original issue discount), premium, if any, or interest thereon
payable in any coin or currency other than that provided in the Securities and
Coupons or in accordance with the terms thereof, or reduce the amount of the
principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable
upon an acceleration of the maturity thereof
    

<PAGE>   59

                                       52

   
pursuant to Section 5.02 or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant
to Sections 5.03 and 5.04 or impair or affect the right of any Holder to
institute suit for the payment thereof or, if the Securities provide therefor,
any right of repayment at the option of the Holder, in each case without the
consent of the Holder of each Security so affected (and, in the case of any
series of Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust
and with respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred,
such consent of holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities
of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under the
Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust), or (b) reduce
the aforesaid percentage in principal amount of Securities of any series, the
consent of the Holders of which is required for any such supplemental
indenture, without the consent of the Holders of each Security so affected.
    

                 A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any
covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included
solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which
modifies the rights of Holders of Securities with respect to such covenant or
provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the
Holders of Securities of any other series or of the Coupons appertaining to
such Securities.

   
                 Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by a copy of a
Board Resolution (which resolution may provide general terms or parameters for
such action and may provide that the specific terms of such action may be
determined in accordance with or pursuant to an Company Order) certified by the
secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company authorizing the execution of
any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of
evidence of the consent of Holders as aforesaid and other documents, if any,
required by Sections 1.04 and 9.03, the Trustee shall join with the Company in
the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture
affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or
otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be
obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.
    

                 It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under
this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental
indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the
substance thereof.

                 Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of
any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the
Trustee shall give notice thereof (i) to the Holders of then Outstanding
Registered Securities of each series affected thereby, by mailing a notice
thereof by first class mail to such Holders at their addresses as they shall
appear on the Security Register, (ii) if any unregistered Securities of a
series affected thereby are then Outstanding, to the Holders thereof who have
filed their names and addresses with the Trustee pursuant to Section 313(c)(2)
of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, by mailing a notice thereof by first class
mail to such Holders at such addresses
<PAGE>   60

                                       53

as were so furnished to the Trustee and (iii) if any unregistered Securities of
a series affected thereby are then Outstanding, to all Holders thereof, by
publication of a notice thereof at least one in an Authorized Newspaper in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York and at least once in an authorized
newspaper in London, and in each case such notice shall set forth in general
terms the substance of such supplemental indenture. Any failure of the Company
to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way
impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

                 SECTION 9.03.  Execution of Supplemental Indentures.  In
executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental
indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts
created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall
be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the
execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this
Indenture.  The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such
supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

                 SECTION 9.04.  Effect of Supplemental Indentures.  Upon the
execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this
Article, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in
accordance therewith, and the respective rights, limitations of rights,
obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the
Company and the Holders shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced
hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all
the terms and conditions of any such supplemental indenture shall be and be
deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all
purposes.

                 SECTION 9.05.  Reference in Securities to Supplemental
Indentures.  Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the
execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall
if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as
to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture.  If the Company
shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in
the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture
may be prepared and executed by the Company and such Securities may be
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding
Securities of such series.


                                  ARTICLE TEN

                      PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY

                 SECTION 10.01.  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities
that it will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of (and
premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series in
accordance with the terms of the Securities
<PAGE>   61

                                       54

and this Indenture.  Each installment of interest on any Security may at the
Company's option be paid by mailing a check for such interest, payable to or
upon the written order of the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 3.07,
to the address of such Person as it appears on the Security Register or by wire
transfer to an account of the Person entitled thereto as such account shall be
provided to the Security Registrar and shall appear on the Security Register.
At the option of the Company, all payments of principal may be paid by official
bank check to the registered Holder of the Security or other person entitled
thereto against surrender of such Security.

                 SECTION 10.02.  Maintenance of Office or Agency.  The Company
will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office
or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for
payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of
transfer or exchange as in this Indenture provided and where notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and
this Indenture may be served.  The Company will give notice to the Trustee of
the location, and any change in the location, of each such office or agency.
In case the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency
or shall fail to give notice of the location or of any change thereof, such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.  The Company hereby initially appoints
the Trustee as its office or agency for each of said purposes.

                 The Company may also from time to time designate one or more
other offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be
presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time
rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or
rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to
maintain an office or agency in each Place of  Payment for Securities of any
series for such purposes.  The Company will give prompt written notice to the
Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location
of any such other office or agency.

                 SECTION 10.03.  Money for Securities Payments to be Held in
Trust.  If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with
respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the
principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any of the
Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the
Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (or premium, if
any) or interest, if any, so becoming due.  The Company will promptly notify
the Trustee of any failure to take such action or the failure by any other
obligor on the Securities to make any payment of the principal of or interest
on the Securities when the same shall be due and payable.

                 Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for
any series of Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of
(or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Securities of that series,
deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient
<PAGE>   62

                                       55

to pay the principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, so becoming due,
such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such
principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee)
the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to
act.

                 The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of
Securities, other than the Trustee, to execute and deliver to the Trustee an
instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to
the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:

                 (1)      hold all sums held by it for the payment of the
         principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest on Securities of
         that series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Company or
         by any other obligor on the Securities) in trust for the benefit of
         the Persons entitled thereto;

                 (2)      give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Company
         (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) to make any
         payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest on the
         Securities of that series when the same shall be due and payable; and

                 (3)      at any time during the continuance of any Event of
         Default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the
         Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.

                 Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Company may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay, or by Company Order
direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the
Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same
trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying
Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying
Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

                 SECTION 10.04.  Statement by Officers as to Default.  The
Company will deliver to the Trustee, on or before a date not more than four
months after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date
hereof, a brief certificate from the principal executive officer, principal
financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his knowledge of the
Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants hereof, and, if the
Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature
thereof of which he may have knowledge.  For purposes of this Section 10.04
such compliance shall be determined without regard to any period of grace or
requirement of notice hereunder.
<PAGE>   63

                                       56

                 SECTION 10.05.  Further Instruments and Acts.  The Company
will, upon request of the Trustee, execute and deliver such further instruments
and do such further acts as may reasonably be necessary or proper to carry out
more effectually the purposes of this Indenture.


                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

                 SECTION 11.01.  Applicability of Article.  Securities of any
series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in
accordance with their  terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated
by Section 3.01 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.

   
                 SECTION 11.02.  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.  The
right of the Company to elect to redeem any Securities of any series shall be
set forth in the terms of such Securities of such series established in
accordance with Section 3.01.  In case of any redemption at the election of the
Company, the Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed
by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee),
notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of
Securities of such series to be redeemed and shall deliver to the Trustee such
documentation and records as shall enable the Trustee to select the Securities
to be redeemed pursuant to Section 11.03.  In the case of any redemption of
Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption
provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the
Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing
compliance with such restriction.
    

                 SECTION 11.03.  Selection by Trustee of Securities to be
Redeemed.  If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed,
the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 45
days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding
Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method
as may be specified by the terms of such Securities or, if no such method is so
specified, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and
which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions of the principal
amount of Securities of such series; provided, however, that no such partial
redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of such Security
not redeemed to less than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of
that series.

                 The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of
the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities
selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
<PAGE>   64

                                       57

                 For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context
otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities
shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in
part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been
or is to be redeemed.

                 SECTION 11.04.  Notice of Redemption.  Notice of redemption
shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee to
the Holders of the Securities to be redeemed, by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, mailed not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption
Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in
the Security Register.

                 All notices of redemption shall state:

                 (1)      the Redemption Date,

                 (2)      the Redemption Price,

                 (3)      if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any
         series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of
         partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular
         Securities to be redeemed,

                 (4)      that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will
         become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if
         applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after
         said date,

   
                 (5)      the place or places where such Securities are to be
         surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price,
    

   
                 (6)      that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is
                          the case, and
    

   
                 (7)      CUSIP numbers.
    

                 SECTION 11.05.  Deposit of Redemption Price.  On or before any
Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying
Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold
in trust as provided in Section 10.03) an amount of money sufficient to pay the
Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest
Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed
on that date.

                 SECTION 11.06.  Securities Payable on Redemption Date.  Notice
of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed
shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price
therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall
default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such
Securities shall cease to bear interest.  Upon surrender of
<PAGE>   65

                                       58

any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security
shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued
interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of
interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be
payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor
Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Regular
Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 3.07.

                 If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid
upon surrender therefor, the Redemption Price shall, until paid, bear interest
from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

                 SECTION 11.07.  Securities Redeemed in Part.  Any Security
which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment
therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by,
or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to, the Company and
the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly
authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge,
a new Security or Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination
as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in
exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so
surrendered.


                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                         REPAYMENT AT OPTION OF HOLDERS

                 SECTION 12.01.  Applicability of Article.  Repayment of
Securities of any series before their Stated Maturity at the option of Holders
thereof shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Securities and
(except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 3.01 for Securities
of any series) in accordance with this Article.

                 SECTION 12.02.  Repayment of Securities.  Securities of any
series subject to repayment in whole or in part at the option of the Holders
thereof will, unless otherwise provided in the terms of such Securities, be
repaid at a price equal to the principal amount thereof, together with interest
thereon accrued to the Repayment Date specified in the terms of such
Securities.  The Company covenants that on or before the Repayment Date the
Company will deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the
Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as
provided in Section 10.03) an amount of money sufficient to pay the principal
(or, if so provided by the terms of the Securities  of any series, a percentage
of the principal) of, and (except if the Repayment Date shall be an Interest
Payment Date) accrued interest, if any, on, all the Securities or portions
thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid on such date.
<PAGE>   66

                                       59

                 SECTION 12.03.  Exercise of Option.  Securities of any series
subject to repayment at the option of the Holders thereof will contain an
"Option to Elect Repayment" form on the reverse of such Securities.  To be
repaid at the option of the Holder, any Security so providing for such
repayment, with the "Option to Elect Repayment" form on the reverse of such
Security duly completed by the Holder, must be received by the Company at the
Place of Payment therefor specified in the terms of such Security (or at such
other place or places of which the Company shall from time to time notify the
Holders of such Securities) not earlier than 30 days nor later than 15 days
prior to the Repayment Date.  If less than the entire principal amount of such
Security is to be repaid in accordance with the terms of such Security, the
principal amount of such Security to be repaid, in increments of $1,000 unless
otherwise specified in the terms of such Security, and the denomination or
denominations of the Security or Securities to be issued to the Holder for the
portion of the principal amount of such Security surrendered that is not to be
repaid must be specified.  The principal amount of any Security providing for
repayment at the option of the Holder thereof may not be repaid in part if,
following such repayment, the unpaid principal amount of such Security would be
less than the minimum authorized denomination of Securities of the series of
which such Security to be repaid is a part. Except as otherwise may be provided
by the terms of any Security providing for repayment at the option of the
Holder thereof, exercise of the repayment option by the Holder shall be
irrevocable unless waived by the Company.

                 SECTION 12.04.  When Securities Presented for Repayment Become
Due and Payable.  If Securities of any series providing for repayment at the
option of the Holders thereof shall have been surrendered as provided in this
Article and as provided by the terms of such Securities, such Securities or the
portions thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid shall become due and payable
and shall be paid by the Company on the Repayment Date therein specified, and
on and after such Repayment Date (unless the Company shall default in the
payment of such Securities on such Repayment Date) interest on such Securities
or the portions thereof, as the case may be, shall cease to accrue.

                 SECTION 12.05.  Securities Repaid in Part.  Upon surrender of
any Security which is to be repaid in part only, the Company shall execute and
the Trustee shall authenticate  and deliver to the Holder of such Security,
without service charge and at the expense of the Company, a new Security or
Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination specified by the
Holder, in an aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the
portion of the principal of such Security so surrendered which is not to be
repaid.
<PAGE>   67

                                       60

                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                                 SINKING FUNDS

                 SECTION 13.01.  Applicability of Article.  The provisions of
this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of
Securities of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section
3.01 for Securities of such series.

                 The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by
the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory
sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount
provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as
an "optional sinking fund payment".  If provided for by the terms of Securities
of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to
reduction as provided in Section 13.02.  Each sinking fund payment shall be
applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the
terms of Securities of such series.

                 SECTION 13.02.  Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with
Securities.  The Company may (1) deliver to the Trustee Outstanding Securities
of a series (other than any previously called for redemption) theretofore
purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company and (2) receive credit for
Securities of a series which have been previously delivered to the Trustee by
the Company or for Securities of a series which have been redeemed either at
the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through
the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the
terms of such Securities, in each case in satisfaction of all or any part of
any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of the same series
required to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities as provided for by
the terms of such Series, provided that such Securities have not been
previously so credited.  Such Securities shall be received and credited for
such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such
Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount
of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

                 SECTION 13.03.  Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of
Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series
pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to
be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be
satisfied by delivering or crediting Securities of that series pursuant to
Section 13.02 (which Securities will, if not previously delivered, accompany
such certificate) and whether the Company intends to exercise its right to make
a permitted optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series. Such
certificate shall be irrevocable and upon its delivery the Company shall be
obligated to make the cash payment or payments therein referred to, if any, on
or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date.  In the case of the
failure of the Company to deliver such certificate, the sinking fund payment
due on the next
<PAGE>   68

                                       61

succeeding sinking fund payment date for that series shall be paid entirely in
cash and shall be sufficient to redeem the principal amount of such Securities
subject to a mandatory sinking fund payment without the option to deliver or
credit Securities as provided in Section 13.02 and without the right to make
any optional sinking fund payment, if any, with respect to such series.

                 Not more than 60 days before each such sinking fund payment
date, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking
fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 11.03 and cause notice of
the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the
Company in the manner provided in Section 11.04.  Such notice having been duly
given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in
the manner stated in Sections 11.06 and 11.07.

                 Prior to any sinking fund payment date, the Company shall pay
to the Trustee in cash a sum equal to any interest accrued to the date fixed
for redemption of Securities or portions thereof to be redeemed on such sinking
fund payment date pursuant to this Section 13.03.

                                ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                                 SUBORDINATION

   
                 SECTION 14.01.  Subordination. The Company, for itself, its
successors and assigns, covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by
its acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, each and all of the Securities
is hereby expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter
in this Article Fourteen set forth, in right of payment to the prior payment in
full of all Senior Indebtedness.
    

   
                 SECTION 14.02.  Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness. (a)
In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership,
liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings, relative to the
Company or to its creditors, as such, or to its property, and in the event of
any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of
the Company, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, and in the
event of any execution sale, then the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be
entitled to receive payment in full of principal thereof and interest due
thereon (including without limitation, except to the extent, if any, prohibited
by mandatory provisions of law, post petition interest in any such proceedings)
in money of all Senior Indebtedness before the Holders of Securities are
entitled to receive any payment on account of the principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities, and to that
end the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive for
application in payment thereof any payment or distribution of any kind or
character, whether in cash or property or securities, which may be payable or
deliverable in connection with any such proceedings or sale in respect of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities other than
    

<PAGE>   69

                                       62

   
securities of the Company as reorganized or readjusted or securities of the
Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of reorganization or
readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to the extent
provided in this Article Fourteen with respect to the Securities, to the
payment of all indebtedness of the nature of Senior Indebtedness, provided that
the rights of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness are not altered by such
reorganization or readjustment;
    

   
         (b)     In the event and during the continuation of any default in
payment of any Senior Indebtedness or if any event of default, as therein
defined, shall exist and all grace periods with respect thereto shall have
expired, under any Senior Indebtedness or any agreement pursuant to which any
Senior Indebtedness is issued, no payment of the principal of, premium if any,
or interest on the Securities shall be made and the Company covenants that it
will, upon ascertaining any such default or event of default, provide written
notice to the Trustee of such default or event of default;
    

   
         (c)     In the event that the Securities of any series are declared
due and payable before their expressed maturity because of the occurrence of an
Event of Default (under circumstances when the provisions of subsection (a) of
this Section 14.02 shall not be applicable), the holders of all Senior
Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full in money of such
Senior Indebtedness before such Holders of Securities are entitled to receive
any payment on account of the principal of or interest on the Securities; and
    

   
         (d)     No holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be prejudiced in his
right to enforce subordination of the Securities by any act or failure to act
on the part of the Company.
    

   
                 SECTION 14.03.  Payments and Distributions. In the event that,
notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.02, any payment or distribution of
assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or
securities (other than securities of the Company as reorganized or readjusted
or securities of the Company or any other corporation provided for by a plan of
reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to
the extent provided in this Article Fourteen with respect to the Securities, to
the payment of all indebtedness of the nature of Senior Indebtedness, provided
that the rights of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness are not altered by
such reorganization or readjustment) shall be received by the Holders or by the
Trustee for their benefit in connection with any proceedings or sale referred
to in subsection (a) of Section 14.02 before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in
full in money, such payment or distribution shall be paid over to the holders
of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives or to
the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instruments
evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, ratably
according to the aggregate amounts remaining unpaid on account of the Senior
Indebtedness held or represented by each, for application to the payment of all
Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all such Senior Indebtedness shall
have been paid in full in money, after giving effect to any concurrent payment
or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
    

<PAGE>   70

                                       63

   
                 From and after the payment in full in money of all Senior
Indebtedness, the Holders of Securities (together with the holders of any other
indebtedness of the Company which is subordinate in right of payment to the
payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, which is not subordinate in right
of payment to the Securities and which by its terms grants such right of
subrogation to the holder thereof) shall be subrogated to the rights of the
holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of assets
or securities of the Company applicable to the Senior Indebtedness until the
Securities shall be paid in full, and, for the purposes of such subrogation, no
such payments or distributions to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of assets
or securities, which otherwise would have been payable or distributable to
Holders of Securities, shall, as between the Company, its creditors other than
the holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders, be deemed to be a payment
by the Company to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness, it being understood
that the provisions of this Article Fourteen are and are intended solely for
the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders, on the one hand,
and the holders of the Senior Indebtedness, on the other hand, and nothing
contained in this Article Fourteen or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the
Securities is intended to or shall impair as between the Company, its creditors
other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders, the obligation
of the Company, which is unconditional and absolute, to pay to the Holders the
principal of and interest on the Securities as and when the same shall become
due and payable in accordance with their terms, or to affect the relative
rights of the Holders and creditors of the Company other than the holders of
the Senior Indebtedness, nor shall anything herein or therein prevent the
Trustee or the Holder of any Security from exercising all remedies otherwise
permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture subject to the
rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness, under Section 14.02, to receive
cash, property or securities of the Company otherwise payable or deliverable to
the Holders of the Securities.
    

   
                 Upon any distribution or payment in connection with any
proceedings or sale referred to in subsection (a) of Section 14.02, the
Trustee, subject as between the Trustee and the Holders to the provisions of
Section 1.04 hereof, shall be entitled to rely upon a certificate of the
liquidating trustee or agent or other person making any distribution or payment
to the Trustee for the purpose of ascertaining the holders of Senior
Indebtedness entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the
amount of such Senior Indebtedness or the amount payable thereon, the amount or
amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to
this Article Fourteen. In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith,
that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any person as a
holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution
pursuant to this Section 14.03, the Trustee may request such person to furnish
evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of
Senior Indebtedness held by such person, as to the extent to which such person
is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, and as to other
facts pertinent to the rights of such person under this Section 14.03, and if
such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such
person pending judicial determination as to the right of such person to receive
such payment.
    
<PAGE>   71

                                       64

                 The Trustee, however, shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary
duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and shall not be liable to any such
holders if it shall in good faith pay over or distribute to Holders of
Securities or the Company or any other person moneys or assets to which any
holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of Article Fourteen
of this Indenture or otherwise.

                 SECTION 14.04.  Payments by the Company.  Nothing contained in
this Article Fourteen or elsewhere in this Indenture, or in any of the
Securities, shall prevent at any time, (a) the Company from making payments at
any time of principal of or interest on the Securities, except under the
conditions described in Section 14.02 or during the pendency of any proceedings
or sale therein referred to, provided, however, that payments of principal of
or interest on the Securities shall only be made by the Company within three
business days of the due dates for such payments or (b) the application by the
Trustee of any moneys deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on
account of the principal of or interest on the Securities, if at the time of
such deposit the Trustee did not have written notice in accordance with Section
14.06 of any event prohibiting the making of such deposit by the Company or if
in the event of redemption, the Trustee did not have such written notice prior
to the time that the notice of redemption pursuant to Section 11.04 was given
(which notice of redemption shall in no event be given more than 60 days prior
to the date fixed for redemption).

                 SECTION 14.05.  Appointment of the Trustee by Holders.  Each
Holder by his acceptance of a Security authorizes and directs the Trustee on
his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to
acknowledge or effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article
Fourteen and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for any and all such
purposes, including, in the event of any dissolution, winding up, liquidation
or reorganization of the Company (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or
receivership proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of creditors or
otherwise) tending towards liquidation of the business and assets of the
Company, the immediate filing of a claim for the unpaid balance of such
Holder's Securities in the form required in said proceedings and cause said
claim to be approved.

   
                 SECTION 14.06.  Notice to Trustee.  Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Article Fourteen or any other provisions of this Indenture,
the Trustee shall not be charged with the knowledge of the existence of any
facts which would prohibit the making of any payment of moneys to the Trustee,
unless and until the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from
the Company or from the Holder or the representative of any class of Senior
Indebtedness; provided, however, that if at least two business days prior to
the date upon which by the terms hereof any such monies may become payable for
any purpose (including, without limitation, the payment of either the cash
amount payable at maturity or interest on any Security) the Trustee shall not
have received with respect to such monies the notice provided for in this
Section 14.06, then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding,
the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such monies and to
apply the same to the purpose for which they were received, and shall not be
affected by
    

<PAGE>   72

                                       65

   
any notice to the contrary, which may be received by it on or after such two
business days prior to such date.
    

   
                 SECTION 14.07.  Rights of Trustee.  The Trustee shall be
entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article Fourteen with respect to
any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent
as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness.
    

                 SECTION 14.08.  Paying Agent.  In case at any time any paying
agent other than the Trustee shall be appointed by the Company and be then
acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as used in this Article Fourteen shall in
such case (unless the context shall otherwise require) be construed as
extending to and including such paying agent within its meaning as fully for
all intents and purposes as if such paying agent were named in this Article
Fourteen in place of the Trustee.

                                ARTICLE FIFTEEN

   
                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
    

   
                 SECTION 15.01.  Applicability of Article; Company's Option to
Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.  Except as otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 3.01 for  Securities of any series, defeasance of the
Securities of a series under Section 15.02, or covenant defeasance of a series
under Section 15.03 shall be made in accordance with the terms of such
Securities and in accordance with this Article.
    

   
                 SECTION 15.02.  Defeasance and Discharge.  Upon the Company's
exercise of the above option applicable to this Section, the Company shall be
deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to the
Outstanding Securities of such series on the date the conditions set forth
below are satisfied (hereinafter, "defeasance").  For this purpose, such
defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged
the entire indebtedness represented by the Outstanding Securities of such
series, which shall thereafter be deemed to be "Outstanding" only for the
purposes of Section 15.05 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to
in (A) and (B) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under
such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned
(and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper
instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall
survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:  (A) the rights of
Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series to receive, solely from the
trust fund described in Section 15.04 and as more fully set forth in such
Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest, if any, on such Securities when such payments are due, (B) the
Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 2.05,
3.05, 3.06, 10.02 and 10.03, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties, and
immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (D) this Article Fifteen.  Subject to
compliance with this Article Fifteen, the Company may exercise its option under
this Section 15.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under
Section 15.03 with respect to the Securities of such series.
    

<PAGE>   73

                                       66

   
                 SECTION 15.03.  Covenant Defeasance.  Upon the Company's
exercise of the above option applicable to this Section, the Company shall be
released from its obligations with respect to the Outstanding Securities of any
series on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied,
except for its obligations under Sections 2.05, 3.05, 3.06, 6.06, 6.08(e),
10.01, 10.02, 10.03 (hereinafter, "covenant defeasance").  For this purpose,
such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to the Outstanding Securities
of any series, the Company is required only to comply with the above
obligations, and may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect
of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any other Section, whether
directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such
Section or by reason of any reference in any such Section to any other
provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not
constitute a default or an Event of Default under subsection 5.01(4) or
subsection 5.01(7) of this Indenture, as the case may be.
    

   
                 SECTION 15.04.  Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance.  The following shall be the conditions to application of either
Section 15.02 or Section 15.03 to the Outstanding Securities of such series:
    

   
                 (1)      The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or
         caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying
         the requirements of Section 6.07 who shall agree to comply with the
         provisions of this Article Fifteen applicable to it) as trust funds in
         trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically
         pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
         Holders of such Securities, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S.
         Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of
         principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their
         terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any
         payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, sufficient,
         in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public
         accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to
         the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the
         Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (i) the
         principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the
         Outstanding Securities of such series on the Stated Maturity of such
         principal or installments of principal or interest and (ii) any
         mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to
         the Outstanding Securities of such series on the day on which such
         payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this
         Indenture and of such Securities.  For this purpose, "U.S. Government
         Obligations" means securities that are (x) direct obligations of the
         United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and
         credit is pledged or (y) obligations of a person controlled or
         supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United
         States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed
         as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,
         which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of
         the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued
         by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of
         1933, as amended) as custodian with respect to any such U.S.
         Government

<PAGE>   74

                                       67

         Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any
         such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account
         of the holder of such depository receipt, provided that (except as
         required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any
         deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository
         receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the
         U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or
         interest on the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such
         depository receipt.
    

   
                 (2)      No Event of Default or event which with notice or
         lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to
         the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on
         the date of such deposit or, insofar as subsections 5.01(5) and (6)
         are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day
         after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this
         condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such
         period).
    

   
                 (3)      Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not
         cause the Trustee for the Securities of such series to have a
         conflicting interest as defined in the Trust Indenture Act with
         respect to any securities of the Company.
    

   
                 (4)      Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not
         result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under,
         this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which
         the Company is a party or by which it is bound.
    

   
                 (5)      In the case of an election under Section 15.02, the
         Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
         stating that (x) the Company has received from, or there has been
         published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (y) since the
         date of the first issuance by the Company of Securities pursuant to
         this instrument, there has been a change in the applicable Federal
         income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon
         such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of the Outstanding
         Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for
         Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be
         subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner
         and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance
         had not occurred.
    

   
                 (6)      In the case of an election under Section 15.03, the
         Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to
         the effect that the Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such
         series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax
         purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject
         to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
         the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance
         had not occurred.
    

   
                 (7)      Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section,
         such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance
         with any additional or

    
   

<PAGE>   75

                                       68

         substitute terms, conditions or limitations which may be imposed on
         the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section 3.01.
    

   
                 (8)      The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
         Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
         conditions precedent provided for relating to either the defeasance
         under Section 15.02 or the covenant defeasance under Section 15.03 (as
         the case may be) have been complied with.
    

   
                 SECTION 15.05.  Deposited Money and U.S. Government
Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.  Subject to
the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 10.03, all money and U.S.
Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the
Trustee pursuant to Section 15.04 in respect of the Outstanding Securities of
such series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance
with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment,
either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as
its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such
Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal
(and premium, if any) and interest, but such money need not be segregated from
other funds except to the extent required by law.
    

   
                 The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any
tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S.  Government
Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 15.04 or the principal and interest
received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which
by law is for the account of the Holders of the Outstanding Securities of such
series.
    

   
                 Anything in this Article Fifteen to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company, from time to
time upon Company Request, any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it
as provided in Section 15.04 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants certification thereof delivered to the
Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be
deposited to effect an equivalent "defeasance" or "covenant defeasance".
    

   
                 SECTION 15.06.  Reinstatement.  If the Trustee is unable to
apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 15.05
with respect to the Securities of any series by reason of any legal proceeding
or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority
enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the
obligations of the Company under this Indenture and such Securities shall be
revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred with respect to the
Securities of such series pursuant to Section 15.04 until such time as the
Trustee is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in
accordance with Section 15.05.
    

<PAGE>   76

                                       69

                                ARTICLE SIXTEEN

   
               IMMUNITY OF INCORPORATORS, STOCKHOLDERS, OFFICERS,
                            DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES
    

   
                 SECTION 16.01.  Exemption from Individual Liability.  No
recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of this Indenture,
or of any Security, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect
thereof, shall be had against any incorporator, stockholder, officer, director
or employee, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any
successor corporation,  either directly or through the Company, whether by
virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of
any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly understood that this
Indenture and the obligations issued hereunder are solely corporate obligations
of the Company, and that no such personal liability whatever shall attach to,
or is or shall be incurred by, the incorporators, stockholders, officers,
directors or employees, as such, of the Company or of any successor
corporation, or any of them, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby
authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements
contained in this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom;
and that any and all such personal liability, either at common law or in equity
or by constitution or statute, of, and any and all such rights and claims
against, every such incorporator, stockholder, officer, director or employee,
as such, because of the creation of the indebtedness hereby authorized, or
under or by reason of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in
this Indenture or in any of the Securities or implied therefrom, are hereby
expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a consideration for,
the execution of this Indenture and the issue of such Securities.
    

   
    

   
                               ARTICLE SEVENTEEN
    

   
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
    

   
                 SECTION 17.01.  Successors and Assigns of Company Bound by
Indenture.   All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this
Indenture contained by or in behalf of the Company shall bind its respective
successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
    

   
                 SECTION 17.02.  Acts of Board, Committee or Officer of
Successor Corporation Valid.  Any act or proceeding by any provision of this
Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board,
committee or officer of the Company shall and may be done and performed with
like force and effect by the like board, committee or officer of any
corporation that shall at that time be the successor of the Company.
    

   
                 SECTION 17.03.  Required Notices or Demands.  Any notice or
demand which by any provision of this Indenture is required or permitted to be
given or served by the Trustee or by the Holders to or on the Company may,
except as otherwise  provided in
    

<PAGE>   77

                                       70
   
Section 5.01(4), be given or served by being deposited postage prepaid in a
post office letter box in the United States addressed (until another address is
filed by the Company with the Trustee), as follows:  to the Company, Ford Motor
Company, The American Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48121, Attention:  Treasurer.
Any notice, direction, request or demand by the Company or by any Holder to or
upon the Trustee may be given or made, for all purposes, by being deposited
postage prepaid in a post office letter box in the United States addressed to
the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.  Any notice required or permitted to
be mailed to a Holder by the Company or the Trustee pursuant to the provisions
of this Indenture shall be deemed to be properly mailed by being deposited
postage prepaid in a post office letter box in the United States addressed to
such Holder at the address of such Holder as shown on the Security Register.
In any case, where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to
mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular
Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other
Holders.
    

   
                 Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such
notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice,
either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of
such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but
such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action
taken in reliance upon such waiver.
    

   
                 In case, by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in
regular mail service, it shall be impractical to mail notice of any event to
Holders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of
this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory
to the Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.
    

   
                 SECTION 17.04.  Indenture and Securities to be Construed in
Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York.  This Indenture and each
Security shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the State of
New York, and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of said State.
    

   
                 SECTION 17.05.  Indenture May be Executed in Counterparts.
This Indenture may be executed in any number  of counterparts, each of which
shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the
same instrument.
    

   
                 The Bank of New York hereby accepts the trusts in this
Indenture declared and provided, upon the terms and conditions hereinabove set
forth.
    

<PAGE>   78

                                       71

   
                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, FORD MOTOR COMPANY has caused this
Indenture to be duly signed and acknowledged by its Chairman of the Board or
its President or an Executive Vice President or a Vice President or its
Treasurer or its Assistant Treasurer or its Secretary or its Assistant
Secretary thereunto duly authorized, and its corporate seal to be affixed
hereunto, and the same to be attested by its Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary; and THE BANK OF NEW YORK has caused this Indenture to be duly signed
and acknowledged by one of its Vice Presidents or Assistant Vice Presidents
thereunto duly authorized, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereunto, and
the same to be attested by one of its Assistant Treasurers.
    

                                         FORD MOTOR COMPANY


                                         By  __________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:


Attest: __________________________




   
                                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK
    


                                         By  __________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:


Attest:  _________________________

   
    

<PAGE>   79

STATE OF MICHIGAN   )
                    )  ss.:
COUNTY OF WAYNE     )



                 On this _________ day of __________________ , 1995, before me
personally came ________________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did
depose and say that he resides at    ________________________________, that he
is ______________________________ of FORD MOTOR COMPANY, one of the
corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he
knows the corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by
like authority.


                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.


                                                _______________________________
                                      
                                                                            
<PAGE>   80

STATE OF NEW YORK    )
                     )  ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK   )



   
                 On this _________ day of __________________, 1995, before me
personally came _________________________________, to me known, who, being by
me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at _______________________,
that he is __________________________________________ of THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
one of the corporations described in and which executed the above instrument;
that he knows the corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to
the said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority
of the Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name
thereto by like authority.
    

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
official seal the day and year in this certificate first above written.


                                         ____________________________________

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  Exhibit 4.2
===============================================================================
                                                                


                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY

                                      AND


                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                                   as Trustee

                                 ---------------

                          FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE


                          Dated as of December 1, 1995


                                       TO

                                   INDENTURE

                          Dated as of December 1, 1995

                                ---------------
  
                       9% Junior Subordinated Debentures

                                    Due 2025

================================================================================



<PAGE>   2

                 FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of the 1st day of
December, 1995 (the "First Supplemental Indenture"), between FORD MOTOR
COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State
of Delaware (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Company"), and THE BANK
OF NEW YORK, a New York banking corporation, as trustee (the "Trustee") under
the Indenture dated as of December 1, 1995 between the Company and the Trustee
(the "Indenture").  All terms used and not defined herein are used as defined
in the Indenture.

                 WHEREAS, the Company executed and delivered the Indenture to
the Trustee to provide for the future issuance of the Company's notes,
debentures and other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities")
from time to time in series as might be determined by the Company under the
Indenture, in an unlimited aggregate principal amount which may be
authenticated and delivered thereunder as in the Indenture provided; and

                 WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Company
desires to provide for the establishment of a series of its subordinated debt
securities to be known as its "9% Junior Subordinated Debentures Due 2025" (the
"Junior Subordinated Debentures"), the form and substance of such Junior
Subordinated Debentures and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof to be
as provided in the Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture; and

                 WHEREAS, the Company has caused to be formed Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust I (the "Trust") as a statutory business trust under the
Business Trust Act of the State of Delaware (12 Del. Code Sec. 3801 et seq.)
pursuant to a declaration of trust dated September 19, 1995 (the "Original
Declaration") and the filing of a certificate of trust with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware on September 19, 1995; and

                 WHEREAS, the Original Declaration is to be amended and
restated in its entirety pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust dated as of December 7, 1995 (such Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust, as amended from time to time, the "Declaration of Trust") with The Bank
of New York, as institutional trustee (the "Institutional Trustee"); and

                 WHEREAS, the Trust has offered (the "Offer") to issue its 9%
Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities") to holders
of Series B Depositary Shares ("Depositary Shares") each representing 1/2,000
of a share of the Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series B Preferred") of
the Company in exchange for such Depositary Shares; and

                 WHEREAS, in connection with such Offer and the purchase by the
Company of the Common Securities (as defined in the Declaration of Trust) of
the Trust, the Company will deposit, and the Trust will purchase, respectively,
as trust assets Junior Subordinated Debentures; and
<PAGE>   3

                                       2

                 WHEREAS, pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, the legal title
to the Junior Subordinated Debentures shall be owned and held of record in the
name of the Trust in trust for the benefit of holders of the Preferred
Securities and the Common Securities; and

                 WHEREAS, upon the occurrence of a Special Event (as defined in
the Declaration of Trust), the Regular Trustees (as defined in the Declaration
of Trust) of the Trust shall, unless the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
redeemed as described herein, dissolve the Trust and cause to be distributed to
the holders of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities, on a Pro Rata
basis (determined as provided in the terms of the Preferred Securities and
Common Securities attached as Exhibits B and C to the Declaration of Trust),
Junior Subordinated Debentures and in connection with a Liquidation
Distribution (as defined in the Declaration of Trust), the Regular Trustees may
cause to be distributed to holders of Preferred Securities and Common
Securities, on a Pro Rata basis, Junior Subordinated Debentures (each a
"Dissolution Event"); and

                 WHEREAS, the Company desires and has requested the Trustee to
join with it in the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental
Indenture, and all requirements necessary to make this First Supplemental
Indenture a valid instrument, in accordance with its terms, and to make the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, when executed by the Company and authenticated
and delivered by the Trustee, the valid obligations of the Company, have been
performed and fulfilled, and the execution and delivery hereof have been in all
respects duly authorized;

                 NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the purchase and acceptance
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures by the holders thereof, and for the
purpose of setting forth, as provided in the Indenture, the form and substance
of the Junior Subordinated Debentures and the terms, provisions and conditions
thereof, the Company covenants and agrees with the Trustee as follows:


                                  ARTICLE ONE

                        GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
                       THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

                 SECTION 1.01.  There shall be and is hereby authorized a
series of Securities designated the "9% Junior Subordinated Debentures Due
2025", limited in aggregate principal amount to the sum of (i) $1,115,000,000
plus (ii) a dollar amount equal to the principal amount of Junior Subordinated
Debentures purchased by the Trust with the proceeds received by the Trust from
the purchase by the Company of the Common Securities of the Trust, which amount
shall be as set forth in any Company Order for the authentication and delivery
of Junior Subordinated Debentures.  The Junior Subordinated Debentures shall
mature and the principal shall be due and payable together with all accrued and
unpaid interest thereon, including Compounded Interest (as hereinafter
defined), on December 31, 2025.
<PAGE>   4

                                       3


                 SECTION 1.02.  The Junior Subordinated Debentures shall be
issued in definitive registered form without coupons.  Principal and interest
on the Junior Subordinated Debentures will be payable, the transfer of such
Junior Subordinated Debentures will be registrable and such Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be exchangeable for Junior Subordinated Debentures bearing
identical terms and provisions at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City and State of
New York; provided, however, that, at the option of the Company, payments of
interest may be made by check mailed to the registered holder at such address
as shall appear in the Security Register and that the payment of principal with
respect to any Junior Subordinated Debenture will only be made upon surrender
of such Junior Subordinated Debenture to the Trustee.

                 SECTION 1.03.  Each Junior Subordinated Debenture will bear
interest from December 8, 1995 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to
which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly in arrears on
March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each, an
"Interest Payment Date"), commencing December 31, 1995, at the rate of 9% per
annum until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment, and
(to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable)
at the rate of 9% per annum, compounded quarterly, on any overdue principal and
premium and on any overdue installment of interest.  Subject to the provisions
of Article Three of this First Supplemental Indenture, the interest so payable
shall be paid to the person in whose name such Junior Subordinated Debenture
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business
on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which, except as set forth below,
shall be the close of business on the business day next preceding such Interest
Payment Date.  In addition, each Junior Subordinated Debenture will bear
interest from December 1, 1995 through December 7, 1995 at the rate of 8 1/4%
per annum (the "Pre-Issuance Accrued Distribution"), payable on December 31,
1995 to the person in whose name such Junior Subordinated Debenture is
registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
Interest Payment Date.  With the exception of the interest payment described in
the immediately preceding sentence, any such interest not so punctually paid or
duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered holder
on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the person in whose name
such Junior Subordinated Debenture (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of
such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be
given to the registered holder of such Junior Subordinated Debenture not less
than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or may be paid at any time in
any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be listed,
and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully
provided in the Indenture.

                 The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed
on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and for any period
shorter than a full quarterly interest period for which interest is computed,
the amount of interest payable will be
<PAGE>   5

                                       4

computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in such a 30-day
month.  In the event that any Interest Payment Date is not a business day, then
payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding
business day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay), except that, if such business day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day (and
the Regular Record Date for such interest shall be the business day next
preceding such date), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on
such date.


                                  ARTICLE TWO

                              OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
                     OF THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

                 SECTION 2.01.  Except as provided in Section 2.02, Junior
Subordinated Debentures may not be redeemed by the Company prior to December 1,
2002.  Subject to the terms of Article Eleven of the Indenture, the Company
shall have the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days' notice, to
redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures, as a whole or in part, from time to
time, on or after December 1, 2002, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon,
including Compounded Interest, if any, to the date of such redemption (the
"Optional Redemption Price").

                 SECTION 2.02.  If, at any time, a Tax Event (as defined below)
shall occur and be continuing and (i) the Regular Trustees and the Company
shall have received an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of a nationally
recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters that, as a
result of a Tax Event, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the
Company would be precluded from deducting the interest on the Junior
Subordinated Debentures for United States federal income tax purposes even if
the Junior Subordinated Debentures were distributed to the holders of Preferred
Securities and Common Securities in liquidation of such holders' interest in
the Trust as set forth in the Declaration of Trust or (ii) the Regular Trustees
shall have been informed by such tax counsel that a No Recognition Opinion (as
defined below) cannot be delivered to the Trust, the Company shall have the
right at any time, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days' notice, to
redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures in whole or in part for cash at the
Optional Redemption Price within 90 days following the occurrence of such Tax
Event; provided, however, that, if at the time there is available to the
Company or the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust the opportunity to
eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax Event by taking some ministerial
action ("Ministerial Action"), such as filing a form or making an election, or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure, which has no adverse effect on
the Trust, the Company or the holders of the Preferred Securities, the Company
or the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu
of redemption and, provided further, that the Company shall have no right to
redeem the Junior
<PAGE>   6

                                       5

Subordinated Debentures while the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust are
pursuing any such Ministerial Action.

                 "Tax Event" means that the Company and the Regular Trustees
shall have obtained an opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel
experienced in such matters (a "Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that on
or after December 7, 1995, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change
(including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations
thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, (b) any amendment to, or change in, an
interpretation or application of any such laws or regulations by any
legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (including
the enactment of any legislation and the publication of any judicial decision
or regulatory determination), (c) any interpretation or pronouncement that
provides for a position with respect to such laws or regulations that differs
from the theretofore generally accepted position or (d) any action taken by any
governmental agency or regulatory authority, which amendment or change is
enacted, promulgated, issued or effective or which interpretation or
pronouncement is issued or announced or which action is taken, in each case on
or after December 7, 1995, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i)
the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof, subject to United
States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the
Junior Subordinated Debentures, (ii) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of
the date thereof, subject to more than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or
other governmental charges or (iii) interest payable by the Company to the
Trust on the Junior Subordinated Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the
date thereof will not be, deductible by the Company for United States federal
income tax purposes.

                 "No Recognition Opinion" means an opinion of a nationally
recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters, which opinion
may rely on any then applicable published revenue ruling of the Internal
Revenue Service, to the effect that the holders of the Preferred Securities
will not recognize any gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes as a result of a dissolution of the Trust and distribution of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures as provided in the Declaration of Trust.

                 SECTION 2.03.  If the Junior Subordinated Debentures are only
partially redeemed pursuant to this Article Two, the Junior Subordinated
Debentures will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by any other method as the
Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a
partial redemption of the Junior Subordinated Debentures would result in the
delisting of the Preferred Securities by any national securities exchange or
other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed, the
Company shall not be permitted to effect such partial redemption and will only
redeem the Junior Subordinated Debentures as a whole.
<PAGE>   7

                                       6

                                 ARTICLE THREE

                      EXTENSION OF INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD

                 SECTION 3.01.  So long as the Company is not in default in the
payment of interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Company shall
have the right, at any time during the term of the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, from time to time to extend the interest payment period of such
Junior Subordinated Debentures (other than with respect to the Pre-Issuance
Accrued Distribution) for up to 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods (the
"Extended Interest Payment Period"), at the end of which period the Company
shall pay all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, together with interest
thereon at the rate of 9% per annum to the extent permitted by applicable law,
compounded quarterly ("Compounded Interest").  During such Extended Interest
Payment Period, the Company shall not declare or pay any dividends on, or
redeem, purchase, acquire or make a distribution or liquidation payment with
respect to, any of its common stock or preferred stock or any other securities
similar to the Preferred Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debentures, or
make any guarantee payments with respect thereto; provided, however, that the
Company may pay dividends (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) upon the
conversion, other than at the Company's option, of any of its preferred stock,
including its Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, in accordance
with the terms of such stock.  Prior to the termination of any such Extended
Interest Payment Period, the Company may pay all or any portion of the interest
accrued on the Junior Subordinated Debentures on any Interest Payment Date to
holders of record on the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date or
from time to time further extend such Extended Interest Payment Period,
provided that such Extended Interest Payment Period together with all such
further extensions thereof shall not exceed 20 consecutive quarterly interest
periods.  Upon the termination of any Extended Interest Payment Period and upon
the payment of all accrued and unpaid interest then due, including Compounded
Interest, the Company may select a new Extended Interest Payment Period,
subject to the foregoing requirements.  No interest shall be due and payable
during an Extended Interest Payment Period, except at the end thereof.  At the
end of the Extended Interest Payment Period, the Company shall pay all interest
accrued and unpaid on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, including any
Compounded Interest, which shall be payable to the holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures in whose names the Junior Subordinated Debentures are
registered in the Security Register on the Regular Record Date for the first
Interest Payment Date occurring on or after the end of the Extended Interest
Payment Period.

                 SECTION 3.02.  (a)  So long as the Trust is the sole legal
owner and holder of record of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, at the time
the Company selects an Extended Interest Payment Period, the Company shall give
both the Institutional Trustee and the Trustee written notice of its selection
of such Extended Interest Payment Period ten business days prior to the earlier
of (i) the next succeeding date on which distributions on the Preferred
Securities are payable or (ii) the date the Trust is required to give notice to
the New York Stock Exchange or other applicable self regulatory organization or
to holders of
<PAGE>   8

                                       7

the Preferred Securities of the record date or the date such distributions are
payable, but in any event not less than one business day prior to such record
date.  The Company shall cause the Trust to give notice of the Company's
selection of such Extended Interest Payment Period to the holders of the
Preferred Securities.

                 (b)      If, as a result of a Dissolution Event, Junior
Subordinated Debentures have been distributed to holders of Preferred
Securities and Common Securities at the time the Company selects an Extended
Interest Payment Period, the Company shall give the holders of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures and the Trustee written notice of its selection of such
Extended Interest Payment Period ten business days prior to the earlier of (i)
the next succeeding Interest Payment Date or (ii) the date the Company is
required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange or other applicable self
regulatory organization or to holders of the Junior Subordinated Debentures of
the record or payment date of such interest payment.

                 SECTION 3.03.  The quarter in which any notice is given
pursuant to Section 3.02 shall be counted as one of the 20 quarters permitted
in the maximum Extended Interest Payment Period permitted under this Article
Three.


                                  ARTICLE FOUR

             COVENANTS APPLICABLE TO JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

                 SECTION 4.01.  So long as any Preferred Securities remain
outstanding, the Company will not declare or pay any dividends on, or redeem,
purchase, acquire or make a distribution or liquidation payment with respect
to, any of its common stock or preferred stock or any other securities similar
to the Preferred Securities or the Junior Subordinated Debentures, or make any
guarantee payments with respect thereto, if at such time (i) the Company shall
be in default with respect to its Guarantee Payments (as defined in the
Guarantee Agreement dated December 7, 1995 between the Company and the
Guarantee Trustee named therein (the "Guarantee Agreement")) or other payment
obligations under the Guarantee Agreement, (ii) there shall have occurred any
Event of Default under the Indenture with respect to the Junior Subordinated
Debentures or (iii) the Company shall have given notice of its selection of an
Extended Interest Payment Period and such Extended Interest Payment Period, or
any extension thereof, is continuing; provided, however, that the Company may
pay dividends (and cash in lieu of fractional shares) upon the conversion,
other than at the Company's option, of any of its preferred stock, including
its Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, in accordance with the
terms of such stock.

                 SECTION 4.02.  In connection with the distribution of the
Junior Subordinated Debentures to the holders of the Preferred Securities and
the Common Securities upon a Dissolution Event, the Company will use its best
efforts to list such Junior Subordinated
<PAGE>   9

                                       8

Debentures on the New York Stock Exchange or on such other exchange as the
Preferred Securities are then listed and traded.

                 SECTION 4.03.  The Company covenants and agrees for the
benefit of the holders of the Preferred Securities to comply fully with all of
its obligations and agreements under the Declaration of Trust, including,
without limitation, its obligations under Article IV thereof.

                 SECTION 4.04. Prior to the distribution of Junior Subordinated
Debentures to the holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities upon a
Dissolution Event, the Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the
holders of the Preferred Securities (i) not to cause or permit the Common
Securities to be transferred except as permitted by the Declaration of Trust
and (ii) not to take any action that would cause the Trust to cease to be
treated as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes,
except in connection with a distribution of the Junior Subordinated Debentures
as provided in the Declaration of Trust.


                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                     FORM OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

                 SECTION 5.01. The Junior Subordinated Debentures and the
Trustee's Certificate of Authentication to be endorsed thereon are to be
substantially in the following forms:

                           (FORM OF FACE OF SECURITY)

No.                                                     CUSIP NO. 345 343 20 6

                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY


                   9% JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE DUE 2025


                 FORD MOTOR COMPANY, a corporation duty organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein called the "Company", which
term includes any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to ____________, or
registered assigns, the principal sum of ______ Dollars on December 31, 2025,
and to pay interest thereon from December 8, 1995 or from the most recent
Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for,
quarterly in arrears (subject to deferral as set forth herein) on March 31,
June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31,
1995, at the rate of 9% per annum
<PAGE>   10

                                       9

plus Compounded Interest, if any, until the principal hereof is paid or made
available for payment, and (to the extent that the payment of such interest
shall be legally enforceable) at the rate of 9% per annum, compounded
quarterly, on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue installment
of interest.  In addition, the Company promises to pay to the Holder or
registered assigns interest from December 1, 1995 through December 7, 1995 at
the rate of 8 1/4% per annum (the "Pre-Issuance Accrued Distribution"), payable
on December 31, 1995.  The amount of interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months,
and for any period shorter than a full quarterly interest period for which
interest is computed, the amount of interest payable will be computed on the
basis of the actual number of days elapsed in such a 30-day month.  In the
event that any Interest Payment Date is not a business day, then payment of
interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is
a business day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any
such delay), except that, if such business day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business
day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date.  The
interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest
Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose
name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be
the close of business on the business day next preceding such Interest Payment
Date.  With the exception of the Pre-Issuance Accrued Distribution, any such
interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be
payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of
such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be
given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to
such Special Record Date, or may be paid at any time in any other lawful manner
not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the
Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.

                 Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and any
such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the
Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the City and
State of New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as
at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts;
provided, however, that at the option of the Company, payment of interest may
be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such
address shall appear in the Security Register and, provided further, that the
payment of principal will only be made upon the surrender of this Security to
the Trustee.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the owner and record
holder of this Security is the Trust (as defined in the Indenture), the payment
of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest (including
Compounded Interest, if any) on this Security will be made at such place and to
such account of the Trust as may be designated by the Institutional Trustee.
<PAGE>   11

                                       10

                 The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent
provided in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in right of payment to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, and this Security is issued
subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto.  Each Holder
of this Security, by accepting the same (a) agrees to and shall be bound by
such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the
subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for
any and all such purposes.  Each Holder of this Security, by his acceptance of
the same, hereby waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination
provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of Senior
Indebtedness, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives
reliance by each such Holder upon said provisions.

                 Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this
Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for
all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.

                 Unless the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been
executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse side hereof by manual
signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the
Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
<PAGE>   12

                                       11

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Security to be
signed by its Chairman of the Board, or its President, or one of its Executive
Vice Presidents, or one of its Vice Presidents, and by its Treasurer or one of
its Assistant Treasurers, or its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries,
manually or in facsimile, and a facsimile of its corporate seal to be imprinted
hereon.




[CORPORATE SEAL]

                                        FORD MOTOR COMPANY



                                        By  ____________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:



                                        By  ____________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:


Attest:



By  __________________
    Name:
    Title:
<PAGE>   13

                                       12

                    (FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION)

                         CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION


                 This is one of the Securities of the series of Securities
described in the within mentioned Indenture.

Dated:


                                        THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee



                                        By  ________________________
                                            Authorized Signatory
<PAGE>   14

                                       13

                         (FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY)

                 This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities
of the Company (herein called the "Securities") issued and to be issued in one
or more series under an Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1995, between the
Company and The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee
(herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under
the Indenture with respect to the series of which this Security is a part), as
supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1995,
between the Company and the Trustee (said Indenture, as so supplemented, being
hereinafter referred to as the "Indenture"), to which Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the
respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of
the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and, to the extent
specifically set forth in the Indenture, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and
Preferred Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are
to be, authenticated and delivered.  This Security is one of the series
designated on the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount as
specified in Section 1.01 of the First Supplemental Indenture.

                 Except as provided in the next paragraph, the Securities may
not be redeemed by the Company prior to December 1, 2002.  The Securities of
this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 10 nor more than 60
days' notice by mail, at any time on or after December 1, 2002, as a whole or
in part, at the election of the Company (an "Optional Redemption"), at a
Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount together with any
accrued but unpaid interest, including Compounded Interest, if any, to the
Redemption Date (the "Optional Redemption Price").

                 If, at any time, a Tax Event (as defined below) shall occur
and be continuing and (i) the Regular Trustees shall have received an opinion
(a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of a nationally recognized independent tax counsel
experienced in such matters that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is more
than an insubstantial risk that the Company would be precluded from deducting
the interest on the Securities for United States federal income tax purposes
even if the Securities were distributed to the holders of Preferred Securities
and Common Securities in liquidation of such holder's interest in the Trust as
set forth in the Declaration of Trust or (ii) the Regular Trustees shall have
been informed by such tax counsel that a No Recognition Opinion (as defined
below) cannot be delivered to the Trust, the Company shall have the right at
any time, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days' notice, to redeem the
Securities in whole or in part for cash at the Optional Redemption Price within
90 days following the occurrence of such Tax Event; provided, however, that, if
at the time there is available to the Company or the Regular Trustees on behalf
of the Trust the opportunity to eliminate, within such 90 day period, the Tax
Event by taking some ministerial action ("Ministerial Action"), such as filing
a form or making an election, or pursuing some other similar reasonable
measure, which has no adverse effect on the Trust, the Company or the holders
of the Preferred Securities, the Company or the Regular Trustees on behalf of
the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption and, provided
<PAGE>   15

                                       14

further, that the Company shall have no right to redeem the Securities while
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust are pursuing any such Ministerial
Action.

                 "Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have
obtained an opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel
experienced in such matters (a "Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that on
or after December 7, 1995, as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change
(including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations
thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, (b) any amendment to, or change in, an
interpretation or application of any such laws or regulations by any
legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (including
the enactment of any legislation and the publication of any judicial decision
or regulatory determination), (c) any interpretation or pronouncement that
provides for a position with respect to such laws or regulations that differs
from the theretofore generally accepted position or (d) any action taken by any
governmental agency or regulatory authority, which amendment or change is
enacted, promulgated, issued or announced or which interpretation or
pronouncement is issued or announced or which action is taken, in each case on
or after December 7, 1995, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i)
the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof, subject to United
States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the
Securities, (ii) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof,
subject to more than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or other governmental
charges or (iii) interest payable by the Company to the Trust on the Securities
is not, or within 90 days of the date thereof will not be, deductible by the
Company for United States federal income tax purposes.

                 "No Recognition Opinion" means an opinion of a nationally
recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters, which opinion
may rely on any then applicable published revenue ruling of the Internal
Revenue Service, to the effect that the holders of the Preferred Securities
will not recognize any gain or loss for United States federal income tax
purposes as a result of a dissolution of the Trust and distribution of the
Securities as provided in the Declaration of Trust.

                 If the Securities are only partially redeemed by the Company
pursuant to an Optional Redemption or as a result of a Tax Event as described
above, the Securities will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or by any other
method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a partial redemption of the Securities would result in the
delisting of the Preferred Securities by any national securities exchange or
other organization on which the Preferred Securities are then listed, the
Company shall not be permitted to effect such partial redemption and will only
redeem the Securities as a whole.

                 In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a
new Security or Securities of this series for the unredeemed portion hereof
will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.
<PAGE>   16

                                       15

                 The Securities of this series are subject to the defeasance
and covenant defeasance provisions set forth in Article Fifteen of the
Indenture.

                 If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this
series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this
series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect
provided in the Indenture.

                 The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein
provided, the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of not
less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all
series affected at the time outstanding, as defined in the Indenture (and, in
the case of any series of Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust and with respect to which a Security Exchange has not
theretofore occurred, such consent of holders of the Preferred Securities and
the Common Securities of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be
required under the Declaration of Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital
Trust), to execute supplemental indentures for the purpose of adding any
provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of
the Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner
the rights of the Holders of the Securities; provided, however, that no such
supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the fixed maturity of any Security of
any series, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or
extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce any premium payable
upon the redemption thereof, without the consent of the holder of each Security
so affected or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Securities, the holders
of which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture, without
the consent of the holders of each Security (and, in the case of any series of
Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with
respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, such consent
of the holders of the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities of such
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of
Trust of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust) then outstanding and affected
thereby.  The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at the
time outstanding affected thereby (subject, in the case of any series of
Securities held as trust assets of a Ford Motor Company Capital Trust and with
respect to which a Security Exchange has not theretofore occurred, to such
consent of holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities of such Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust as may be required under the Declaration of Trust
of such Ford Motor Company Capital Trust), on behalf of the Holders of the
Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain
provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and
their consequences.  Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security
(unless revoked as provided in the Indenture) shall be conclusive and binding
upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any
Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange or in
lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon
this Security.
<PAGE>   17

                                       16

                 Subject to Section 14.03 of the Indenture, no reference herein
to the Indenture (other than such Section) and no provision of this Security or
of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the amount of principal of (and premium, if
any, on) and interest on this Security herein provided, and at the times, place
and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

                 So long as the Company is not in default in the payment of
interest on the Securities, the Company shall have the right, at any time
during the term of the Securities, from time to time to extend the interest
payment period of such Securities (other than with respect to the Pre-Issuance
Accrued Distribution) for up to 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods (the
"Extended Interest Payment Period"), at the end of which period the Company
shall pay all interest then accrued and unpaid (together with interest thereon
at the  rate of 9% per annum compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by
applicable law ("Compounded Interest")).  During such Extended Interest Payment
Period, the Company shall not declare or pay any dividends on, or redeem,
purchase, acquire or make a distribution or liquidation payment with respect
to, any of its common stock or preferred stock or any other securities similar
to the Preferred Securities or the Securities, or make any guarantee payments
with respect thereto; provided, however, that the Company may pay dividends
(and cash in lieu of fractional shares) upon the conversion, other than at the
Company's option, of any of its preferred stock, including its Series A
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, in accordance with the terms of such
stock.  Prior to the termination of any such Extended Interest Payment Period,
the Company may pay all or any portion of the interest accrued on the
Securities on any Interest Payment Date to holders of record on the Regular
Record Date for such Interest Payment Date or from time to time further extend
such Extended Interest Payment Period, provided that such Extended Interest
Payment Period, together with all such further extensions thereof, shall not
exceed 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods.  At the termination of any
such Extended Interest Payment Period and upon the payment of all accrued and
unpaid interest then due, together with Compounded Interest, the Company may
select a new Extended Interest Payment Period, subject to the foregoing
requirements.  No interest on this Security shall be due and payable during an
Extended Interest Payment Period, except at the end thereof.  At the end of the
Extended Interest Payment Period, the Company shall pay all interest accrued
and unpaid on the Securities including any Compounded Interest which shall be
payable to the holders of the Securities in whose names the Securities are
registered in the Security Register on the Regular Record Date for the first
Interest Payment Date occurring on or after the end of the Extended Interest
Payment Period.

                 As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain
limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in
the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of
transfer at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City and State of New York, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security
Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing, and thereupon one
<PAGE>   18

                                       17

or more new Securities of this series, of authorized denominations and for the
same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or
transferees.

                 No service charge shall be made for any such registration of
transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient
to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

                 The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered
form without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate
principal amount of Securities of this series of different authorized
denominations as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

                 Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of
transfer, the Company, the Trustee, any agent of the Company or the Trustee may
treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof
for all purposes, whether or not this Security shall be overdue, and neither
the Company nor the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by any notice
to the contrary.

                 No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, or the interest on this Security, or for any claim based
hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the
Indenture, against any incorporator, stockholder, officer, director or
employee, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any successor
corporation, either directly or through the Company, whether by virtue of any
constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment
or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance hereof and
as part of the consideration for the issuance hereof, expressly waived and
released.

                 All terms used in this Security which are defined in the
Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.


                                  ARTICLE SIX

                ORIGINAL ISSUE OF JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

                 SECTION  6.01.  Junior Subordinated Debentures in the
aggregate principal  amount equal to the sum of $1,115,000,000 plus a dollar
amount equal to the principal amount of Junior Subordinated Debentures
purchased by the Trust with the proceeds received by the Trust from the
purchase by the Company of the Common Securities of the Trust, may, upon
execution of this First Supplemental Indenture, be executed by the Company and
delivered to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon
authenticate and deliver said Junior Subordinated Debentures to or upon the
written order of the Company, signed by any two of its Chairman of the Board,
its President, an Executive Vice President,
<PAGE>   19

                                       18

a Vice President, its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Controller, an
Assistant Controller, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, without any
further action by the Company.


                                 ARTICLE SEVEN

                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                 SECTION 7.01. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
First Supplemental Indenture or in the form of Junior Subordinated Debenture or
otherwise clearly required by the context hereof or thereof, all terms used
herein or in said form of Junior Subordinated Debenture that are defined in the
Indenture shall have the several meanings respectively assigned to them
thereby.

                 SECTION 7.02. The Indenture, as supplemented by this First
Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and this
First Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed part of the Indenture in the
manner and to the extent herein and therein provided.

                 SECTION 7.03. The recitals herein contained are made by the
Company and not by the Trustee, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for
the correctness thereof.  The Trustee makes no representation as to the
validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental Indenture.

                 SECTION 7.04. This First Supplemental Indenture may be
executed in any number of counterparts each of which shall be an original; but
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
<PAGE>   20

                                       19

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, FORD MOTOR COMPANY has caused this First
Supplemental Indenture to be duly signed and acknowledged by its Chairman of
the Board or its President or an Executive Vice President or a Vice President
or its Treasurer or its Assistant Treasurer or its Secretary or its Assistant
Secretary thereunto duly authorized,  its corporate seal to be affixed
hereunto, and the same to be attested by its Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary; and THE BANK OF NEW YORK has caused this First Supplemental
Indenture to be duly signed and acknowledged by one of its Vice Presidents or
Assistant Vice Presidents thereunto duly authorized, and its corporate seal to
be affixed hereunto, and the same to be attested by one of its Assistant
Treasurers.


                                        FORD MOTOR COMPANY


                                        By_____________________________
                                          Name:
                                          Title:



Attest:


_____________________
Name:
Title:



                                        THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee


                                        By_________________________________
                                          Name:
                                          Title:



Attest:


_____________________
Assistant Treasurer
<PAGE>   21

                                       20

STATE OF MICHIGAN  )
                   ) ss.:
COUNTY OF Wayne    )
                                                              __________, 1995

                 On the __________ day of _____, in the year one thousand nine
hundred ninety-five, before me personally came _______________ to me known,
who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at
___________________________________; that he is
_____________________________________ of FORD MOTOR COMPANY, one of the
corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he
knows the corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporation seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by
like authority.


                                                   _______________________
                                                   NOTARY PUBLIC


                                                   My Commission Expires
<PAGE>   22

                                       21


STATE OF NEW YORK   )
                    ) ss.:
COUNTY OF New York  )
                                                            __________, 1995


                 On the _____ day of ______, in the year one thousand nine
hundred ninety-five, before me personally came ___________ to me known, who,
being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at
_______________________, that he is a ________________________ of THE BANK OF
NEW YORK, one of  the corporations described in and which executed the above
instrument; that he knows the corporate seal of said corporation; that the seal
affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by
authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation and that he signed his
name thereto by like authority.
                                                   NOTARY PUBLIC


                                                   My Commission Expires

<PAGE>   1
   

                                                                  Draft 10/27/95
    

                                                                     Exhibit 4.5



                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                              DECLARATION OF TRUST

                                       of

                       Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I

   
                               December 7, 1995
    



   
         AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST ("Declaration") dated and
effective as of December 7, 1995 by the undersigned trustees (together with all
other Persons from time to time duly appointed and serving as trustees in
accordance with the provisions of this Declaration, the "Trustees") and Ford
Motor Company, a Delaware corporation, as trust sponsor ("Ford" or the
"Sponsor").
    

         WHEREAS, the Sponsor and the Trustees entered into a Declaration of
Trust dated as of September 19, 1995 (the "Original Declaration") in order to
establish a statutory business trust (the "Trust") under the Business Trust Act
(as hereinafter defined);

         WHEREAS, the Certificate of Trust (the "Certificate of Trust") of the
Trust was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware on September 19, 1995;

   
         WHEREAS, the Trustees and the Sponsor desire to continue the Trust
pursuant to the Business Trust Act for the purpose of, as described more fully
in Section 3.3 hereof, (i) issuing Preferred Securities (as hereinafter
defined) representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust
in exchange for Series B Depositary Shares ("Depositary Shares") each
representing 1/2,000 of a share of Series B Preferred Stock (as hereinafter
defined) of Ford pursuant to the Offer (as hereinafter defined) and delivering
such Depositary Shares to Ford in consideration for the deposit by Ford as
trust assets of Debentures (as hereinafter defined) of Ford issued under the
Indenture (as hereinafter defined) and (ii) issuing and selling Common
Securities (as hereinafter defined) representing undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the Trust to Ford in exchange for cash and investing the
proceeds thereof in additional Debentures of Ford issued under the Indenture to
be held as assets of the Trust; and
    

   
         NOW, THEREFORE, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the
Trust constitute a business trust under the Business Trust Act, that the
Original Declaration be amended and restated in its entirety as provided herein
and that this Declaration constitute the governing instrument of such business
trust, the Trustees declare that all assets referred to in clauses (i) and (ii)
of the previous Whereas clause contributed to or purchased by the Trust will be
held in trust for the benefit of the Holders (as hereinafter defined) from time
to time, of the Certificates (as hereinafter defined)
    

<PAGE>   2
   
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust
issued hereunder, subject to the provisions of this Declaration.
    



                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

         SECTION 1.1 Definitions.

         (a) Capitalized terms used in this Declaration but not defined in the
preamble above have the respective meanings assigned to them in this Section
1.1;

         (b) a term defined anywhere in this Declaration has the same meaning
throughout;

         (c) all references to "the Declaration" or "this Declaration" are to
this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (including Exhibits A, B and C
hereto (the "Exhibits")) as modified, supplemented or amended from time to
time;

         (d) all references in this Declaration to Articles and Sections and
Exhibits are to Articles and Sections of and Exhibits to this Declaration
unless otherwise specified;

         (e) a term defined in the Trust Indenture Act has the same meaning
when used in this Declaration unless otherwise defined in this Declaration or
unless the context otherwise requires; and

         (f) a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa.

         "Affiliate" has the same meaning as given to that term in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act or any successor rule thereunder.

         "Book Entry Interest" means a beneficial interest in a Certificate
registered in the name of a Clearing Agency or a nominee thereof, ownership and
transfers of which shall be maintained and made through book entries by such
Clearing Agency as described in Section 9.4.

         "Business Day" means any day other than a day on which banking
institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close.

         "Business Trust Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware
Code, 12 Del. C. Sec. 3801 et seq., as it may be amended from time to time.

         "Certificate" means a Common Security Certificate or a Preferred
Security Certificate.

         "Certificate of Trust" has the meaning set forth in the second Whereas
clause above.

         "Clearing Agency" means an organization registered as a "Clearing
Agency" pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act that is acting as
depository for the Preferred Securities and in whose name or in the name of a
nominee of that organization, shall be registered a Global Certificate and
which shall undertake to effect book entry transfers and pledges of the
Preferred Securities.





                                       2
<PAGE>   3


         "Clearing Agency Participant" means a broker, dealer, bank, other
financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time the Clearing
Agency effects book entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with
the Clearing Agency.

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
to time or any successor legislation. A reference to a specific section
((Sec.)) of the Code refers not only to such specific section but also to any
corresponding provision of any federal tax statute enacted after the date of
this Declaration, as such specific section or corresponding provision is in
effect on the date of application of the provisions of this Declaration
containing such reference.

         "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Common Security" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(b).

         "Common Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate in fully
registered form representing a Common Security substantially in the form of
Annex I to Exhibit C.

   
         "Covered Person" means (i) any officer, director, shareholder,
partner, member, representative, employee or agent of the Trust or its
Affiliates, (ii) any officer, director, shareholder, employee, representative
or agent of Ford or its Affiliates and (iii) the Holders from time to time of
the Securities.
    

         "Dealer Manager Agreement" means the dealer manager agreement entered
into among Ford, the Trust and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Goldman,
Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers, PaineWebber Incorporated and Smith Barney Inc.
with respect to, among other things, the Offer and the Preferred Securities.

         "Debenture Trustee" means The Bank of New York, as trustee under the
Indenture until a successor is appointed thereunder and thereafter means such
successor trustee.

   
         "Debentures" means the series of Junior Subordinated Debentures issued
by Ford under the Indenture to the Trust and entitled the "9% Junior
Subordinated Debentures due 2025".
    

         "Delaware Trustee" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a)(3).

         "Distribution" means a distribution payable to Holders of Securities
in accordance with Section 6.1.

         "DTC" means The Depository Trust Company, the initial Clearing Agency.

         "Event of Default" in respect of the Securities means an Indenture
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing in respect of the Debentures.

         "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
from time to time or any successor legislation.

         "Expiration Date" has the meaning set forth in the Prospectus.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4


         "Fiscal Year" has the meaning specified in Section 11.1.

   
         "Ford Motor Company Capital Trust" shall mean any statutory business
trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware specified in the
applicable board resolution or supplemental indenture establishing a particular
series of Securities pursuant to Section 3.01 of the Indenture.
    

         "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Certificate representing a
Security is registered, such Person being a beneficial owner within the meaning
of the Business Trust Act.

         "Indemnified Person" means any Trustee, any Affiliate of any Trustee,
any officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees,
representatives or agents of any Trustee, or any employee or agent of the Trust
or its Affiliates.

   
         "Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of December 1, 1995 between
Ford and the Debenture Trustee and the First Supplemental Indenture thereto
dated such date pursuant to which the Debentures are to be issued.
    

   
         "Indenture Event of Default" means any event or condition defined as
an "Event of Default" with respect to the Debentures under Section 5.01 of the
Indenture has occurred and is continuing.
    

         "Institutional Trustee" means the Trustee meeting the eligibility
requirements set forth in Section 5.1(c) and having the duties set forth for
the Institutional Trustee herein.

         "Investment Company" means an investment company as defined in the
Investment Company Act.

         "Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended from time to time or any successor legislation.

         "Legal Action" has the meaning specified in Section 3.6(g).

         "Liquidation Distribution" has the meaning set forth in Exhibits B and
C hereto establishing the terms of the Securities.

   
         "Majority in liquidation amount of the Securities" means, except as
otherwise required by the Trust Indenture Act and except as provided in the
penultimate paragraph of paragraph 5 of Exhibit B hereto, Holder(s) of
outstanding Securities voting together as a single class or, as the context may
require, Holder(s) of outstanding Preferred Securities or Common Securities     
each voting separately as a class, who are the record owners of a relevant
class of Securities whose liquidation amount (including the stated amount that
would be paid on redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid
Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages are determined)
represents more than 50% of the liquidation amount of all outstanding
Securities of such class.
    

         "Ministerial Action" has the meaning set forth in the terms of the
Securities as set forth in Exhibits B and C hereto.





                                       4
<PAGE>   5


         "Offer" means the offer by the Trust to exchange Preferred Securities
of the Trust for outstanding Depositary Shares of Ford in consideration for the
deposit by Ford as trust assets of Debentures issued under the Indenture, all
as described in the Prospectus.

         "Original Declaration" has the meaning set forth in the first Whereas
clause above.

         "Paying Agent" has the meaning specified in Section 3.8(g).

         "Person" means a legal person, including any individual, corporation,
estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited
liability company, trust, unincorporated association, or government or any
agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever
nature.

   
         "Preferred Guarantee" means the Guarantee Agreement dated as of
December 7, 1995 of Ford in respect of the Preferred Securities.
    

         "Preferred Security" has the meaning specified in Section 7.1(b).

         "Preferred Security Beneficial Owner" means, with respect to a Book
Entry Interest, a Person who is the beneficial owner of such Book Entry
Interest, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency, or on the books of
a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly as a
Clearing Agency Participant or as an indirect participant, in each case in
accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency).

         "Preferred Security Certificate" means a definitive certificate in
fully registered form representing a Preferred Security substantially in the
form of Annex I to Exhibit B.

         "Prospectus" means the Prospectus dated ______, 1995 relating to the
Offer.

         "Quorum" means a majority of the Regular Trustees or, if there are
only two Regular Trustees, both such Regular Trustees.

         "Regular Trustee" means any Trustee other than the Institutional 
Trustee and the Delaware Trustee.

         "Related Party" means any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary
of Ford or any other Person which owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the
outstanding voting securities of Ford.

         "Resignation Request" has the meaning specified in Section 5.2(d).

         "Responsible Officer" means, with respect to the Institutional
Trustee, the chairman of the board of directors, the president, any
vice-president, any assistant vice-president, the secretary, any assistant
secretary, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, any trust officer or
assistant trust officer or any other officer of the Institutional Trustee
customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above
designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate
trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of that
officer's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.





                                       5
<PAGE>   6


         "Rule 3a-5" means Rule 3a-5 under the Investment Company Act or any 
successor rule thereunder.

         "Securities" means the Common Securities and the Preferred Securities.

         "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from
time to time or any successor legislation.

         "Series B Preferred Stock" means the Series B Cumulative Preferred
Stock of Ford.

         "Special Event" has the meaning set forth in the terms of the
Securities as set forth in Exhibits B and C hereto.

         "Sponsor" or "Ford" means Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation,
or any successor entity in a merger, in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust.

         "Successor Delaware Trustee" has the meaning specified in Section
5.2(b)(ii).

         "Successor Institutional Trustee" means a successor Trustee possessing
the qualifications to act as Institutional Trustee under Section 5.1(c).

         "10% in liquidation amount of the Securities" means, except as
otherwise required by the Trust Indenture Act and except as provided in the
penultimate paragraph of paragraph 5 of Exhibit B hereto, Holder(s) of
outstanding Securities voting together as a single class or, as the context may
require, Holder(s) of outstanding Preferred Securities or Common Securities,
voting separately as a class, who are the record owners of a relevant class of
Securities whose liquidation amount (including the stated amount that would be
paid on redemption, liquidation or otherwise, plus accrued and unpaid
Distributions to the date upon which the voting percentages are determined)
represents 10% or more of the liquidation amount of all outstanding Securities
of such class.

         "Treasury Regulations" means the income tax regulations including
temporary and proposed regulations, promulgated under the Code by the United
States Treasury, as such regulations may be amended from time to time
(including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

         "Trustee" or "Trustees" means each Person who has signed this
Declaration as a trustee, so long as such Person shall continue in office in
accordance with the terms hereof, and all other Persons who may from time to
time be duly appointed, qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with
the provisions hereof, and references herein to a Trustee or the Trustees shall
refer to such Person or Persons solely in their capacity as trustees hereunder.

         "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended.





                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                                   ARTICLE II

                              TRUST INDENTURE ACT

SECTION 2.1  Trust Indenture Act; Application.

         (a)  This Declaration is subject to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act that are required to be part of this Declaration and shall, to
the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions;

         (b)  if and to the extent that any provision of this Declaration
limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Secs. 310 to 317,
inclusive, of the Trust Indenture Act, such imposed duties shall control;

         (c)  the Institutional Trustee, to the extent permitted by applicable
law and/or the rules and regulations of the Commission, shall be the only
Trustee which is a trustee for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act; and

         (d)  the application of the Trust Indenture Act to this Declaration
shall not affect the nature of the Securities as equity securities representing
undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.

SECTION 2.2  Lists of Holders of Preferred Securities.

         (a)  Each of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the
Trust shall provide the Institutional Trustee with such information as is
required under Sec. 312(a) of the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the
manner provided in Sec. 312(a); and

         (b)  the Institutional Trustee shall comply with its obligations under
Secs. 310(b), 311 and 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.3  Reports by the Institutional Trustee.

         Within 60 days after May 15 of each year, the Institutional Trustee
shall provide to the Holders of the Securities such reports as are required by
Sec. 313 of the Trust Indenture Act, if any, in the form, in the manner and at
the times provided by Sec. 313 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Institutional
Trustee shall also comply with the requirements of Sec. 313(d) of the Trust
Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.4  Periodic Reports to Institutional Trustee.

         Each of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust
shall provide to the Institutional Trustee, the Commission and the Holders of
the Securities, as applicable, such documents, reports and information as
required by Sec. 314(a)(1)-(3) (if any) of the Trust Indenture Act and the
compliance certificates required by Sec. 314(a)(4) and (c) of the Trust
Indenture Act, any such certificates to be provided in the form, in the manner
and at the times required by Sec. 314(a)(4) and (c) of the Trust Indenture Act
(provided that any certificate to be provided pursuant to Sec. 314(a)(4) of the
Trust Indenture Act shall be provided within 120 days of the end of each Fiscal
Year).





                                       7
<PAGE>   8


SECTION 2.5  Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent.

         Each of the Sponsor and the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust
shall provide to the Institutional Trustee such evidence of compliance with any
conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Declaration which relate to
any of the matters set forth in Sec. 314(c) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any
certificate or opinion required to be given pursuant to Sec. 314(c) shall
comply with Sec. 314(e) of the Trust Indenture Act.

SECTION 2.6  Events of Default; Waiver

   
         (a)  Subject to Section 2.6(c), Holders of Preferred Securities may by
vote of at least a Majority in liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities,
voting separately as a class, (A) in accordance with the terms of the Preferred
Securities, direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred upon the Institutional Trustee or (B) on behalf of all Holders
of Preferred Securities waive any past Event of Default in respect of the
Preferred Securities and its consequences, provided that if the Event of
Default arises out of an Indenture Event of Default:
    

                (i)  which is not waivable under the Indenture, the Event of
         Default under this Declaration shall also not be waivable; or

                (ii)  which requires the consent or vote of (1) holders of
         Debentures representing a specified percentage greater than a majority
         in principal amount of the Debentures, or (2) each holder of
         Debentures, the Event of Default under this Declaration may only be
         waived by, in the case of clause (1) above, the vote of Holders of
         Preferred Securities representing such specified percentage of the
         aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities, or, in the
         case of clause (2) above, each Holder of Preferred Securities.

Upon such waiver, any such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default with respect to the Preferred Securities arising therefrom shall be
deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Declaration, but no such
waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default with
respect to the Preferred Securities or impair any right consequent thereon.

   
         (b)  Subject to Section 2.6(c), Holders of Common Securities may by
vote of at least a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities,
voting separately as a class, (A) in accordance with the terms of the Common
Securities, direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or
power conferred upon the Institutional Trustee or (B) on behalf of all Holders
of Common Securities, waive any past Event of Default with respect to the
Common Securities and its consequences, provided that, if the Event of Default
arises out of an Indenture Event of Default:
    

                (i)  which is not waivable under the Indenture, except where
         the Holders of the Common Securities are deemed to have waived such
         Event of Default under the Declaration as provided below, the Event of
         Default under this Declaration shall also not be waivable; or

                (ii)  which requires the consent or vote of (1) holders of
         Debentures representing a specified percentage greater than a majority
         in principal amount of the Debentures or (2) each holder of
         Debentures, except where the holders of the Common Securities are





                                       8
<PAGE>   9

         deemed to have waived such Event of Default under this Declaration as
         provided below, the Event of Default under this Declaration may        
         only be waived by, in the case of clause (1) above, the vote of
         Holders of Common Securities representing such specified percentage of
         the aggregate liquidation amount of the Common Securities, or, in the
         case of clause (2) above, each holder of Common Securities; and

provided, further that, each Holder of Common Securities will be deemed to have
waived any Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities and its
consequences until all Events of Default with respect to the Preferred
Securities have been cured, waived by the Holders of Preferred Securities as
provided in this Declaration or otherwise eliminated and until all Events of
Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been so cured, waived or
otherwise eliminated, the Institutional Trustee will be deemed to be acting
solely on behalf of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and only the
Holders of the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the
Institutional Trustee in accordance with the terms of this Declaration or the
Securities. If any Event of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities is
waived by the Holders of Preferred Securities as provided in this Declaration,
the Holders of Common Securities agree that such waiver shall also constitute
the waiver of such Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities for
all purposes under this Declaration without any further act, vote or consent of
the Holders of the Common Securities. Subject to the foregoing provisions of
this Section 2.6(b), upon such waiver, any such default shall cease to exist
and any Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities arising
therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this
Declaration, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default
or Event of Default with respect to the Common Securities or impair any right
consequent thereon.

         (c)  The right of any Holder of Securities to receive payment of
Distributions on the Securities in accordance with this Declaration and the
terms of the Securities set forth in Exhibits B and C on or after the
respective payment dates therefor, or to institute suit for the enforcement of
any such payment on or after such payment dates, shall not be impaired without
the consent of each such Holder.

         (d) As provided in the terms of the Securities set forth in Exhibits B
and C hereto, a waiver of an Indenture Event of Default by the Institutional
Trustee at the written direction of the Holders of the Preferred Securities
constitutes a waiver of the corresponding Event of Default under this
Declaration in respect of the Securities.

SECTION 2.7 Disclosure of Information

         The disclosure of information as to the names and addresses of the
Holders of the Securities in accordance with Sec. 312 of the Trust Indenture
Act, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, shall
not be deemed to be a violation of any existing law, or any law hereafter
enacted which does not specifically refer to Sec. 312 of the Trust Indenture
Act, nor shall the Institutional Trustee be held accountable by reason of
mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Sec. 312(b) of the Trust
Indenture Act.





                                       9
<PAGE>   10


                                  ARTICLE III

                                  ORGANIZATION

SECTION 3.1  Name.

         The Trust continued by this Declaration is named "Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust I" as such name may be modified from time to time by the Regular
Trustees following written notice to the Holders of Securities. The Trust's
activities may be conducted under the name of the Trust or any other name
deemed advisable by the Regular Trustees.

SECTION 3.2  Office.

         The address of the principal office of the Trust is c/o Ford Motor
Company, The American Road, Dearborn, Michigan  48121, telephone number (313)
322-3000. Upon ten days' written notice to the Holders, the Regular Trustees
may change the location of the Trust's principal office. The name of the
registered agent and office of the Trust in the State of Delaware is The Bank
of New York (Delaware), White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark, Delaware  19711.
At any time, the Regular Trustees may designate another registered agent and/or
registered office.

SECTION 3.3  Purpose.

   
         The exclusive purposes and functions of the Trust are: (a)(i) to issue
Preferred Securities in exchange for Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer
and to deliver such Depositary Shares to Ford in consideration for the deposit
by Ford as trust assets of Debentures issued under the Indenture having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Depositary Shares so delivered; (ii) to enter into such agreements and
arrangements as may be necessary in connection with the Offer and to take all
action, and exercise such discretion, as may be necessary or desirable in
connection with the Offer and to file such registration statements or make such
other filings under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or state securities or
"Blue Sky" laws as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the Offer
and the issuance of the Preferred Securities; and (iii) to issue and sell
Common Securities to Ford for cash and use the proceeds of such sale to
purchase as trust assets an equal aggregate principal amount of Debentures
issued under the Indenture; and (b) except as otherwise limited herein, to
engage in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. The
Trust shall not borrow money, issue debt or reinvest proceeds derived from
investments, pledge any of its assets or at any time while the Securities are
outstanding, otherwise undertake (or permit to be undertaken) any activity that
would result in or cause the Trust to be treated as anything other than a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
    

SECTION 3.4  Authority.

         Subject to the limitations provided in this Declaration and to the
specific duties of the Institutional Trustee, the Regular Trustees shall have
exclusive and complete authority to carry out the purposes of the Trust. An
action taken by the Regular Trustees in accordance with their powers shall
constitute the act of and serve to bind the Trust and an action taken by the
Institutional Trustee in accordance with its powers shall constitute the act of
and serve to bind the Trust. In dealing with the Trustees acting on behalf of
the Trust, no Person shall be required to inquire into the authority of the
Trustees to bind the Trust. Persons dealing with the Trust are





                                       10
<PAGE>   11

entitled to rely conclusively on the power and authority of the Trustees as set
forth in this Declaration.

SECTION 3.5  Title to Property of the Trust.

         Unless otherwise provided in this Declaration, legal title to all
assets of the Trust shall be vested in the Trust. The Holders of Certificates
shall not have legal title to any part of the assets of the Trust, but shall
have an individual undivided beneficial interest in the assets of the Trust.

SECTION 3.6  Powers and Duties of the Regular Trustees.

         The Regular Trustees shall have the exclusive power, authority and
duty to cause the Trust, and shall cause the Trust, to engage in the following
activities:

         (a)  to issue Preferred Securities and Common Securities, in each case
in accordance with this Declaration; provided, however, that the Trust may
issue no more than one series of Preferred Securities and no more than one
series of Common Securities, and, provided further, there shall be no interests
in the Trust other than the Securities and the issuance of Securities shall be
limited to a one-time, simultaneous issuance of both Preferred Securities and
Common Securities;

         (b)  in connection with the Offer and the issuance of the Preferred
Securities, at the direction of the Sponsor, to effect or cause to be effected
the filings, and to execute or cause to be executed, the documents, set forth
in Section 3.11;

         (c)  to acquire as trust assets Debentures upon consummation of the
Offer in connection with the exchange of Preferred Securities for Depositary
Shares pursuant to the Offer and to acquire as trust assets additional
Debentures with the proceeds of the sale of the Common Securities;

         (d)  to cause the Trust to enter into the Dealer Manager Agreement and
such other agreements and arrangements as may be necessary or desirable in
connection with the Offer and the consummation thereof, and to take all action,
and exercise all discretion, as may be necessary or desirable in connection
with the Offer or the consummation thereof;

         (e)  to give the Sponsor and the Institutional Trustee prompt written
notice of the occurrence of a Special Event, provided that the Regular Trustees
shall consult with the Sponsor and the Institutional Trustee before taking or
refraining to take any Ministerial Action in relation to a Special Event;

         (f)  to establish a record date with respect to all actions to be
taken hereunder that require a record date be established, including for the
purposes of Section 316(c) of the Trust Indenture Act and with respect to
Distributions, voting rights, redemptions, and exchanges, and to issue relevant
notices to Holders of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities as to such
actions and applicable record dates;

         (g)  to bring or defend, pay, collect, compromise, arbitrate, resort
to legal action, or otherwise adjust claims or demands of or against the Trust
("Legal Action"), unless pursuant to Section 3.8(c), the Institutional Trustee
has the exclusive power to bring such Legal Action;





                                       11
<PAGE>   12


         (h)  to employ or otherwise engage employees and agents (who may be
designated as officers with titles) and managers, contractors, advisors, and
consultants and pay reasonable compensation for such services;

         (i)  to cause the Trust to comply with the Trust's obligations under
the Trust Indenture Act;

         (j)  to give the certificate to the Institutional Trustee required by
Sec. 314(a)(4) of the Trust Indenture Act which certificate may be executed by
any Regular Trustee;

         (k)  to incur expenses which are necessary or incidental to carry out
any of the purposes of the Trust;

         (l)  to act as, or appoint another Person to act as, registrar and
transfer agent for the Securities, the Regular Trustees hereby initially
appointing Chemical Bank for such purposes;

         (m)  to take all actions and perform such duties as may be required of
the Regular Trustee pursuant to the terms of the Securities set forth in
Exhibits B and C hereto;

         (n)  to execute all documents or instruments, perform all duties and
powers, and do all things for and on behalf of the Trust in all matters
necessary or incidental to the foregoing;

         (o)  to take all action which may be necessary or appropriate for the
preservation and the continuation of the Trust's valid existence, rights,
franchises and privileges as a statutory business trust under the laws of the
State of Delaware and of each other jurisdiction in which such existence is
necessary to protect the limited liability of the Holders of the Securities or
to enable the Trust to effect the purposes for which the Trust has been
created;

         (p)  to take all action, not inconsistent with this Declaration or
with applicable law, which the Regular Trustees determine in their discretion
to be reasonable and necessary or desirable in carrying out the activities of
the Trust as set out in this Section 3.6, in order that:

                (i)  the Trust will not be deemed to be an Investment Company
         required to be registered under the Investment Company Act;

                (ii)  the Trust will not be classified for United States
         federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation
         or a partnership and will be treated as a grantor trust for United
         States federal income tax purposes; and

                (iii)  the Trust will comply with any requirements imposed by
         any taxing authority on holders of instruments treated as indebtedness
         for United States federal income tax purposes;

provided that such action does not adversely affect the interests of Holders;

         (q)  to take all action necessary to cause all applicable tax returns
and tax information reports that are required to be filed with respect to the
Trust to be duly prepared and filed by the Regular Trustees, on behalf of the
Trust; and





                                       12
<PAGE>   13


         (r)  subject to the requirements of Rule 3a-5 and Sec. 317(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act, to appoint one or more Paying Agents in addition to the
Institutional Trustee.

         The Regular Trustees must exercise the powers set forth in this
Section 3.6 in a manner which is consistent with the purposes and functions of
the Trust set out in Section 3.3 and the Regular Trustees shall not take any
action which is inconsistent with the purposes and functions of the Trust set
forth in Section 3.3.

         Subject to this Section 3.6, the Regular Trustees shall have none of
the powers nor any of the authority of the Institutional Trustee set forth in
Section 3.8.

SECTION 3.7  Prohibition of Actions by Trust and Trustees.

         The Trust shall not, and the Trustees (including the Institutional
Trustee) shall cause the Trust not to, engage in any activity other than as
required or authorized by this Declaration. In particular, the Trust shall not
and the Trustees (including the Institutional Trustee) shall not:

         (a)  invest any proceeds received by the Trust from holding the
Debentures but shall promptly distribute all such proceeds to Holders of
Securities pursuant to the terms of this Declaration and of the Securities;

         (b)  acquire any assets other than as expressly provided herein;

         (c)  possess Trust property for other than a Trust purpose;

         (d)  make any investments, other than investments represented by the
Debentures;

         (e)  possess any power or otherwise act in such a way as to vary the
Trust assets or the terms of the Securities in any way whatsoever;


         (f)  issue any securities or other evidences of beneficial ownership
of, or beneficial interests in, the Trust other than the Securities;

         (g)  incur any indebtedness for borrowed money; or

   
         (h)  (i) direct the time, method and place of exercising any trust or
power conferred upon the Debenture Trustee with respect to the Debentures, (ii)
waive any past default that is waivable under Section 5.13 of the Indenture,
(iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul any declaration that the principal
of all of the Debentures shall be due and payable or (iv) consent to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Debentures, in
each case where such consent shall be required, unless in the case of this
clause (h) the Institutional Trustee shall have received an unqualified opinion
of nationally recognized independent tax counsel recognized as expert in such
matters to the effect that such action will not cause the Trust to be
classified for United States federal income tax purposes as an association
taxable as a corporation or partnership and that the Trust will continue to be
classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
    





                                       13
<PAGE>   14





SECTION 3.8  Powers and Duties of the Institutional Trustee.

         (a)  The Institutional Trustee shall:

                 (i)  on the receipt of payments of funds made in respect of
         the Debentures held by the Trust, without any further acts of the
         Institutional Trustee or the Regular Trustees, promptly make payments
         to the Holders of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities in
         accordance with Section 6.1. Funds held in the Trust may be held
         uninvested, and without liability for interest thereon, until
         disbursed in accordance with this Declaration;

                 (ii)  engage in such ministerial activities as shall be
         necessary or appropriate to effect promptly the redemption of the
         Preferred Securities and the Common Securities to the extent the
         Debentures are redeemed or mature;

                 (iii)  upon notice of distribution issued by the Regular
         Trustees in accordance with the terms of the Preferred Securities and
         the Common Securities, engage in such ministerial activities as shall
         be necessary or appropriate to effect promptly the distribution
         pursuant to terms of the Securities of Debentures to Holders of
         Securities upon the occurrence of a Special Event; and

                 (iv)  have the legal power to exercise all of the rights,
         powers and privileges of a holder of the Debentures under the
         Indenture and, if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the
         Institutional Trustee, subject to Section 2.6(b), shall for the
         benefit of the Holders of the Securities, enforce its rights as holder
         of the Debentures under the Indenture, subject to the rights of the
         Holders of the Preferred Securities pursuant to the terms of this
         Declaration and the Trust Indenture Act.

         (b)  The Institutional Trustee shall take all actions and perform such
duties as may be specifically required of the Institutional Trustee pursuant to
the terms of the Securities set forth in Exhibits B and C hereto.

         (c)  The Institutional Trustee shall take any Legal Action which
arises out of or in connection with an Event of Default or the Institutional
Trustee's duties and obligations under this Declaration or the Trust Indenture
Act.

         (d)  All moneys and all Debentures held by the Trust will not be
subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in
favor of, or for the benefit of the Institutional Trustee or its agents or
their creditors.

         (e)  The Institutional Trustee shall, within 90 days after the
occurrence of a default with respect to the Securities, transmit by mail, first
class postage prepaid, to the holders of the Securities, as their names and
addresses appear upon the register, notice of all defaults with respect to the
Securities known to the Institutional Trustee, unless such defaults shall have
been cured before the giving of such notice (the term "defaults" for the
purposes of this Section 3.8(e) being hereby defined to be an Indenture Event
of Default, not including any periods of grace provided for in the Indenture
and irrespective of the giving of any notice provided therein); provided, that,
except in the case of default in the payment of the principal of (or premium,
if any) or interest on any of the Debentures, the Institutional Trustee shall
be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of
directors, the executive committee, or a





                                       14
<PAGE>   15

trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers, of the Institutional
Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the
interests of the Holders of the Securities. The Institutional Trustee shall not
be deemed to have knowledge of any default, except (i) a default in the payment
of principal, premium or interest on the Debentures or (ii) any default as to
which the Institutional Trustee shall have received written notice or a
Responsible Officer charged with the administration of this Declaration shall
have obtained written notice.

         (f)  The Institutional Trustee shall not resign as a Trustee unless
either:

                (i)  the Trust has been completely liquidated and the proceeds
         thereof distributed to the Holders of Securities pursuant to the terms
         of the Securities; or

                (ii)  a Successor Institutional Trustee has been appointed and
         accepted that appointment in accordance with Article V.

   
         (g)  The Institutional Trustee shall act or appoint another Person to
act as paying agent in respect of the Securities and, subject to Section
3.6(r), may authorize one or more Persons (each, a "Paying Agent") to pay
Distributions, redemption payments or liquidation payments on behalf of the
Trust with respect to the Preferred Securities. Any such Paying Agent shall
comply with Sec. 317(b) of the Trust Indenture Act. Any Paying Agent may be
removed by the Institutional Trustee, after consultation with the Regular
Trustees, at any time and a successor Paying Agent or additional Paying Agents
may be appointed at any time by the Institutional Trustee, subject to Section
3.6(r). The Institutional Trustee hereby initially appoints Chemical Bank as
the Paying Agent.
    

         (h)  The Institutional Trustee shall give prompt written notice to the
Holders of the Securities of any notice received by it from Ford of its
election to defer payments of interest on the Debentures by extending the
interest payment period with respect thereto.

         (i)  Subject to this Section 3.8, the Institutional Trustee shall have
none of the powers or the authority of the Regular Trustees set forth in
Section 3.6.

         (j)  The Institutional Trustee shall exercise the powers, duties and
rights set forth in this Section 3.8 and Section 3.10 in a manner which is
consistent with the purposes and functions of the Trust set out in Section 3.3
and the Institutional Trustee shall not take any action which is inconsistent
with the purposes and functions of the Trust set forth in Section 3.3.

SECTION 3.9  Delaware Trustee.

         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration other than
Section 5.1(a)(3), the Delaware Trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any
powers, nor shall the Delaware Trustee have any of the duties and
responsibilities of the Regular Trustees and the Institutional Trustee
described in this Declaration. Except as set forth in Section 5.1(a)(3), the
Delaware Trustee shall be a Trustee for the sole and limited purpose of
fulfilling the requirements of Sec. 3807 of the Business Trust Act. No implied
covenants or obligations shall be read into this Declaration against the
Delaware Trustee.

SECTION 3.10  Certain Rights and Duties of the Institutional Trustee.

         (a)  The Institutional Trustee, before the occurrence of an Event of
Default and after the curing of all Events of Default that may have occurred,
shall undertake to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in
this Declaration, and no implied covenants shall be read into





                                       15
<PAGE>   16

this Declaration against the Institutional Trustee. In case an Event of Default
has occurred (that has not been cured or waived pursuant to Section 2.6), the
Institutional Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it
by this Declaration, and use the same degree of care and skill in their
exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in
the conduct of his or her own affairs.

         (b)  No provision of this Declaration shall be construed to relieve
the Institutional Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own
negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

                 (i) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after
         the curing or waiving of all such Events of Default that may have
         occurred:

                 (A)      the duties and obligations of the Institutional
                          Trustee shall be determined solely by the express
                          provisions of this Declaration, and the Institutional
                          Trustee shall not be liable except for the
                          performance of such duties and obligations as are
                          specifically set forth in this Declaration, and no
                          implied covenants or obligations shall be read into
                          this Declaration against the Institutional Trustee;
                          and

                 (B)      in the absence of bad faith on the part of the
                          Institutional Trustee, the Institutional Trustee may
                          conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements
                          and the correctness of the opinions expressed
                          therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished
                          to the Institutional Trustee and conforming to the
                          requirements of this Declaration; but in the case of
                          any such certificates or opinions that by any
                          provision hereof are specifically required to be
                          furnished to the Institutional Trustee, the
                          Institutional Trustee shall be under a duty to
                          examine the same to determine whether or not they
                          conform to the requirements of this Declaration;

                (ii)  the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable for any
         error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the
         Institutional Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the
         Institutional Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent
         facts;

                (iii)  the Institutional Trustee shall not be liable with
         respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith
         in accordance with the direction of the Holders as provided herein
         relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
         for any remedy available to the Institutional Trustee hereunder or
         under the Indenture, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon
         the Institutional Trustee under this Declaration; and

                (iv)  no provision of this Declaration shall require the
         Institutional Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise
         incur personal financial liability in the performance of any of its
         duties or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall
         have reasonable ground for believing that the repayment of such funds
         or liability is not reasonably assured to it under the terms of this
         Declaration or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is
         not reasonably assured to it.

         (c)  Subject to the provisions of Section 3.10(a) and (b):





                                       16
<PAGE>   17


                 (i)  whenever in the administration of this Declaration, the
         Institutional Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved
         or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action
         hereunder, the Institutional Trustee (unless other evidence is herein
         specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part
         and, if the Trust is excluded from the definition of Investment
         Company solely by means of Rule 3a-5, subject to the requirements of
         Rule 3a-5, request and rely upon a certificate, which shall comply
         with the provisions of Sec. 314(e) of the Trust Indenture Act, signed
         by any two of the Regular Trustees or by an authorized officer of the
         Sponsor, as the case may be;

   
                (ii)  The Institutional Trustee (A) may consult with counsel of
         its choice (which may be counsel to the Sponsor or any of its
         Affiliates and may include any of its employees) selected by it in
         good faith and with due care and the written advice or opinion of such
         counsel with respect to legal matters shall be full and complete
         authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered
         or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon and
         in accordance with such advice and opinion and (B) shall have the
         right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration
         of this Declaration from any court of competent jurisdiction;
    

                 (iii)  The Institutional Trustee may execute any of the trusts
         or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or
         by or through agents or attorneys and the Institutional Trustee shall
         not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any
         agent or attorney appointed by it in good faith and with due care;

                 (iv)  The Institutional Trustee shall be under no obligation
         to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this
         Declaration at the request or direction of any Holders, unless such
         Holders shall have offered to the Institutional Trustee reasonable
         security and indemnity against the costs, expenses (including
         attorneys' fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred
         by it in complying with such request or direction; provided that
         nothing contained in this clause (iv) shall relieve the Institutional
         Trustee of the obligation, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
         (which has not been cured or waived) to exercise such of the rights
         and powers vested in it by this Declaration, and to use the same
         degree of care and skill in this exercise, as a prudent person would
         exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her
         own affairs; and

                 (v)  Any action taken by the Institutional Trustee or its
         agents hereunder shall bind the Holders of the Securities and the
         signature of the Institutional Trustee or its agents alone shall be
         sufficient and effective to perform any such action; and no third
         party shall be required to inquire as to the authority of the
         Institutional Trustee to so act, or as to its compliance with any of
         the terms and provisions of this Declaration, both of which shall be
         conclusively evidenced by the Institutional Trustee's or its agent's
         taking such action.

SECTION 3.11  Registration Statement and Related Matters.

   
         In accordance with the Original Declaration, Ford and the Trustees
have authorized and directed, and hereby confirm the authorization of, Ford, as
the sponsor of the Trust, (i) to file with the Commission and execute, in each
case on behalf of the Trust, (a) the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File
No. 33-62761) (the "1933 Act Registration Statement") and any
    





                                       17
<PAGE>   18
   
pre-effective or post-effective amendments to such Registration
Statement, relating to the registration under the Securities Act of the
Preferred Securities of the Trust, (b) a Registration Statement on Form 8-A or
other appropriate form (the "1934 Act Registration Statement") (including all
pre-effective and post-effective amendments thereto) relating to the
registration of the Preferred Securities of the Trust under Section 12(b) of
the Exchange Act and (c) an Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4 and
any other tender offer statement required to be filed by the Trust with the
Commission (including, if necessary, Schedule 14D-1) relating to the Offer
(collectively, the "Tender Offer Schedules") and any amendment or supplement
thereto; (ii) to file with the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and execute on
behalf of the Trust a listing application and all other applications,
statements, certificates, agreements and other instruments as shall be
necessary or desirable to cause the Preferred Securities to be listed on the
NYSE; (iii) to file and execute on behalf of the Trust such applications,
reports, surety bonds, irrevocable consents, appointments of attorney for
service of process and other papers and documents as shall be necessary or
desirable to register the Preferred Securities under the securities or "Blue
Sky" laws of such jurisdictions as Ford on behalf of the Trust, may deem
necessary or desirable and (iv) to execute on behalf of the Trust the Dealer
Manager Agreement, relating to the Offer, substantially in the form included as
Exhibit 1 to the 1933 Act Registration Statement. In the event that any filing
referred to in clauses (i)-(iii) above is required by the rules and regulations
of the Commission, the NYSE or state securities or blue sky laws, to be
executed on behalf of the Trust by the Trustees, the Regular Trustees, in their
capacities as Trustees of the Trust, are hereby authorized and directed to join
in any such filing and to execute on behalf of the Trust any and all of the
foregoing, it being understood that the Institutional Trustee and the Delaware
Trustee, in their capacities as Trustees of the Trust, shall not be required to
join in any such filing or execute on behalf of the Trust any such document
unless required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the NYSE or
state securities or blue sky laws.  In connection with all of the foregoing,
Ford and each Trustee, solely in its capacity as Trustee of the Trust, have
constituted and appointed, and hereby confirm the appointment of John M.
Rintamaki, Thomas J. DeZure, Louis J. Ghilardi, Peter J. Sherry, Jr. and Nadia
A. Patino, and each of them, as his, her or its, as the case may be, true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact, and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for Ford or such Trustee or in Ford's or such Trustee's name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to the 1933 Act Registration Statement,
the 1934 Act Registration Statement and the Tender Offer Schedules and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all
intents and purposes as Ford or such Trustee might or could do in person,
hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or
any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, shall do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
    

SECTION 3.12  Filing of Amendments to Certificate of Trust.

         The Certificate of Trust as filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware on September 19, 1995 is attached hereto as Exhibit A. On or
after the date of execution of this Declaration, the Trustees shall cause the
filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of such amendments
to the Certificate of Trust as the Trustees shall deem necessary or desirable.





                                       18
<PAGE>   19


SECTION 3.13  Execution of Documents by Regular Trustees.

         Unless otherwise determined by the Regular Trustees and except as
otherwise required by the Business Trust Act with respect to the Certificate of
Trust or otherwise, a majority of, or if there are only two, both of, the
Regular Trustees are authorized to execute and deliver on behalf of the Trust
any documents which the Regular Trustees have the power and authority to
execute or deliver pursuant to this Declaration.

SECTION 3.14  Trustees Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

         The recitals contained in this Declaration and the Securities shall be
taken as the statements of the Sponsor and the Trustees do not assume any
responsibility for their correctness. The Trustees make no representations as
to the value or condition of the property of the Trust or any part thereof. The
Trustees make no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this
Declaration or the Securities.

SECTION 3.15  Duration of Trust.

         The Trust, absent termination pursuant to the provisions of Article
VIII hereof, shall have existence until December 31, 2026.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                    SPONSOR

SECTION 4.1  Purchase of Common Securities by Sponsor.

         The Sponsor will purchase Common Securities issued by the Trust at the
same time as the Preferred Securities are issued in exchange for Depositary
Shares pursuant to the Offer, such purchase to be in an amount equal to 3% of
the sum of (i) the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Preferred
Securities issued in exchange for Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer and
(ii) the proceeds derived from the sale of the Common Securities.

SECTION 4.2  Expenses.

         (a)  The Sponsor shall be responsible for and shall pay for all debts
and obligations (other than with respect to the Securities) and all costs and
expenses of the Trust (including, but not limited to, costs and expenses
relating to the organization of the Trust, the issuance of the Preferred
Securities pursuant to the Offer, the fees and expenses (including reasonable
counsel fees and expenses) of the Trustees (including any amounts payable under
Article X), the costs and expenses relating to the operation of the Trust,
including without limitation, costs and expenses of accountants, attorneys,
statistical or bookkeeping services, expenses for printing and engraving and
computing or accounting equipment, paying agent(s), registrar(s), transfer
agent(s), duplicating, travel and telephone and other telecommunications
expenses and costs and expenses incurred in connection with the disposition of
Trust assets).

         (b)  The Sponsor will pay any and all taxes (other than United States
withholding taxes attributable to the Trust or its assets) and all liabilities,
costs and expenses with respect to such taxes of the Trust.





                                       19
<PAGE>   20


         (c)  The Sponsor's obligations under this Section 4.2 shall be for the
benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, any Person to whom any such debts,
obligations, costs, expenses and taxes are owed (a "Creditor") whether or not
such Creditor has received notice hereof. Any such Creditor may enforce the
Sponsor's obligations under this Section 4.2 directly against the Sponsor and
the Sponsor irrevocably waives any right or remedy to require that any such
Creditor take any action against the Trust or any other Person before
proceeding against the Sponsor. The Sponsor agrees to execute such additional
agreements as may be necessary or desirable in order to give full effect to the
provisions of this Section 4.2.

                                   ARTICLE V

                                    TRUSTEES

SECTION 5.1  Number of Trustees; Qualifications.

         (a)  The number of Trustees initially shall be five (5). At any time
(i) before the issuance of the Securities, the Sponsor may, by written
instrument, increase or decrease the number of, and appoint, remove and replace
the, Trustees, and (ii) after the issuance of the Securities, the number of
Trustees may be increased or decreased solely by, and Trustees may be
appointed, removed or replaced solely by, vote of Holders of Common Securities
representing a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities voting
as a class; provided that in any case:

                 (1) the number of Trustees shall be at least five (5) unless
         the Trustee that acts as the Institutional Trustee also acts as the
         Delaware Trustee, in which case the number of Trustees shall be at
         least three (3);

                 (2) at least a majority of the Trustees shall at all times be
         officers, directors or employees of Ford;

                 (3) if required by the Business Trust Act, one Trustee (the
         "Delaware Trustee") shall be either a natural person who is a resident
         of the State of Delaware or, if not a natural person, an entity which
         has its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and
         otherwise is permitted to act as a Trustee hereunder under the laws of
         the State of Delaware, except that if the Institutional Trustee has
         its principal place of business in the State of Delaware and otherwise
         is permitted to act as a Trustee hereunder under the laws of the State
         of Delaware, then the Institutional Trustee shall also be the Delaware
         Trustee and Section 3.9 shall have no application; and

                 (4)  there shall at all times be an Institutional Trustee
         hereunder which shall satisfy the requirements of Section 5.1(c).

Each Trustee shall be either a natural person at least 21 years of age or a
legal entity which shall act through one or more duly appointed
representatives.

         (b)  The initial Regular Trustees shall be:

   
    





                                       20
<PAGE>   21

            Malcolm S. Macdonald
            Elizabeth S. Acton
            John M. Rintamaki

            c/o     Ford Motor Company
                    The American Road
                    Dearborn, Michigan  48121

         (c)  There shall at all times be one Trustee which shall act as
Institutional Trustee. In order to act as Institutional Trustee hereunder, such
Trustee shall:

                 (i)  not be an Affiliate of the Sponsor; and

                 (ii)  be a corporation organized and doing business under the
         laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof
         or of the District of Columbia, or a corporation or Person permitted
         by the Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust
         Indenture Act, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust
         powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000,
         and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State,
         Territorial or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation
         publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or
         to the requirements of the supervising or examining authority referred
         to above, then for the purposes of this Section 5.1(c)(ii), the
         combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be
         its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent
         report of condition so published.

         If at any time the Institutional Trustee shall cease to satisfy the
requirements of clauses (i)-(ii) above, the Institutional Trustee shall
immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 5.2(d).
If the Institutional Trustee has or shall acquire any "conflicting interest"
within the meaning of Sec. 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Institutional
Trustee and the Holders of the Common Securities (as if such Holders were the
obligor referred to in Sec. 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act) shall in all
respects comply with the provisions of Sec. 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.
The Preferred Guarantee shall be deemed to be specifically described in this
Declaration for the purposes of clause (i) of the first proviso contained in
Sec. 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

         The initial Trustee which shall serve as the Institutional Trustee is
The Bank of New York, whose address is as set forth in Section 14.1(b).

         (d)  The initial Trustee which shall serve as the Delaware Trustee is
The Bank of New York (Delaware), whose address is as set forth in Section
14.1(c).

         (e)  Any action taken by Holders of Common Securities pursuant to this
Article V shall be taken at a meeting of Holders of Common Securities convened
for such purpose or by written consent as provided in Section 12.2.

         (f)  No amendment may be made to this Section 5.1 which would change
any rights with respect to the number, existence or appointment and removal of
Trustees, except with the consent of each Holder of Common Securities.





                                       21
<PAGE>   22



SECTION 5.2  Appointment, Removal and Resignation of Trustees.

         (a)     Subject to Section 5.2(b), Trustees may be appointed or
removed without cause at any time:

                (i)      until the issuance of the Securities, by written
         instrument executed by the Sponsor; and

                (ii)     after the issuance of the Securities, by vote of the
         Holders of a Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities
         voting as a class.

         (b)    (i)      The Trustee that acts as Institutional Trustee shall
         not be removed in accordance with Section 5.2(a) until a Successor
         Institutional Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as
         Institutional Trustee under Section 5.1(c) has been appointed and has
         accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such
         Successor Institutional Trustee and delivered to the Regular Trustees,
         the Sponsor and the Institutional Trustee being removed; and

                (ii)     the Trustee that acts as Delaware Trustee shall not
         be removed in accordance with Section 5.2(a) until a successor Trustee
         possessing the qualifications to act as Delaware Trustee under Section
         5.1(a)(3) (a "Successor Delaware Trustee") has been appointed and has
         accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such
         Successor Delaware Trustee and delivered to the Regular Trustees, the
         Sponsor and the Delaware Trustee being removed.

       (c)      A Trustee appointed to office shall hold office until his
successor shall have been appointed or until his death, removal or resignation.

       (d)      Any Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or
subsequent accounting) by an instrument (a "Resignation Request") in writing
signed by the Trustee and delivered to the Sponsor and the Trust, which
resignation shall take effect upon such delivery or upon such later date as is
specified therein; provided however, that:

   
                 (i)      no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the
         Institutional Trustee shall be effective until a Successor
         Institutional Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as
         Institutional Trustee under Section 5.1(c) has been appointed and has
         accepted such appointment by instrument executed by such Successor
         Institutional Trustee and delivered to the Trust, the Sponsor and the
         resigning Institutional Trustee; and
    

   
                 (ii)     no such resignation of the Trustee that acts as the
         Delaware Trustee shall be effective until a Successor Delaware Trustee
         has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument
         executed by such Successor Delaware Trustee and delivered to the
         Trust, the Sponsor and the resigning Delaware Trustee.
    

   
    




                                       22
<PAGE>   23


         (e)     If no Successor Institutional Trustee or Successor Delaware
Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this
Section 5.2 within 60 days after delivery to the Sponsor and the Trust of a
Resignation Request, the resigning Institutional Trustee or Delaware Trustee
may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor
Institutional Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee. Such court may thereupon
after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, appoint a
Successor Institutional Trustee or Successor Delaware Trustee, as the case may
be.

SECTION 5.3  Vacancies Among Trustees.

         If a Trustee ceases to hold office for any reason and the number of
Trustees is not reduced pursuant to Section 5.1 or if the number of Trustees is
increased pursuant to Section 5.1, a vacancy shall occur. A resolution
certifying the existence of such vacancy by a majority of the Regular Trustees
shall be conclusive evidence of the existence of such vacancy. The vacancy
shall be filled with a Trustee appointed in accordance with the requirements of
this Article V.

SECTION 5.4  Effect of Vacancies.

         The death, resignation, retirement, removal, bankruptcy, dissolution,
liquidation, incompetence or incapacity to perform the duties of a Trustee, or
any one of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust. Whenever a vacancy in
the number of Regular Trustees shall occur until such vacancy is filled as
provided in this Article V, the Regular Trustees in office, regardless of their
number, shall have all the powers granted to the Regular Trustees and shall
discharge all the duties imposed upon the Regular Trustees by this Declaration.

SECTION 5.5  Meetings.

         Meetings of the Regular Trustees shall be held from time to time upon
the call of any Trustee. Regular meetings of the Regular Trustees may be held
at a time and place fixed by resolution of the Regular Trustees. Notice of any
in-person meetings of the Regular Trustees shall be hand delivered or otherwise
delivered in writing (including by facsimile, with a hard copy by overnight
courier) not less than 48 hours before such meeting. Notice of any telephonic
meetings of the Regular Trustees or any committee thereof shall be hand
delivered or otherwise delivered in writing (including by facsimile, with a
hard copy by overnight courier) not less than 24 hours before a meeting.
Notices shall contain a brief statement of the time, place and anticipated
purposes of the meeting. The presence (whether in person or by telephone) of a
Regular Trustee at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such
meeting except where a Regular Trustee attends a meeting for the express
purpose of objecting to the transaction of any activity on the ground that the
meeting has not been lawfully called or convened. Unless provided otherwise in
this Declaration, any action of the Regular Trustees may be taken at a meeting
by vote of a majority of the Regular Trustees present (whether in person or by
telephone) and eligible to vote with respect to such matter, provided that a
Quorum is present, or without a meeting by the unanimous written consent of the
Regular Trustees.

SECTION 5.6  Delegation of Power.

         (a)  Any Regular Trustee may, by power of attorney consistent with
applicable law, delegate to any other natural person over the age of 21 his or
her power for the purpose of executing any registration statement or amendment
thereto or other document or schedule filed





                                       23
<PAGE>   24

with the Commission or making any other governmental filing (including, without
limitation filings referred to in Section 3.11).

         (b)  The Regular Trustees shall have power to delegate from time to
time to such of their number or to officers of the Trust the doing of such
things and the execution of such instruments either in the name of the Trust or
the names of the Regular Trustees or otherwise as the Regular Trustees may deem
expedient, to the extent such delegation is not prohibited by applicable law or
contrary to the provisions of the Trust, as set forth herein.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                 DISTRIBUTIONS

SECTION 6.1  Distributions.

         Holders shall receive periodic distributions, redemption payments and
liquidation distributions in accordance with the applicable terms of the
relevant Holder's Securities ("Distributions"). Distributions shall be made to
the Holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities in accordance with
the terms of the Securities as set forth in Exhibits B and C hereto. If and to
the extent that Ford makes a payment of interest (including Compounded Interest
(as defined in the Indenture)), premium and principal on the Debentures held by
the Institutional Trustee (the amount of any such payment being a "Payment
Amount"), the Institutional Trustee shall and is directed to promptly make a
Distribution of the Payment Amount to Holders in accordance with the terms of
the Securities as set forth in Exhibits B and C hereto.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                             ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES

SECTION 7.1  General Provisions Regarding Securities.

         (a)  The Regular Trustees shall issue on behalf of the Trust
securities in fully registered form representing undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the Trust in accordance with Section 7.1(b) and for the
consideration specified in Section 3.3.

         (b)  The Regular Trustees shall issue on behalf of the Trust one class
of preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the Trust having such terms as are set forth in Exhibit B (the
"Preferred Securities") which terms are incorporated by reference in, and made
a part of, this Declaration as if specifically set forth herein, and one class
of common securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of the Trust having such terms as are set forth in Exhibit C (the "Common
Securities") which terms are incorporated by reference in, and made a part of,
this Declaration as if specifically set forth herein. The Trust shall have no
securities or other interests in the assets of the Trust other than the
Preferred Securities and the Common Securities.

         (c)  The Certificates shall be signed on behalf of the Trust by the
Regular Trustees (or if there are more than two Regular Trustees by any two of
the Regular Trustees). Such signatures may be the manual or facsimile
signatures of the present or any future Regular Trustee.  Typographical and
other minor errors or defects in any such reproduction of any such signature
shall not affect the validity of any Security.  In case any Regular Trustee of
the Trust who shall





                                       24
<PAGE>   25
   
have signed any of the Certificates shall cease to be such Regular Trustee
before the Certificate so signed shall be delivered by the Trust, such
Certificate nevertheless may be delivered as though the person who signed such
Certificate had not ceased to be such Regular Trustee; and any Certificate may
be signed on behalf of the Trust by such persons as, at the actual date of the
execution of such Security, shall be the Regular Trustees of the Trust,
although at the date of the execution and delivery of the Declaration any such
person was not such a Regular Trustee. Certificates shall be printed,
lithographed or engraved or may be produced in any other manner as is
reasonably acceptable to the Regular Trustees, as evidenced by their execution
thereof, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or
designation and such legends or endorsements as the Regular Trustees may deem
appropriate, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or
regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock
exchange on which Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage. Pending the
preparation of definitive Certificates, the Regular Trustees on behalf of the
Trust may execute temporary Certificates (printed, lithographed or
typewritten), substantially in the form of the definitive Certificates in
lieu of which they are issued, but with such omissions, insertions and
variations as may be appropriate for temporary Certificates all as may be
determined by the Regular Trustees.  Each temporary Certificate shall be
executed by the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust upon the same
conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as
definitive Certificates. Without unnecessary delay, the Regular Trustees on
behalf of the Trust will execute and furnish definitive Certificates and
thereupon any or all temporary Certificates may be surrendered to the transfer
agent and registrar in exchange therefor (without charge to the Holders). Each
Certificate whether in temporary or definitive form shall be countersigned by
the manual or facsimile signature of an authorized signatory of the Person
acting as registrar and transfer agent for the Securities, which shall
initially be Chemical Bank.
    

         (d)  The consideration received by the Trust for the issuance of the
Securities shall constitute a contribution to the capital of the Trust and
shall not constitute a loan to the Trust.

         (e)  Upon issuance of the Securities as provided in this Declaration,
the Securities so issued shall be deemed to be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.

         (f)  Every Person, by virtue of having become a Holder or a Preferred
Security Beneficial Owner in accordance with the terms of this Declaration,
shall be deemed to have expressly assented and agreed to the terms of, and
shall be bound by this Declaration.

         (g)  Upon issuance of the Securities as provided in this Declaration,
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall return to Ford the $10
constituting initial trust assets as set forth in the Original Declaration.

   
                                  ARTICLE VIII
    

                              TERMINATION OF TRUST

SECTION 8.1  Termination of Trust.

         This Declaration and the Trust shall terminate and be of no further
force or effect when:

                 (i)  all of the Securities shall have been called for
         redemption and the amounts necessary for redemption thereof shall have
         been paid to the Holders of Securities in accordance with the terms of
         the Securities; or





                                       25
<PAGE>   26


                 (ii)  all of the Debentures shall have been distributed to the
         Holders of Securities in exchange for all of the Securities in
         accordance with the terms of the Securities; or

                 (iii) upon the expiration of the term of the Trust as set
         forth in Section 3.15,

and a certificate of cancellation is filed by the Trustees with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware. The Trustees shall so file such a
certificate as soon as practicable after the occurrence of an event referred to
in this Section 8.1.

    The provisions of Sections 3.10 and 4.2 and Article X shall survive the
termination of the Trust.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                             TRANSFER OF INTERESTS

SECTION 9.1  Transfer of Securities.

         (a) Securities may only be transferred, in whole or in part, in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Declaration. Any
transfer or purported transfer of any Security not made in accordance with this
Declaration shall be null and void.

         (b) Subject to this Article IX, Preferred Securities shall be freely
transferable.

         (c) Subject to this Article IX, Ford and any Related Party may only
transfer Common Securities to Ford or a Related Party, provided that any such
transfer shall be subject to the condition that the transferor shall have
obtained (1) either a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an
unqualified written opinion addressed to the Trust and delivered to the
Trustees of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters to the effect that such transfer will not (i) cause the Trust to be
treated as issuing a class of interests in the Trust differing from the class
of interests represented by the Common Securities originally issued to Ford,
(ii) result in the Trust acquiring or disposing of, or being deemed to have
acquired or disposed of, an asset, or (iii) result in or cause the Trust to be
treated as anything other than a grantor trust for United States federal income
tax purposes and (2) an unqualified written opinion addressed to the Trust and
delivered to the Trustees of a nationally recognized independent counsel
experienced in such matters that such transfer will not cause the Trust to be
an Investment Company or controlled by an Investment Company.

SECTION 9.2  Transfer of Certificates.

         The Regular Trustees shall provide for the registration of
Certificates and of transfers of Certificates, which will be effected without
charge but only upon payment (with such indemnity as the Regular Trustees may
require) in respect of any tax or other government charges which may be imposed
in relation to it. Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any
Certificate, the Regular Trustees shall cause one or more new Certificates to
be issued in the name of the designated transferee or transferees. Every
Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Regular Trustees
duly executed by the Holder or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in
writing. Each Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer shall be
canceled by the Regular Trustees. A





                                       26
<PAGE>   27
   
transferee of a Certificate shall be entitled to the rights and subject to the
obligations of a Holder hereunder upon the receipt by such transferee of a
Certificate. By acceptance of a Certificate, each transferee shall be deemed to
have agreed to be bound by this Declaration. The Trust shall not be required
(i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange of any Securities during the
period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the mailing of a
notice of redemption of Securities according to the terms of the Securities and
ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of the relevant
notice of redemption or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange of any
Security so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed
portion of any Security being redeemed in part.
    

SECTION 9.3  Deemed Security Holders.

         The Trustees may treat the Person in whose name any Certificate shall
be registered on the books and records of the Trust as the sole holder of such
Certificate and of the Securities represented by such Certificate for purposes
of receiving Distributions and for all other purposes whatsoever and,
accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such Certificate or in the Securities represented by such
Certificate on the part of any Person, whether or not the Trustees shall have
actual or other notice thereof.

SECTION 9.4  Book Entry Interests.

         The Preferred Securities Certificates, on original issuance, will be
issued in fully registered form. With respect to any Certificates registered on
the books and records of the Trust in the name of a Clearing Agency or the
nominee of a Clearing Agency:

                 (i)  the Trust and the Trustees shall be entitled to deal with
         the Clearing Agency for all purposes of this Declaration (including
         the payment of Distributions on such Certificates and receiving
         approvals, votes or consents hereunder) as the Preferred Security
         Holder and the sole holder of such Certificates and, except as set
         forth herein, shall have no obligation to the Preferred Security
         Beneficial Owners;

                 (ii)  to the extent that the provisions of this Section 9.4
         conflict with any other provisions of this Declaration, the provisions
         of this Section 9.4 shall control; and

                 (iii) the rights of the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners
         shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and shall be
         limited to those established by law and agreements between such
         Preferred Security Beneficial Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or
         the Clearing Agency Participants. The Clearing Agency will make book
         entry transfers among Clearing Agency Participants and receive and
         transmit payments of Distributions on such Certificates to such
         Clearing Agency Participants.

SECTION 9.5  Notices to Holders of Certificates.

         Whenever a notice or other communication to the Holders is required to
be given under this Declaration, the relevant Trustees shall give such notices
and communications to the Holders and, with respect to any Preferred Security
Certificate registered in the name of a Clearing Agency or the nominee of a
Clearing Agency, the Trustees shall, except as set forth herein, have no
obligations to the Preferred Security Beneficial Owners.

SECTION 9.6  Appointment of Successor Clearing Agency.

         If any Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as
securities depository with respect to the Preferred Securities, the Regular
Trustees may, in their sole discretion, appoint a successor Clearing Agency
with respect to the Preferred Securities.





                                       27
<PAGE>   28



SECTION 9.7  Definitive Preferred Securities Certificates.

         If (i) a Clearing Agency elects to discontinue its services as
securities depository with respect to the Preferred Securities and a successor
Clearing Agency is not appointed within 90 days after such discontinuance
pursuant to Section 9.6 or (ii) the Regular Trustees elect after consultation
with the Sponsor to terminate the book entry system through the Clearing Agency
with respect to the Preferred Securities, then upon surrender of the
Certificates representing the Book Entry Interests with respect to the
Preferred Securities by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration
instructions, the Regular Trustees shall cause definitive Preferred Security
Certificates to be delivered to Preferred Security Beneficial Owners in
accordance with the instructions of the Clearing Agency. Neither the Trustees
nor the Trust shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions
and each of them may conclusively rely on and shall be protected in relying on,
such instructions.

SECTION 9.8  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.

         If (a) any mutilated Certificates should be surrendered to the Regular
Trustees, or if the Regular Trustees shall receive evidence to their
satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Certificate; and (b)
there shall be delivered to the Regular Trustees such security or indemnity as
may be required by them to keep each of them harmless, then in the absence of
notice that such Certificate shall have been acquired by a bona fide purchaser,
any two Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust shall execute and deliver, in
exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Certificate, a new Certificate of like denomination. In connection with the
issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 9.8, the Regular Trustees
may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. Any duplicate
Certificate issued pursuant to this Section shall constitute conclusive
evidence of an ownership interest in the relevant Securities, as if originally
issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate shall be found
at any time.

                                   ARTICLE X

                    LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION

SECTION 10.1  Exculpation.

         (a)  No Indemnified Person shall be liable, responsible or accountable
in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any Covered Person for any loss, damage
or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such
Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such
Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority
conferred on such Indemnified Person by this Declaration or by law, except that
an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim
incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person's gross negligence (or, in the
case of the Institutional Trustee, negligence) or willful misconduct with
respect to such acts or omissions.

         (b)  An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good
faith upon the records of the Trust and upon such information, opinions,
reports or statements presented to the Trust by any Person as to matters the
Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such other Person's
professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable
care by or on behalf of the Trust, including information, opinions, reports or
statements as to the value





                                       28
<PAGE>   29

and amount of the assets, liabilities, profits, losses, or any other facts
pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which Distributions to
Holders of Securities might properly be paid.

         (c)  Pursuant to Sec. 3803 (a) of the Business Trust Act, the Holders
of Securities, in their capacities as Holders, shall be entitled to the same
limitation of liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for
profit organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

SECTION 10.2  Indemnification.

         (a)  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Sponsor
shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against any
loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of any act
or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on
behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed
to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by
this Declaration, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be
indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such
Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence (or, in the case of the
Institutional Trustee, negligence) or willful misconduct with respect to such
acts or omissions.

         (b)  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses
(including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any
claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced
by the Sponsor prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action,
suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Sponsor of an undertaking by or on
behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined
that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in
Section 10.2(a).

                                   ARTICLE XI

                                   ACCOUNTING

SECTION 11.1  Fiscal Year.

         The fiscal year ("Fiscal Year") of the Trust shall be the calendar
year, or such other year as is required by the Code.

SECTION 11.2  Certain Accounting Matters.

   
         (a)  At all times during the existence of the Trust, the Regular
Trustees shall keep, or cause to be kept, full books of account, records and
supporting documents, which shall reflect in reasonable detail, each
transaction of the Trust. The books of account shall be maintained on the
accrual method of accounting, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, consistently applied. The Trust shall use the accrual method of
accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. The books and records
of the Trust, together with a copy of this Declaration and a certified copy of
the Certificate of Trust, and any amendment thereto, shall at all times be
maintained at the principal office of the Trust and shall be open for
inspection for any examination by any Holder or its duly authorized
representative for any purpose reasonably related to its interest in the Trust
during normal business hours.
    





                                       29
<PAGE>   30


   
         (b) If required by applicable law, the Regular Trustees shall, as soon
as available after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust, cause to be
prepared and mailed to each Holder of Securities unaudited financial statements
of the Trust for such Fiscal Year, prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, provided that if the Trust is required to
comply with the periodic reporting requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act, such financial statements for such Fiscal Year shall be
examined and reported on by a firm of independent certified public accountants
selected by the Regular Trustees (which firm may be the firm used by the
Sponsor).
    

         (c)  The Regular Trustees shall cause to be prepared and mailed to
each Holder of Securities, an annual United States federal income tax
information statement, on such form as is required by the Code, containing such
information with regard to the Securities held by each Holder as is required by
the Code and the Treasury Regulations. Notwithstanding any right under the Code
to deliver any such statement at a later date, the Regular Trustees shall
endeavor to deliver all such statements within 30 days after the end of each
Fiscal Year of the Trust.

         (d)  The Regular Trustees shall cause to be prepared and filed with
the appropriate taxing authority, an annual United States federal income tax
return, on such form as is required by the Code, and any other annual income
tax returns required to be filed by the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust
with any state or local taxing authority, such returns to be filed as soon as
practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Trust.

SECTION 11.3  Banking.

         The Trust shall maintain one or more bank accounts in the name and for
the sole benefit of the Trust. The sole signatories for such accounts shall be
designated by the Regular Trustees.

SECTION 11.4  Withholding.

         The Trust and the Trustees shall comply with all withholding
requirements under United States federal, state and local law. The Trust shall
request, and the Holders shall provide to the Trust, such forms or certificates
as are necessary to establish an exemption from withholding with respect to
each Holder, and any representations and forms as shall reasonably be requested
by the Trust to assist it in determining the extent of, and in fulfilling, its
withholding obligations. The Trust shall file required forms with applicable
jurisdictions and, unless an exemption from withholding is properly established
by a Holder, shall remit amounts withheld with respect to the Holder to
applicable jurisdictions. To the extent that the Trust is required to withhold
and pay over any amounts to any authority with respect to distributions or
allocations to any Holder, the amount withheld shall be deemed to be a
distribution in the amount of the withholding to the Holder. In the event of
any claimed overwithholding, Holders shall be limited to an action against the
applicable jurisdiction. If the amount to be withheld was not withheld from a
Distribution, the Trust may reduce subsequent Distributions by the amount of
such withholding.

                                  ARTICLE XII

                            AMENDMENTS AND MEETINGS

SECTION 12.1  Amendments.

         (a)  Except as otherwise provided in this Declaration or by any
applicable terms of the Securities, this Declaration may be amended by, and
only by, a written instrument executed by a





                                       30
<PAGE>   31

majority of the Regular Trustees; provided, however, that (i) no amendment to
this Declaration shall be made unless the Regular Trustees shall have obtained
(A) either a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or a written unqualified
opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters to the effect that such amendment will not cause the Trust to be
classified for United States federal income tax purposes as an association
taxable as a corporation or a partnership and to the effect that the Trust will
continue to be treated as a grantor trust for purposes of United States federal
income taxation and (B) a written unqualified opinion of nationally recognized
independent counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that such
amendment will not cause the Trust to be an Investment Company which is
required to be registered under the Investment Company Act, (ii) at such time
after the Trust has issued any Securities which remain outstanding, any
amendment which would adversely affect the rights, privileges or preferences of
any Holder of Securities may be effected only with such additional requirements
as may be set forth in the terms of such Securities, (iii) Section 4.2, Section
9.1(c) and this Section 12.1 shall not be amended without the consent of all of
the Holders of the Securities, (iv) no amendment which adversely affects the
rights, powers and privileges of the Institutional Trustee shall be made
without the consent of the Institutional Trustee, (v) Article IV shall not be
amended without the consent of the Sponsor and (vi) the rights of Holders of
Common Securities under Article V to increase or decrease the number of, and to
appoint, replace or remove Trustees shall not be amended without the consent of
each Holder of Common Securities.

   
         (b)  Notwithstanding Section 12.1(a)(ii), this Declaration may be
amended without the consent of the Holders of the Securities to (i) cure any
ambiguity, (ii) correct or supplement any provision in this Declaration that
may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision of this Declaration,
(iii) add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of the Sponsor, (iv)
preserve the status of the Trust as a grantor trust for federal income tax
purposes, and (v) conform to any changes in Rule 3a-5 or any change in
interpretation or application of Rule 3a-5 by the Commission, which amendment
does not adversely affect the rights, preferences or privileges of the Holders.
    

SECTION 12.2  Meetings of the Holders of Securities; Action by Written Consent.

         (a)  Meetings of the Holders of Preferred Securities and/or Common
Securities may be called at any time by the Regular Trustees (or as provided in
the terms of the Securities) to consider and act on any matter on which Holders
of such class of Securities are entitled to act under the terms of this
Declaration, the terms of the Securities or the rules of any stock exchange on
which the Preferred Securities are listed or admitted for trading. The Regular
Trustees shall call a meeting of Holders of Preferred Securities or Common
Securities, if directed to do so by Holders of at least 10% in liquidation
amount of such class of Securities. Such direction shall be given by delivering
to the Regular Trustees one or more calls in a writing stating that the signing
Holders of Securities wish to call a meeting and indicating the general or
specific purpose for which the meeting is to be called. Any Holders of
Securities calling a meeting shall specify in writing the Certificates held by
the Holders of Securities exercising the right to call a meeting and only those
specified Certificates shall be counted for purposes of determining whether the
required percentage set forth in the second sentence of this paragraph has been
met.

         (b)  Except to the extent otherwise provided in the terms of the
Securities, the following provision shall apply to meetings of Holders of
Securities:

                 (i)  Notice of any such meeting shall be given by mail to all
         the Holders of Securities having a right to vote thereat not less than
         7 days nor more than 60 days prior





                                       31
<PAGE>   32

         to the date of such meeting. Whenever a vote, consent or approval of
         the Holders of Securities is permitted or required under this
         Declaration or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Preferred
         Securities are listed or admitted for trading, such vote, consent or
         approval may be given at a meeting of the Holders of Securities. Any
         action that may be taken at a meeting of the Holders of Securities may
         be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the
         action so taken is signed by Holders of Securities owning not less
         than the minimum aggregate liquidation amount of Securities that would
         be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which
         all Holders of Securities having a right to vote thereon were present
         and voting. Prompt notice of the taking of action without a meeting
         shall be given to the Holders of Securities entitled to vote who have
         not consented in writing. The Regular Trustees may specify that any
         written ballot submitted to the Holders of Securities for the purpose
         of taking any action without a meeting shall be returned to the Trust
         within the time specified by the Regular Trustees.

                 (ii)  Each Holder of a Security may authorize any Person to
         act for it by proxy on all matters in which a Holder of a Security is
         entitled to participate, including waiving notice of any meeting, or
         voting or participating at a meeting. No proxy shall be valid after
         the expiration of 11 months from the date thereof unless otherwise
         provided in the proxy. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure
         of the Holder of the Security executing it. Except as otherwise
         provided herein or in the terms of the Securities, all matters
         relating to the giving, voting or validity of proxies shall be
         governed by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
         relating to proxies, and judicial interpretations thereunder, as if
         the Trust were a Delaware corporation and the Holders of the
         Securities were stockholders of a Delaware corporation.

                 (iii)  Each meeting of the Holders of the Securities shall be
         conducted by the Regular Trustees or by such other Person that the
         Regular Trustees may designate.

                 (iv)  Unless otherwise provided in the Business Trust Act,
         this Declaration or the rules of any stock exchange on which the
         Preferred Securities are then listed or admitted for trading, the
         Regular Trustees, in their sole discretion, shall establish all other
         provisions relating to meetings of Holders of Securities, including
         notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting at which any
         matter is to be voted on by any Holders of Securities, waiver of any
         such notice, action by consent without a meeting, the establishment of
         a record date, quorum requirements, voting in person or by proxy or
         any other matter with respect to the exercise of any such right to
         vote.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

         REPRESENTATIONS OF INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE AND DELAWARE TRUSTEE

SECTION 13.1  Representations and Warranties of Institutional Trustee.

         (a)  The Trustee which acts as initial Institutional Trustee
represents and warrants to the Trust and to the Sponsor at the date of this
Declaration, and each Successor Institutional Trustee represents and warrants
to the Trust and the Sponsor at the time of the Successor Institutional
Trustee's acceptance of its appointment as Institutional Trustee that:





                                       32
<PAGE>   33


                (i)    The Institutional Trustee is a banking corporation with
         trust powers, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
         under the laws of the State of its incorporation, with trust power and
         authority to execute and deliver, and to carry out and perform its
         obligations under the terms of, this Declaration.

                (ii)   The execution, delivery and performance by the
         Institutional Trustee of this Declaration has been duly authorized by
         all necessary corporate action on the part of the Institutional
         Trustee. The Declaration has been duly executed and delivered by the
         Institutional Trustee, and constitutes a legal, valid and binding
         obligation of the Institutional Trustee, enforceable against it in
         accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
         reorganization, moratorium, insolvency, and other similar laws
         affecting creditors' rights generally and to general principles of
         equity and the discretion of the court (regardless of whether the
         enforcement of such remedies is considered in a proceeding in equity
         or at law).
                    
                (iii)  The execution, delivery and performance of this
         Declaration by the Institutional Trustee does not conflict with or
         constitute a breach of the Charter or By-laws of the Institutional
         Trustee.

                (iv)   No consent, approval or authorization of, or
         registration with or notice to, any banking authority which supervises
         or regulates the Institutional Trustee is required for the execution,
         delivery or performance by the Institutional Trustee, of this
         Declaration.

                (v)    The Institutional Trustee satisfies the qualifications
         set forth in Section 5.1(c).

         (b)  The Trustee which acts as initial Delaware Trustee represents and
warrants to the Trust and the Sponsor at the date of this Declaration, and each
Successor Delaware Trustee represents and warrants to the Trust and the Sponsor
at the time of the Successor Delaware Trustee's acceptance of its appointment
as Delaware Trustee, that it satisfies the qualifications set forth in Section
5.1(a)(3).

                                  ARTICLE XIV

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 14.1  Notices.

         All notices provided for in this Declaration shall be in writing, duly
signed by the party giving such notice, and shall be delivered, telecopied or
mailed by first class mail, as follows:

         (a)  if given to the Trust, in care of the Regular Trustees at the
Trust's mailing address set forth below (or such other address as the Regular
Trustees on behalf of the Trust may give notice of to the Holders of the
Securities):





                                       33
<PAGE>   34

         Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I
         c/o Ford Motor Company
         The American Road
         Dearborn, Michigan  48121
         Attention:  Trustees
         Facsimile No: (313) 248-8049

         (b)  if given to the Institutional Trustee, at the mailing address of
the Institutional Trustee set forth below (or such other address as the
Institutional Trustee may give notice of to the Holders of the Securities):

         The Bank of New York
         101 Barclay Street
         New York, New York  10286
         Attention:  Corporate Trust
         Facsimile No:  (212) 571-3050

         (c)  if given to the Delaware Trustee, at the mailing address of the
Delaware Trustee set forth below (or such other address as the Delaware Trustee
may give notice of to the Holders of the Securities):

         The Bank of New York (Delaware)
         White Clay Center, Route 273
         Newark, Delaware  19711
         Attention:  [      ]
         Facsimile No:  [       ]

         (d)  if given to the Holder of the Common Securities, at the mailing
address of the Sponsor set forth below (or such other address as the Holder of
the Common Securities may give notice to the Trust):

         Ford Motor Company
         The American Road
         Dearborn, Michigan  48121
         Attention:  Treasurer
         Facsimile No: (313) 248-8049

         (e)  if given to any other Holder, at the address set forth on the
books and records of the Trust.

         A copy of any notice to the Institutional Trustee or the Delaware
Trustee shall also be sent to the Trust. All notices shall be deemed to have
been given, when received in person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or
mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid except that if a notice or other
document is refused delivery or cannot be delivered because of a changed
address of which no notice was given, such notice or other document shall be
deemed to have been delivered on the date of such refusal or inability to
deliver.





                                       34
<PAGE>   35




SECTION 14.2  Undertaking for Costs.

         All parties to this Declaration agree, and each Holder of any
Securities by his or her acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed,
that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement
of any right or remedy under this Declaration, or in any suit against the
Institutional Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Institutional
Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay
the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess
reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, against any party
litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the
claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this
Section 14.2 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Institutional
Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder of Preferred Securities, or group
of Holders of Preferred Securities, holding more than 10% in aggregate
liquidation amount of the outstanding Preferred Securities, or to any suit
instituted by any Holder of Preferred Securities for the enforcement of the
payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Debentures,
on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Debentures.

SECTION 14.3  Governing Law.

   
         THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE; PROVIDED HOWEVER, THAT THERE
SHALL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE TRUST, THE TRUSTEES OR THIS DECLARATION ANY
PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS (STATUTORY OR COMMON) OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
PERTAINING TO TRUSTS THAT RELATE TO OR REGULATE, IN A MANNER INCONSISTENT WITH
THE TERMS HEREOF (I) THE FILING WITH ANY COURT OR GOVERNMENTAL BODY OR AGENCY
OF TRUSTEE ACCOUNTS OR SCHEDULES OF TRUSTEE FEES AND CHARGES, (II) AFFIRMATIVE
REQUIREMENTS TO POST BONDS FOR TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES OF A
TRUST, (III) THE NECESSITY FOR OBTAINING COURT OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL APPROVAL
CONCERNING THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING OR DISPOSITION OF REAL OR PERSONAL
PROPERTY, (IV) FEES OR OTHER SUMS PAYABLE TO TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS OR
EMPLOYEES OF A TRUST, (V) THE ALLOCATION OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES TO INCOME
OR PRINCIPAL, (VI) RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS ON THE PERMISSIBLE NATURE,
AMOUNT OR CONCENTRATION OF TRUST INVESTMENTS OR REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE
TITLING, STORAGE OR OTHER MANNER OF HOLDING OR INVESTING TRUST ASSETS, OR (VII)
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FIDUCIARY OR OTHER STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITIES OR
LIMITATIONS ON THE ACTS OR POWERS OF TRUSTEES, THAT ARE INCONSISTENT WITH THE
LIMITATIONS OR LIABILITIES OR AUTHORITIES AND POWERS OF TRUSTEES AS SET FORTH
OR REFERENCED IN THIS AGREEMENT. SECTION 3540 OF TITLE 12 OF THE DELAWARE CODE
SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE TRUST.
    

SECTION 14.4  Headings.

         Headings contained in this Declaration are inserted for convenience of
reference only and do not affect the interpretation of this Declaration or any
provision hereof.

SECTION 14.5  Partial Enforceability.

         If any provision of this Declaration, or the application of such
provision to any Person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, the remainder
of this Declaration, or the application of such provision to persons or
circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be
affected thereby.

SECTION 14.6  Counterparts.

         This Declaration may contain more than one counterpart of the
signature pages and this Declaration may be executed by the affixing of the
signature of the Sponsor and each of the Trustees to one of such counterpart
signature pages. All of such counterpart signature pages shall be read as
though one, and they shall have the same force and effect as though all of the
signers had signed a single signature page.

SECTION 14.7  Intention of the Parties.

         It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Trust not be
classified for United States federal income tax purposes an association taxable
as a corporation or partnership but that the Trust be treated as a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes. The provisions of this
Declaration shall be interpreted to further this intention of the parties.





                                       35
<PAGE>   36


SECTION 14.8  Successors and Assigns.

         Whenever in this Declaration any of the parties hereto is named or
referred to, the successors and assigns of such party shall be deemed to be
included, and all covenants and agreements in this Declaration by the Sponsor
and the Trustees shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective
successors and assigns, whether so expressed.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused these presents to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.


Ford Motor Company,
as Sponsor

   
By:_____________________________
      Name:  John M. Rintamaki
      Title: Secretary
    

________________________________
Malcolm S. Macdonald,
as Trustee

________________________________
Elizabeth S. Acton,
as Trustee

________________________________
John M. Rintamaki,
as Trustee

The Bank of New York,
as Trustee

   
By:_____________________________
      Name:  Mary Jane Morrissey
      Title: Assistant Vice President
    

The Bank of New York (Delaware),
as Trustee

   
By:_____________________________
      Name:  Joseph F. Leary
      Title: Vice President
    





                                       36
<PAGE>   37
   
         There personally appeared before me John M. Rintamaki (on behalf of
Ford Motor Company) and Malcolm S. Macdonald, Elizabeth S. Acton and John M. 
Rintamaki who acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his, her or its free
act and deed and the free act and deed of Ford Motor Company and the Trustees
of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I.
    

                                        Before me,


                                       ________________________________
                                       Notary Public


         My Commission Expires: _______________________________________________





                                       37
<PAGE>   38

   
         There personally appeared before me Mary Jane Morrissey (on behalf of
The Bank of New York, as Trustee) who acknowledged the foregoing instrument to
be his, her or its free act and deed and the free act and deed of The Bank of
New York, as Trustee.
    


                                        Before me,


                                        ________________________________
                                        Notary Public

         My Commission Expires: _______________________________________________




   
         There personally appeared before me Joseph F. Leary (on behalf of
The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Trustee) who acknowledged the foregoing
instrument to be his, her or its free act and deed and the free act and deed of
The Bank of New York (Delaware), as Trustee.
    

                                        Before me,

                                        ________________________________
                                        Notary Public

         My Commission Expires: _______________________________________________





                                       38
<PAGE>   39

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                              CERTIFICATE OF TRUST

                                       OF

                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I

         This Certificate of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I (the
"Trust"), dated September 19, 1995, is being duly executed and filed by the
undersigned, as trustees, to form a business trust under the Delaware Business
Trust Act (12 Del. C. Sec. 3801 et seq.).

         1.  Name.  The name of the business trust being formed hereby is Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust I.

         2.  Delaware Trustee.  The name and business address of the trustee of
the Trust with a principal place of business in the State of Delaware is The
Bank of New York (Delaware), a Delaware banking corporation, White Clay Center,
Route 273, Newark, Delaware  19711.

         3. Effective Date.  This Certificate of Trust shall be effective as of
its filing.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole trustees of the
Trust, have executed this Certificate of Trust as of the date first above
written.

                                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
                                         as trustee

   
                                         By: /s/ Mary Jane Morrissey
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name:  Mary Jane Morrissey
                                             Title: Assistant Vice President
    


                                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK (Delaware),
                                         as trustee

   
                                         By: /s/ Joseph F. Leary
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Name:  Joseph F. Leary
                                             Title: Vice President
    





                                       39
<PAGE>   40

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                                    TERMS OF

                              PREFERRED SECURITIES

   
         Pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I dated as of December 7, 1995 (as
amended from time to time, the "Declaration"), the designations, rights,
privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of the
Preferred Securities are set forth below (each capitalized term used but not
defined herein having the meaning set forth in the Declaration):
    

   
         1.  Designation and Number.  Preferred Securities of the Trust with an
aggregate liquidation amount in the assets of the Trust of
___________________________________ (____) and a liquidation amount in the
assets of the Trust of $25 per Preferred Security, are hereby designated as
"9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities". The Preferred Security
Certificates evidencing the Preferred Securities shall be substantially in the
form attached hereto as Annex I, with such changes and additions thereto or
deletions therefrom as may be required by ordinary usage, custom or practice or
to conform to the rules of any stock exchange on which the Preferred Securities
are listed. The Preferred Securities shall be issued to former holders of
Depositary Shares ("Depositary Shares") each representing 1/2,000 of a share of
Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred"), of Ford Motor
Company ("Ford") in exchange for such Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer.
In connection with such Offer and the purchase by Ford of the Common
Securities, Ford will deposit in the Trust, and the Trust will purchase,
respectively, as trust assets Debentures of Ford having an aggregate principal
amount equal to $__________, and bearing interest at an annual rate equal to
the annual Distribution rate on the Preferred Securities and Common Securities
and having payment and redemption provisions which correspond to the payment
and redemption provisions of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities.
    

   
         2.  Distributions.  (a) Periodic distributions payable on each
Preferred Security will be fixed at a rate per annum of 9% (the "Coupon Rate")
of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security. Distributions
in arrears will bear interest at the rate per annum of 9% thereof,
compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by law. The term "Distributions"
as used in these terms means such periodic cash distributions and any such
interest payable unless otherwise stated. A Distribution will be made by the
Institutional Trustee only to the extent that interest payments are made in
respect of the Debentures held by the Trust. The amount of Distributions
payable for any period will be computed for any full quarterly Distribution
period on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and for any
period shorter than a full quarterly Distribution period for which
Distributions are computed, Distributions will be computed on the basis of the
actual number of days elapsed in such a 30-day month.
    

   
         (b)  Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be cumulative,
will accrue from December 8, 1995 and will be payable quarterly in arrears, on
March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing on
December 31, 1995, except as otherwise described below, but only if and to the
extent that interest payments are made in respect of the Debentures held by the
Trust. In addition, holders of Preferred Securities will be entitled to a cash
distribution at the rate of 8.25% per annum of the liquidation amount thereof
from December 1, 1995 through December 7, 1995, payable on December 31, 1995
("Pre-Issuance Interest"). With the
    





                                       40
<PAGE>   41
   
exception of Pre-Issuance Interest, so long as Ford shall not be in default in
the payment of interest on the Debentures, Ford has the right under the
Indenture for the Debentures to defer payments of interest by extending the
interest payment period from time to time on the Debentures for a period not
exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods (each, an "Extension
Period") and, as a consequence, quarterly Distributions will continue to accrue
with interest thereon (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the rate
of 9% per annum, compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by law during
any such Extension Period. Prior to the termination of any such Extension
Period, Ford may further extend such Extension Period; provided that such
Extension Period together with all such previous and further extensions thereof
may not exceed 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods and provided further
that no Extension Period may extend beyond the maturity of the Debentures. Upon
the termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then
due, Ford may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above
requirements. Payments of accrued Distributions will be payable to Holders of
Preferred Securities as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on
the record date for the first payment occurring on or after the end of the
Extension Period.
    

         (c)  Distributions on the Preferred Securities will be payable
promptly by the Institutional Trustee (or other Paying Agent) upon receipt of
immediately available funds to the Holders thereof as they appear on the books
and records of the Trust on the relevant record dates, which will be 15
calendar days prior to the relevant Distribution date, which record and payment
dates correspond to the record and interest payment dates on the Debentures.
Distributions payable on any Preferred Securities that are not punctually paid
on any Distribution payment date as a result of Ford having failed to make the
corresponding interest payment on the Debentures will forthwith cease to be
payable to the person in whose name such Preferred Security is registered on
the relevant record date, and such defaulted Distribution will instead be
payable to the person in whose name such Preferred Security is registered on
the special record date established by the Regular Trustees, which record date
shall correspond to the special record date or other specified date determined
in accordance with the Indenture; provided, however, that Distributions shall
not be considered payable on any Distribution payment date falling within an
Extension Period unless Ford has elected to make a full or partial payment of
interest accrued on the Debentures on such Distribution payment date. Subject
to any applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of the Declaration,
each payment in respect of the Preferred Securities will be made as described
in paragraph 9 hereof. If any date on which Distributions are payable on the
Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the Distribution
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business
Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay)
except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such
payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date and the record date for
such payment shall be the immediately preceding Business Day.

         (d) All Distributions paid with respect to the Preferred Securities
and the Common Securities will be paid Pro Rata to the Holders thereof entitled
thereto. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred
Securities shall have a priority over the Common Securities with respect to
Distributions.

         (e) In the event that there is any money or other property held by or
for the Trust that is not accounted for under the Declaration, such money or
property shall be distributed Pro Rata among the Holders of the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities.





                                       41
<PAGE>   42


         3.  Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution. In the event of any
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust,
the Holders of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities at the date of
the dissolution, winding-up or termination, as the case may be, will be
entitled to receive Pro Rata solely out of the assets of the Trust available
for distribution to Holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities after
satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, an amount equal to the aggregate of
the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Preferred Security and Common Security
plus accrued and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such
amount being the "Liquidation Distribution"), unless, in connection with such
dissolution, winding-up or termination, and after satisfaction of liabilities
to creditors, Debentures in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate stated liquidation amount of such Preferred Securities and Common
Securities and bearing accrued and unpaid interest in an amount equal to the
accrued and unpaid Distributions on, such Preferred Securities and Common
Securities, shall be distributed Pro Rata to the Holders of the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities in exchange for such Securities.

         If, upon any such dissolution, the Liquidation Distribution can be
paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in
full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly
by the Trust on the Preferred Securities and Common Securities shall be paid,
subject to the next paragraph, on a Pro Rata basis.

         Holders of Common Securities will be entitled to receive Liquidation
Distributions upon any such dissolution Pro Rata with Holders of Preferred
Securities, except that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the Common Securities with
respect to such Liquidation Distribution.

         4.  Redemption and Distribution of Debentures.  The Preferred
Securities and Common Securities may only be redeemed if Debentures having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities and Common Securities are repaid, redeemed or distributed
as set forth below:

         (a)  Upon the repayment of the Debentures, in whole or in part,
whether at maturity, upon redemption at any time or from time to time on or
after December 1, 2002, the proceeds of such repayment will be promptly applied
to redeem Pro Rata Preferred Securities and Common Securities having an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the
Debentures so repaid or redeemed, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at a redemption price of $25 per Preferred and Common Security plus an
amount equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of
redemption, payable in cash (the "Redemption Price"). The date of any such
repayment or redemption of Preferred Securities and Common Securities shall be
established to coincide with the repayment or redemption date of the
Debentures.

         (b)  The Common Securities will be entitled to be redeemed on a Pro
Rata basis with the Preferred Securities, except that if an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority
over the Common Securities with respect to the payment of the Redemption Price.
If fewer than all the outstanding Preferred Securities and Common Securities
are to be so redeemed, the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities will
be redeemed Pro Rata and the Preferred Securities to be redeemed will be
redeemed as described in paragraph 4(f)(ii) below. If a partial redemption
would result in the delisting of the Preferred Securities by any national
securities exchange or other organization on which the





                                       42
<PAGE>   43

Preferred Securities are then listed, Ford pursuant to the Indenture will only
redeem Debentures in whole and, as a result, the Trust may only redeem the
Preferred Securities in whole.

         (c)  If, at any time, a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event (each
as hereinafter defined, and each a "Special Event") shall occur and be
continuing, the Regular Trustees shall, unless the Debentures are redeemed in
the limited circumstances described below, dissolve the Trust and, after
satisfaction of creditors, cause Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee
having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation
amount of and accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid
Distributions on, and having the same record date for payment as the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities, to be distributed to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities and Common Securities on a Pro Rata basis in liquidation
of such Holders' interests in the Trust, within 90 days following the
occurrence of such Special Event (the "90 Day Period"), provided, however, that
in the case of the occurrence of a Tax Event, as a condition of such
dissolution and distribution, the Regular Trustees shall have received an
opinion of a nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters (a "No Recognition Opinion"), which opinion may rely on any then
applicable published revenue ruling of the Internal Revenue Service, to the
effect that the Holders of the Preferred Securities will not recognize any gain
or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the
dissolution of the Trust and distribution of Debentures; and provided, further,
that, if and as long as at the time there is available to the Trust the
opportunity to eliminate, within the 90 Day Period, the Special Event by taking
some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election, or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that has no adverse effect on
the Trust, Ford, or the Holders of the Preferred Securities ("Ministerial
Action"), the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of dissolution.

         If in the case of the occurrence of a Tax Event, (i) the Regular
Trustees have received an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters that, as a
result of a Tax Event, there is more than an insubstantial risk that Ford would
be precluded from deducting the interest on the Debentures for United States
federal income tax purposes even if the Debentures were distributed to the
Holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities in liquidation of such
Holder's interest in the Trust as described in this paragraph 4(c) or (ii) the
Regular Trustees shall have been informed by such tax counsel that a No
Recognition Opinion cannot be delivered to the Trust, Ford shall have the right
at any time, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days notice, to redeem the
Debentures in whole or in part for cash at the Redemption Price within 90 days
following the occurrence of such Tax Event, and promptly following such
redemption Preferred Securities and Common Securities with an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures so
redeemed will be redeemed by the Trust at the Redemption Price on a Pro Rata
basis; provided, however, that, if at the time there is available to Ford or
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust the opportunity to eliminate,
within such 90 day period, the Tax Event by taking some Ministerial Action,
Ford or the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust will pursue such measure in
lieu of redemption, and provided further that Ford shall have no right to
redeem the Debentures while the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust are
pursuing such Ministerial Action. The Common Securities will be redeemed Pro
Rata with the Preferred Securities, except if an Event of Default under the
Indenture has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities will have a
priority over the Common Securities with respect to payment of the Redemption
Price.

         "Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have obtained an
opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters (a "Dissolution Tax





                                       43
<PAGE>   44
   
Opinion") to the effect that on or after the Expiration Date as a result of (a)
any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in,
the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States or any political  
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (b) any amendment to, or
change in, an interpretation or application of any such laws or regulations by
any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority
(including the enactment of any legislation and the publication of any judicial
decision or regulatory determination), (c) any interpretation or pronouncement
that provides for a position with respect to such laws or regulations that
differs from the theretofore generally accepted position or (d) any action
taken by any governmental agency or regulatory authority, which amendment or
change is enacted, promulgated, issued or announced or which interpretation or
pronouncement is issued or announced or which action is taken, in each case on
or after the Expiration Date, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i)
the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof, subject to United
States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the
Debentures, (ii) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof,
subject to more than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or other governmental
charges or (iii) interest payable by Ford to the Trust on the Debentures is
not, or within 90 days of the date thereof will not be, deductible by Ford for
United States federal income tax purposes.
    

   
         "Investment Company Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have
received an opinion of nationally recognized independent counsel experienced in
practice under the Investment Company Act that, as a result of the occurrence
of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application
of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or
regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"), there is more than an
insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered an Investment
Company which is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act,
which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the Expiration Date.
    

         On the date fixed for any distribution of Debentures, upon dissolution
of the Trust, (i) the Preferred Securities will no longer be deemed to be
outstanding and (ii) certificates representing Preferred Securities will be
deemed to represent beneficial interests in the Debentures having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the stated liquidation amount of, and bearing accrued
and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions on, such
Preferred Securities until such certificates are presented to Ford or its agent
for transfer or reissuance.

         (d)  The Trust may not redeem fewer than all the outstanding Preferred
Securities unless all accrued and unpaid Distributions have been paid on all
Preferred Securities for all quarterly Distribution periods terminating on or
prior to the date of redemption.

         (e)  If Debentures are distributed to Holders of the Preferred
Securities, Ford, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, will use its best
efforts to have the Debentures listed on the New York Stock Exchange or on such
other exchange as the Preferred Securities were listed immediately prior to the
distribution of the Debentures.

         (f)  (i) Notice of any redemption of, or notice of distribution of
Debentures in exchange for, the Preferred Securities and Common Securities (a
"Redemption/Distribution Notice") will be given by the Regular Trustees on
behalf of the Trust by mail to each Holder of Preferred Securities and Common
Securities to be redeemed or exchanged not less than 10 nor more than 60 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption or exchange thereof. For purposes of the
calculation of the date of redemption or exchange and the dates on which
notices are given pursuant to this paragraph (f)(i), a Redemption/Distribution
Notice shall be deemed to be given





                                       44
<PAGE>   45

on the day such notice is first mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, to
Holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities. Each Redemption/
Distribution Notice shall be addressed to the Holders of Preferred Securities
and Common Securities at the address of each such Holder appearing in the books
and records of the Trust. No defect in the Redemption/Distribution Notice or in
the mailing of either thereof with respect to any Holder shall affect the
validity of the redemption or exchange proceedings with respect to any other
Holder.

         (ii)  In the event that fewer than all the outstanding Preferred
Securities are to be redeemed (subject to adjustment to eliminate fractional
Preferred Securities), the Preferred Securities to be redeemed will be redeemed
Pro Rata from each Holder of Preferred Securities, it being understood that, in
respect of Preferred Securities registered in the name of and held of record by
DTC (or successor Clearing Agency) or any other nominee, the distribution of
the proceeds of such redemption will be made to each Clearing Agency
Participant (or person on whose behalf such nominee holds such securities) in
accordance with the procedures applied by such agency or nominee.

         (iii)  If the Trust gives a Redemption/Distribution Notice in respect
of a redemption of Preferred Securities as provided in this paragraph 4 (which
notice will be irrevocable) then immediately prior to the close of business on
the redemption date, provided that Ford has paid to the Trust in immediately
available funds a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the related
redemption or maturity of the Debentures, Distributions will cease to accrue on
the Preferred Securities called for redemption, such Preferred Securities will
no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of Holders of such
Preferred Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of
the Holders of such Preferred Securities to receive the Redemption Price, but
without interest on such Redemption Price. Neither the Trustees nor the Trust
shall be required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of any
Preferred Securities which have been so called for redemption. If any date
fixed for redemption of Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then
payment of the Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other
payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day falls
in the next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately
preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made
on such date fixed for redemption. If payment of the Redemption Price in
respect of Preferred Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid
either by the Trust or by Ford pursuant to the Preferred Securities Guarantee,
Distributions on such Preferred Securities will continue to accrue, from the
original redemption date to the date of payment, in which case the actual
payment date will be considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of
calculating the Redemption Price.

         (iv)  Redemption/Distribution Notices shall be sent by the Regular
Trustees on behalf of the Trust to the Holders of the Preferred Securities.

         (v)  Upon the date of dissolution of the Trust and distribution of
Debentures as a result of the occurrence of a Special Event, Preferred Security
Certificates shall be deemed to represent beneficial interests in the
Debentures so distributed, and the Preferred Securities will no longer be
deemed outstanding and may be canceled by the Regular Trustees. The Debentures
so distributed shall have an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities so distributed.

         (vi) Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including, without
limitation, United States federal securities laws), Ford or any of its
subsidiaries may at any time and from time to





                                       45
<PAGE>   46

time purchase outstanding Preferred Securities by tender, in the open market or
by private agreement.

         5.   Voting Rights.  (a) Except as provided under paragraph 5(b) below
and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the Holders of the
Preferred Securities will have no voting rights.

   
         (b)  If any proposed amendment to the Declaration provides for, or the
Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would
adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Securities,
whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise, or (ii) the
dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than in connection
with the distribution of Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee, upon the
occurrence of a Special Event or in connection with the redemption of Preferred
Securities as a consequence of a redemption of Debentures, then the Holders of
outstanding Securities will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal
as a class and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with
the approval of the Holders of Securities representing a Majority in
liquidation amount of such Securities; provided, however, (A) if any amendment
or proposal referred to in clause (i) above would adversely affect only the
Preferred Securities or the Common Securities, then only the affected class
will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal and such amendment or
proposal shall not be effective except with the approval of a Majority in
liquidation amount of such class of Securities and (B) amendments to the
Declaration shall be subject to such further requirements as are set forth in
Sections 12.1 and 12.2 of the Declaration.
    

   
         In the event the consent of the Institutional Trustee, as the holder
of the Debentures, is required under the Indenture with respect to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Debentures, the
Institutional Trustee shall request the written direction of the Holders of the
Securities with respect to such amendment, modification or termination. The
Institutional Trustee shall vote with respect to such amendment, modification
or termination as directed by a Majority in liquidation amount of the
Securities voting together as a single class (and in the case of any other Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust holding debt securities issued under the Indenture,
voting with the holders of securities of such other Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust); provided that where such amendment, modification or
termination of the Indenture requires the consent or vote of (1) holders of
Debentures representing a specified percentage greater than a majority in
principal amount of the Debentures or (2) each holder of Debentures, the
Institutional Trustee may only vote with respect to that amendment,
modification or termination as directed by, in the case of clause (1) above,
the vote of Holders of Securities representing such specified percentage of the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Securities, or, in the case of clause (2)
above, each Holder of Securities; and provided, further, that the Institutional
Trustee shall be under no obligation to take any action in accordance with the
directions of the Holders of Securities unless the Institutional Trustee shall
have received, at the expense of the Sponsor, an opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel recognized as expert in such matters to the
effect that the Trust will not be classified for United States federal income
tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or a partnership on
account of such action and will be treated as a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes following such action.
    

   
         Subject to Section 2.6 of the Declaration, and the provisions of this
and the next succeeding paragraph, the Holders of a Majority in liquidation
amount of the Preferred Securities, voting separately as a class, shall have the
right to (A) on behalf of all Holders of Preferred Securities, waive any past
default, and its consequences, that is waivable under the Declaration (subject
to,
    





                                       46
<PAGE>   47
   
and in accordance with the Declaration) and (B) direct the time, method, and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the
Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct the
Institutional Trustee, as the holder of the Debentures (and in the case of any
other Ford Motor Company Capital Trust holding debt securities issued under the
Indenture, voting with the holders of preferred securities of such other Ford
Motor Company Capital Trust), to (i) direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debenture Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Debenture Trustee with respect
to the Debentures, (ii) waive any past default and its consequences that is
waivable under Section 5.13 of the Indenture, or (iii) exercise any right to
rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures shall
be due and payable; provided that where the taking of any action under the
Indenture requires the consent or vote of (1) holders of Debentures
representing a specified percentage greater than a majority in principal amount
of the Debentures or (2) each holder of Debentures, the Institutional Trustee
may only take such action if directed by, in the case of clause (1) above, the
vote of Holders of Preferred Securities representing such specified percentage
of the aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities, or, in the
case of clause (2) above, each Holder of Preferred Securities. The
Institutional Trustee shall not revoke, or take any action inconsistent with,
any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the Holders of the
Preferred Securities. Other than with respect to directing the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Institutional Trustee or the Debenture Trustee as set forth above, the
Institutional Trustee shall be under no obligation to take any of the foregoing
actions at the direction of the Holders of Preferred Securities unless the
Institutional Trustee shall have received, at the expense of the Sponsor, an
opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel recognized as expert
in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified for United
States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation
or a partnership on account of such action and will be treated as a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes following such action. If
the Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the Declaration
(including, without limitation, its rights, powers and privileges as a holder
of the Debentures under the Indenture), any Holder of Preferred Securities may
upon such Holder's written request to the Institutional Trustee to enforce such
rights, institute a legal proceeding directly against Ford to enforce the
Institutional Trustee's rights under the Declaration, without first instituting
a legal proceeding against the Institutional Trustee or any other Person.
    

         A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default by the Institutional Trustee
at the direction of the Holders of the Preferred Securities will constitute a
waiver of the corresponding Event of Default under the Declaration in respect
of the Securities.

         Any required approval or direction of Holders of Preferred Securities
may be given at a separate meeting of Holders of Preferred Securities convened
for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the Holders of Securities of the Trust
or pursuant to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a notice of any
meeting at which Holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of
any matter upon which action by written consent of such Holders is to be taken,
to be mailed to each Holder of record of Preferred Securities. Each such notice
will include a statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting or the date
by which such action is to be taken, (ii) a description of any resolution
proposed for adoption at such meeting on which such Holders are entitled to
vote or of such matter upon which written consent is sought and (iii)
instructions for the delivery of proxies or consents.





                                       47
<PAGE>   48


         No vote or consent of the Holders of Preferred Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Preferred Securities or distribute
Debentures in accordance with the Declaration.

         Notwithstanding that Holders of Preferred Securities are entitled to
vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the
Preferred Securities at such time that are owned by Ford or by any entity
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with Ford shall not be entitled to vote or consent and shall,
for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if they were not
outstanding.

         Holders of the Preferred Securities will have no rights to increase or
decrease the number of Trustees or to appoint, remove or replace a Trustee,
which voting rights are vested solely in the Holders of the Common Securities.

         6.  Pro Rata Treatment.  A reference in these terms of the Preferred
Securities to any payment, distribution or treatment as being "Pro Rata" shall
mean pro rata to each Holder of Securities according to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Securities held by the relevant Holder in relation to
the aggregate liquidation amount of all Securities outstanding unless, in
relation to a payment, an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in
which case any funds available to make such payment shall be paid first to each
Holder of the Preferred Securities pro rata according to the aggregate
liquidation amount of Preferred Securities held by the relevant Holder relative
to the aggregate liquidation amount of all Preferred Securities outstanding,
and only after satisfaction of all amounts owed to the Holders of the Preferred
Securities, to each Holder of Common Securities pro rata according to the
aggregate liquidation amount of Common Securities held by the relevant Holder
relative to the aggregate liquidation amount of all Common Securities
outstanding.

         7.  Ranking.  The Preferred Securities rank pari passu and payment
thereon will be made Pro Rata with the Common Securities except that where an
Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the rights of Holders of Preferred
Securities to payment in respect of Distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption or otherwise rank in priority to the rights of Holders
of the Common Securities.

         8. Mergers, Consolidations or Amalgamations.  The Trust may not
consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by, or convey,
transfer or lease its properties and assets to, any corporation or other body.

         9. Transfer, Exchange, Method of Payments.  Payment of Distributions
and payments on redemption of the Preferred Securities will be payable, the
transfer of the Preferred Securities will be registrable, and Preferred
Securities will be exchangeable for Preferred Securities of other denominations
of a like aggregate liquidation amount, at the principal corporate trust office
of the Institutional Trustee in The City of New York; provided that payment of
Distributions may be made at the option of the Regular Trustees on behalf of
the Trust by check mailed to the address of the persons entitled thereto and
that the payment on redemption of any Preferred Security will be made only upon
surrender of such Preferred Security to the Institutional Trustee.

         10.  Acceptance of Indenture and Preferred Guarantee.  Each Holder of
Preferred Securities, by the acceptance thereof, agrees to the provisions of
(i) the Preferred Guarantee, including the subordination provisions therein and
(ii) the Indenture and the Debentures, including the subordination provisions
of the Indenture.





                                       48
<PAGE>   49


         11.  No Preemptive Rights.  The Holders of Preferred Securities shall
have no preemptive rights to subscribe to any additional Preferred Securities
or Common Securities.

         12.  Miscellaneous.  These terms shall constitute a part of the
Declaration. The Trust will provide a copy of the Declaration and the Indenture
to a Holder without charge on written request to the Trust at its principal
place of business.





                                       49
<PAGE>   50

                                                                         Annex I

       Certificate Number                         Number of Preferred Securities
            B-__                                           _________

   
                                                           CUSIP NO. 345343 20 6
    


                  Certificate Evidencing Preferred Securities

                                       of

                       Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I

   
                   9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
    

                (liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security)


   
         Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I, a statutory business trust created
under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies that
_________ (the "Holder") is the registered owner of _____ (______) preferred
securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the Trust designated the 9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities
(liquidation amount $25 per Preferred Security) (the "Preferred Securities").
The Preferred Securities are transferable on the books and records of the
Trust, in person or by a duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this
certificate duly endorsed and in proper form for transfer. The designations,
rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and provisions of
the Preferred Securities are set forth in, and this certificate and the
Preferred Securities represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be
subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust of the Trust dated as of December 7, 1995, as the same may be amended
from time to time (the "Declaration") including the designation of the terms of
Preferred Securities as set forth in Exhibit B thereto. The Preferred
Securities and the Common Securities issued by the Trust pursuant to the
Declaration represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust, including the Debentures (as defined in the Declaration) issued by Ford
Motor Company, a Delaware corporation ("Ford"), to the Trust pursuant to the
Indenture referred to in the Declaration. The Holder is entitled to the
benefits of the Guarantee Agreement of Ford dated as of December 7, 1995
(the "Guarantee") to the extent provided therein. The Trust will furnish a copy
of the Declaration, the Guarantee and the Indenture to the Holder without
charge upon written request to the Trust at its principal place of business or
registered office.
    

   
The Holder of this Certificate, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to
have (i) agreed to the terms of the Indenture and the Debentures, including
that the Debentures are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all
Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) as and to the extent provided
in the Indenture and (ii) agreed to the terms of the Guarantee, including
that the Guarantee is subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of Ford, including the Debentures, except those made pari passu or
subordinate by their terms, and senior to all capital stock now or hereafter
issued by Ford and to any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by Ford in
respect of any of its capital stock.
    





                                       50
<PAGE>   51


         Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

   
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trustees of the Trust have executed this
Certificate.
    


                                           FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I


                                           By:_________________________
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title: Trustee


                                           By:_________________________
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title: Trustee

Dated:

Countersigned and Registered:

   
CHEMICAL BANK,
    

Transfer Agent and Registrar


By:___________________________
     Authorized Signature





                                       51
<PAGE>   52
   
        The Trust will furnish without charge to any registered owner of
Preferred Securities who so requests, copies of the Declaration, the Guarantee
and the Indenture. Any such request should be addressed to Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust I, c/o Secretary, Ford Motor Company, The American Road,
Dearborn, Michigan 48121 or to the Registrar named on the face of this
Certificate.
    

   
        The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this Certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
    

   
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                    <C>
        TEN COM -- as tenants in common                           UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -- ________ Custodian ________
        TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties                                         (Cust)           (Minor)
        JT TEN  -- as joint tenants with right                                         under Uniform Gifts to Minors
                   of survivorship and not as tenants                                  Act _________________
                   in common                                                                    (State)

</TABLE>
    

   
    Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
    


                                  ASSIGNMENT

   
        FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers
unto: 
    

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
   
(Please insert social security or other identifying number of assignee)
    

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)

   
the within Certificate and all rights and interests represented by the
Preferred Securities evidenced thereby, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and 
appoints________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
attorney to transfer the said Preferred Securities on the books of the 
within-named Trust with full power of substitution in the premises.
    

   
Dated: _________________________
    

Signature: _____________________

   
Note:  The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name
as written upon the face of this certificate in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever.
    





                                       52
<PAGE>   53

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                           TERMS OF COMMON SECURITIES

   
                 Pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I dated as of
December 7, 1995 (as amended from time to time, the "Declaration"), the
designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and other terms and
provisions of the Common Securities are set forth below (each capitalized term
used but not defined herein having the meaning set forth in the Declaration):
    

   
                 1.  Designation and Number. Common Securities of the Trust
with an aggregate liquidation amount in the assets of the Trust of
_________________________________ (_________) and a liquidation amount in the
assets of the Trust of $25 per Common Security, are hereby designated as "9%
Trust Originated Common Securities". The Common Security Certificates
evidencing the Common Securities shall be substantially in the form attached
hereto as Annex I, with such changes and additions thereto or deletions
therefrom as may be required by ordinary usage, custom or practice. The Common
Securities are to be issued and sold to Ford Motor Company ("Ford") in
consideration of $_________ in cash. In connection with the Offer and the
purchase by Ford of the Common Securities, Ford will deposit in the Trust, and
the Trust will purchase, respectively, as trust assets Debentures of Ford
having an aggregate principal amount equal to $__________, and bearing interest
at an annual rate equal to the annual Distribution rate on the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities and having payment and redemption provisions
which correspond to the payment and redemption provisions of the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities.
    

   
                 2.  Distributions.  (a) Periodic distributions payable on each
Common Security will be fixed at a rate per annum of 9% (the "Coupon Rate")
of the stated liquidation amount of $25 per Common Security. Distributions in
arrears for more than one quarter will bear interest at the rate per annum of
9% thereof (to the extent permitted by applicable law), compounded quarterly
to the extent permitted by law. The term "Distributions" as used in these terms
means such periodic cash distributions and any such interest payable unless
otherwise stated. A Distribution will be made by the Institutional Trustee only
to the extent that interest payments are made in respect of the Debentures held
by the Trust. The amount of Distributions payable for any period will be
computed for any full quarterly Distribution period on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months, and for any period shorter than a full quarterly
Distribution period for which Distributions are computed, Distributions will be
computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in such a 30-day
month.
    

   
                 (b)  Distributions on the Common Securities will be
cumulative, will accrue from December 8, 1995 and will be payable quarterly in
arrears, on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year,
commencing on December 31, 1995, except as otherwise described below, but only
if and to the extent that interest payments are made in respect of the
Debentures held by the Trust. In addition, holders of Common Securities will be
entitled to a cash distribution at the rate of 8.25% per annum of the
liquidation amount thereof from December 1, 1995 through December 7, 1995,
payable on December 31, 1995 ("Pre-Issuance Interest"). With the exception of 
Pre-Issuance Interest, so long as Ford shall not be in default in the payment 
of interest on the Debentures, Ford has the right under the Indenture for the 
Debentures to defer payments of interest by extending the interest payment
period from time to time on the Debentures for a period not exceeding 20 
consecutive quarterly interest periods (each, an "Extension Period") and, as a 
consequence, quarterly Distributions will continue to accrue with
    





                                       53
<PAGE>   54
   
interest thereon (to the extent permitted by applicable law) at the rate of
9% per annum, compounded quarterly to the extent permitted by law during any
such Extension Period. Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period,
Ford may further extend such Extension Period; provided that such Extension
Period together with all such previous and further extensions thereof may not
exceed 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods and provided further that no
Extension Period may extend beyond the maturity of the Debentures. Upon the
termination of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due,
Ford may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements.
Payments of accrued Distributions will be payable to Holders of Common
Securities as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the record
date for the first payment occurring on or after the end of the Extension
Period.
    

                 (c)  Distributions on the Common Securities will be payable
promptly by the Institutional Trustee (or other Paying Agent) upon receipt of
immediately available funds to the Holders thereof as they appear on the books
and records of the Trust on the relevant record dates, which will be 15
calendar days prior to the relevant Distribution date, which record and payment
dates correspond to the record and interest payment dates on the Debentures.
Distributions payable on any Common Securities that are not punctually paid on
any Distribution payment date as a result of Ford having failed to make the
corresponding interest payment on the Debentures will forthwith cease to be
payable to the person in whose name such Common Security is registered on the
relevant record date, and such defaulted Distribution will instead be payable
to the person in whose name such Common Security is registered on the special
record date established by the Regular Trustees, which record date shall
correspond to the special record date or other specified date determined in
accordance with the Indenture; provided, however, that Distributions shall not
be considered payable on any Distribution payment date falling within an
Extension Period unless Ford has elected to make a full or partial payment of
interest accrued on the Debentures on such Distribution payment date. Subject
to any applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of the Declaration,
each payment in respect of the Common Securities will be made as described in
paragraph 9 hereof. If any date on which Distributions are payable on the
Common Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the Distribution
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business
Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay)
except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such
payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case
with the same force and effect as if made on such date and the record date for
such payment should be the immediately preceding Business Day.

                 (d) All Distributions paid with respect to the Common
Securities and the Preferred Securities will be paid Pro Rata to the Holders
thereof entitled thereto. If an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the Common
Securities with respect to Distributions

                 (e) In the event that there is any money or other property
held by or for the Trust that is not accounted for under the Declaration, such
money or property shall be distributed Pro Rata among the Holders of the
Preferred Securities and Common Securities.

                 3.  Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.  In the event
of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the
Trust, the Holders of the Preferred Securities and Common Securities at the
date of the dissolution, winding-up or termination, as the case may be, will be
entitled to receive Pro Rata solely out of the assets of the Trust available
for distribution to Holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities,
after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, an amount equal to the
aggregate of the stated liquidation amount of $25





                                       54
<PAGE>   55

per Preferred Security and Common Security plus accrued and unpaid
Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the
"Liquidation Distribution"), unless, in connection with such dissolution,
winding-up or termination, and after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors,
Debentures in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
liquidation amount of such Preferred Securities and Common Securities bearing
accrued and unpaid interest in an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid
Distributions on, such Preferred Securities and Common Securities, shall be
distributed Pro Rata to the Holders of the Preferred Securities and Common
Securities in exchange for such Securities.

                 If, upon any such dissolution, the Liquidation Distribution
can be paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to
pay in full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable
directly by the Trust on the Preferred Securities and Common Securities shall
be paid, subject to the next paragraph, on a Pro Rata basis.

                 Holders of Common Securities will be entitled to receive
Liquidation Distributions upon any such dissolution Pro Rata with Holders of
Preferred Securities, except that if an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a priority over the Common
Securities with respect to such Liquidation Distribution.

                 4.  Redemption and Distribution of Debentures. The Preferred
Securities and Common Securities may only be redeemed if Debentures having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Preferred Securities and Common Securities are repaid, redeemed or distributed
as set forth below:

                 (a)  Upon the repayment of the Debentures, in whole or in
part, whether at maturity, upon redemption at any time or from time to time on
or after December 1, 2002, the proceeds of such repayment will be promptly
applied to redeem Pro Rata Preferred Securities and Common Securities having an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the
Debentures so repaid or redeemed, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days'
notice, at a redemption price of $25 per Preferred and Common Security plus an
amount equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of
redemption, payable in cash (the "Redemption Price"). The date of any such
repayment or redemption of Preferred Securities and Common Securities shall be
established to coincide with the repayment or redemption date of the
Debentures.

                 (b)  The Common Securities will be entitled to be redeemed on
a Pro Rata basis with the Preferred Securities, except that if an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities shall have a
priority over the Common Securities with respect to the payment of the
Redemption Price.  If fewer than all the outstanding Preferred Securities and
Common Securities are to be so redeemed, the Preferred Securities and the
Common Securities will be redeemed Pro Rata and the Common Securities to be
redeemed will be redeemed as described in paragraph 4(e)(ii) below. If a
partial redemption would result in the delisting of the Preferred Securities by
any national securities exchange or other organization on which the Preferred
Securities are then listed, Ford pursuant to the Indenture will only redeem
Debentures in whole and, as a result, the Trust may only redeem the Common
Securities in whole.

                 (c)  If, at any time, a Tax Event or an Investment Company
Event (each as hereinafter defined, and each a "Special Event") shall occur and
be continuing, the Regular Trustees shall, unless the Debentures are redeemed
in the limited circumstances described below, dissolve the Trust and, after
satisfaction of creditors, cause Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee





                                       55
<PAGE>   56

having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation
amount of and accrued and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid
Distributions on, and having the same record date for payment as the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities, to be distributed to the Holders of the
Preferred Securities and Common Securities on a Pro Rata basis in liquidation
of such Holders' interests in the Trust, within 90 days following the
occurrence of such Special Event (the "90 Day Period"), provided, however, that
in the case of the occurrence of a Tax Event, as a condition of such
dissolution and distribution, the Regular Trustees shall have received an
opinion of a nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters (a "No Recognition Opinion"), which opinion may rely on any then
applicable published revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, to the
effect that the Holders of the Preferred Securities will not recognize any gain
or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the
dissolution of the Trust and distribution of Debentures; and provided, further,
that, if and as long as at the time there is available to the Trust the
opportunity to eliminate, within the 90 Day Period, the Special Event by taking
some ministerial action, such as filing a form or making an election, or
pursuing some other similar reasonable measure that has no adverse effect on
the Trust, Ford, or the Holders of the Preferred Securities ("Ministerial
Action") the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of dissolution.

                 If in the case of the occurrence of a Tax Event, (i) the
Regular Trustees have received an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of
nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters that,
as a result of a Tax Event, there is more than an insubstantial risk that Ford
would be precluded from deducting the interest on the Debentures for United
States federal income tax purposes even if the Debentures were distributed to
the Holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities in liquidation of
such Holder's interest in the Trust as described in this paragraph 4(c) or (ii)
the Regular Trustees shall have been informed by such tax counsel that a No
Recognition Opinion cannot be delivered to the Trust, Ford shall have the right
at any time, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days notice, to redeem the
Debentures in whole or in part for cash at the Redemption Price within 90 days
following the occurrence of such Tax Event, and promptly following such
redemption Preferred Securities and Common Securities with an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures so
redeemed will be redeemed by the Trust at the Redemption Price on a Pro Rata
basis; provided, however, that, if at the time there is available to Ford or
the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust the opportunity to eliminate,
within such 90 day period, the Tax Event by taking some Ministerial Action,
Ford or the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust will pursue such measure in
lieu of redemption, and provided further that Ford shall have no right to
redeem the Debentures while the Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust are
pursuing such Ministerial Action. The Common Securities will be redeemed Pro
Rata with the Preferred Securities, except if an Event of Default under the
Indenture has occurred and is continuing, the Preferred Securities will have a
priority over the Common Securities with respect to payment of the Redemption
Price.

   
                 "Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have
obtained an opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel
experienced in such matters (a "Dissolution Tax Opinion") to the effect that on
or after the Expiration Date as a result of (a) any amendment to, or change
(including any announced prospective change) in, the laws (or any regulations
thereunder) of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein, (b) any amendment to, or change in, an
interpretation or application of any such laws or regulations by any
legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (including
the enactment of any legislation and the publication of any judicial decision
or regulatory determination), (c) any interpretation or pronouncement that
provides for a position
    





                                       56
<PAGE>   57
   
with respect to such laws or regulations that differs from the
theretofore generally accepted position or (d) any action taken by any
governmental agency or regulatory authority, which amendment or change is
enacted, promulgated, issued or announced or which interpretation or
pronouncement is issued or announced or which action is taken, in each case on
or after the Expiration Date, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i)
the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof, subject to United
States federal income tax with respect to income accrued or received on the
Debentures, (ii) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date thereof,
subject to more than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or other governmental
charges or (iii) interest payable by Ford to the Trust on the Debentures is
not, or within 90 days of the date thereof will not be, deductible by Ford for
United States federal income tax purposes.
    

   
                 "Investment Company Event" means that the Regular Trustees
shall have received an opinion of nationally recognized independent counsel
experienced in practice under the Investment Company Act that, as a result of
the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation
or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court,
governmental agency or regulatory authority (a "Change in 1940 Act Law"), there
is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered an
Investment Company which is required to be registered under the Investment
Company Act, which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the
Expiration Date.
    

                 On the date fixed for any distribution of Debentures, upon
dissolution of the Trust, (i) the Common Securities will no longer be deemed to
be outstanding and (ii) any certificates representing Common Securities will be
deemed to represent beneficial interests in the Debentures having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the stated liquidation amount of, and bearing accrued
and unpaid interest equal to accrued and unpaid Distributions on, such Common
Securities until such certificates are presented to Ford or its agent for
transfer or reissuance.

                 (d)  The Trust may not redeem fewer than all the outstanding
Common Securities unless all accrued and unpaid Distributions have been paid on
all Common Securities for all quarterly Distribution periods terminating on or
prior to the date of redemption.

                 (e)(i)  Notice of any redemption of, or notice of distribution
of Debentures in exchange for, the Preferred Securities and Common Securities
(a "Redemption/Distribution Notice") will be given by the Regular Trustees on
behalf of the Trust by mail to each Holder of Preferred Securities and Common
Securities to be redeemed or exchanged not less than 10 nor more than 60 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption or exchange thereof. For purposes of the
calculation of the date of redemption or exchange and the dates on which
notices are given pursuant to this paragraph (e)(i), a Redemption/Distribution
Notice shall be deemed to be given on the day such notice is first mailed by
first class mail, postage prepaid, to Holders of Preferred Securities and
Common Securities. Each Redemption/Distribution Notice shall be addressed to
the Holders of Preferred Securities and Common Securities at the address of
each such Holder appearing in the books and records of the Trust. No defect in
the Redemption/Distribution Notice or in the mailing of either thereof with
respect to any Holder shall affect the validity of the redemption or exchange
proceedings with respect to any other Holder.

                 (ii)  In the event that fewer than all the outstanding Common
Securities are to be redeemed, the Common Securities to be redeemed will be
redeemed Pro Rata from each Holder of Common Securities (subject to adjustment
to eliminate fractional Common Securities).





                                       57
<PAGE>   58


                 (iii)  If the Trust gives a Redemption/Distribution Notice in
respect of a redemption of Common Securities as provided in this paragraph 4
(which notice will be irrevocable) then immediately prior to the close of
business on the redemption date, provided that Ford has paid to the Trust in
immediately available funds a sufficient amount of cash in connection with the
related redemption or maturity of the Debentures, Distributions will cease to
accrue on the Common Securities called for redemption, such Common Securities
will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of Holders of such
Common Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of the
Holders of such Common Securities to receive the Redemption Price, but without
interest on such Redemption Price. Neither the Trustees nor the Trust shall be
required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of any Common
Securities which have been so called for redemption. If any date fixed for
redemption of Common Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the
Redemption Price payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day
that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of
any such delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in the next calendar
year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on such date fixed for
redemption. If payment of the Redemption Price in respect of Common Securities
is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by the Trust, Distributions on
such Common Securities will continue to accrue, from the original redemption
date to the date of payment, in which case the actual payment date will be
considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the
Redemption Price.

                 (iv)  Redemption/Distribution Notices shall be sent by the
Regular Trustees on behalf of the Trust to the Holders of the Common
Securities.

                 (v)  Upon the date of dissolution of the Trust and
distribution of Debentures as a result of the occurrence of a Special Event,
Common Security Certificates shall be deemed to represent beneficial interests
in the Debentures so distributed, and the Common Securities will no longer be
deemed outstanding and may be canceled by the Regular Trustees. The Debentures
so distributed shall have an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Common Securities so distributed.

                 5.  Voting Rights.  (a) Except as provided under paragraph
5(b) below and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration, the Holders of
the Common Securities will have no voting rights.

                 (b) Holders of Common Securities have the sole right under the
Declaration to increase or decrease the number of Trustees, and to appoint,
remove or replace a Trustee, any such increase, decrease, appointment, removal
or replacement to be approved by Holders of Common Securities representing a
Majority in liquidation amount of the Common Securities.

                 If any proposed amendment to the Declaration provides for, or
the Regular Trustees otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would
adversely affect the powers, preferences or special rights of the Securities,
whether by way of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise, or (ii) the
dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust, other than in connection
with the distribution of Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee, upon the
occurrence of a Special Event or in connection with the redemption of Common
Securities as a consequence of a redemption of Debentures, then the Holders of
outstanding Securities will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal
as a class and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with
the approval of the Holders of Securities representing a Majority in
liquidation amount of such Securities; provided, however, (A) if any amendment
or proposal referred to in





                                       58
<PAGE>   59

clause (i) above would adversely affect only the Preferred Securities or the
Common Securities, then only the affected class will be entitled to vote on
such amendment or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be
effective except with the approval of a Majority in liquidation amount of such
class of Securities, (B) the rights of Holders of Common Securities under
Article V of the Declaration to increase or decrease the number of, and to
appoint, replace or remove, Trustees shall not be amended without the consent
of each Holder of Common Securities, and (C) amendments to the Declaration
shall be subject to such further requirements as are set forth in Sections 12.1
and 12.2 of the Declaration.

   
                 In the event the consent of the Institutional Trustee, as the
holder of the Debentures, is required under the Indenture with respect
to any amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the
Debentures, the Institutional Trustee shall request the written direction of
the Holders of the Securities with respect to such amendment, modification or
termination. The Institutional Trustee shall vote with respect to such
amendment, modification or termination as directed by a Majority in liquidation
amount of the Securities voting together as a single class (and in the case of
any other Ford Motor Company Capital Trust holding debt securities issued under
the Indenture, voting with the holders of securities of such other Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust); provided that where such amendment, modification or
termination of the Indenture requires the consent or vote of (1) holders of
Debentures representing a specified percentage greater than a majority in
principal amount of the Debentures or (2) each holder of Debentures, the
Institutional Trustee may only vote with respect to that amendment,
modification or termination as directed by, in the case of clause (1) above,
the vote of Holders of Securities representing such specified percentage of the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Securities, or, in the case of clause (2)
above, each Holder of Securities; and provided, further, that the Institutional
Trustee shall be under no obligation to take any action in accordance with the
directions of the Holders of the Securities unless the Institutional Trustee
shall have received, at the expense of the Sponsor, an opinion of nationally
recognized independent tax counsel recognized as an expert in such matters to
the effect that the Trust will not be classified for United States federal
income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or a partnership
on account of such action and will be treated as a grantor trust for United
States federal income tax purposes following such action.
    

   
                 Subject to Section 2.6 of the Declaration, and the provisions
of this and the next succeeding paragraph, the Holders of a Majority in
liquidation amount of the Common Securities, voting separately as a class,
shall have the right to (A) on behalf of all Holders of Common Securities,
waive any past default, and its consequences, that is waivable under the
Declaration (subject to, and in accordance with the Declaration) and (B) direct
the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Institutional Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including the
right to direct the Institutional Trustee, as holder of the Debentures, to (i)
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the Debenture Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred
on the Debenture Trustee with respect to the Debentures, (ii) waive any past
default and its consequences that is waivable under Section 5.13 of the
Indenture, or (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that
the principal of all the Debentures shall be due and payable; provided that
where the taking of any action under the Indenture requires the consent or vote
of (1) holders of Debentures representing a specified percentage greater than a
majority in principal amount of the Debentures or (2) each holder of
Debentures, the Institutional Trustee may only take such action if directed by,
in the case of clause (1) above, the vote of Holders of Common Securities
representing such specified percentage of the aggregate liquidation amount of
the Common Securities, or, in the case of clause (2) above, each Holder of
Common Securities. The Institutional Trustee shall not revoke, or take any
action inconsistent with, any action previously authorized or approved by a
vote of the Holders of the Preferred Securities, and shall not take any action
in accordance with the direction of the Holders of the
    





                                       59
<PAGE>   60

Common Securities under this paragraph if the action is prejudicial to the
Holders of Preferred Securities. Other than with respect to directing the time,
method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Institutional Trustee or the Debenture Trustee as set forth above, the
Institutional Trustee shall be under no obligation to take any of the foregoing
actions at the direction of the Holders of Common Securities unless the
Institutional Trustee shall have received, at the expense of the Sponsor, an
opinion of nationally recognized independent tax counsel recognized as expert
in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified for United
States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation
or a partnership on account of such action and will be treated as a grantor
trust for United States income tax purposes following such action.

                 Notwithstanding any other provision of these terms, each
Holder of Common Securities will be deemed to have waived any Event of Default
with respect to the Common Securities and its consequences until all Events of
Default with respect to the Preferred Securities have been cured, waived by the
Holders of Preferred Securities as provided in the Declaration or otherwise
eliminated, and until all Events of Default with respect to the Preferred
Securities have been so cured, waived by the Holders of Preferred Securities or
otherwise eliminated, the Institutional Trustee will be deemed to be acting
solely on behalf of the Holders of Preferred Securities and only the Holders of
the Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the Institutional
Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Declaration or of the Securities.
In the event that any Event of Default with respect to the Preferred Securities
is waived by the Holders of Preferred Securities as provided in the
Declaration, the Holders of Common Securities agree that such waiver shall also
constitute the waiver of such Event of Default with respect to the Common
Securities for all purposes under the Declaration without any further act, vote
or consent of the Holders of the Common Securities.

                 A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default by the Institutional
Trustee at the direction of the Holders of the Preferred Securities will
constitute a waiver of the corresponding Event of Default under the Declaration
in respect of the Securities.

                 Any required approval or direction of Holders of Common
Securities may be given at a separate meeting of Holders of Common Securities
convened for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the Holders of Securities of
the Trust or pursuant to written consent. The Regular Trustees will cause a
notice of any meeting at which Holders of Common Securities are entitled to
vote, or of any matter upon which action by written consent of such Holders is
to be taken, to be mailed to each Holder of record of Common Securities. Each
such notice will include a statement setting forth (i) the date of such meeting
or the date by which such action is to be taken, (ii) a description of any
resolution proposed for adoption at such meeting on which such Holders are
entitled to vote or of such matter upon which written consent is sought and
(iii) instructions for the delivery of proxies or consents.

                 No vote or consent of the Holders of Common Securities will be
required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Common Securities or distribute
Debentures in accordance with the Declaration.

                 6.  Pro Rata Treatment.  A reference in these terms of the
Common Securities to any payment, distribution or treatment as being "Pro Rata"
shall mean pro rata to each Holder of Securities according to the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Securities held by the relevant Holder in relation to
the aggregate liquidation amount of all Securities outstanding unless, in
relation to a payment, an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in
which case any





                                       60
<PAGE>   61

funds available to make such payment shall be paid first to each Holder of the
Preferred Securities pro rata according to the aggregate liquidation amount of
Preferred Securities held by the relevant Holder relative to the aggregate
liquidation amount of all Preferred Securities outstanding, and only after
satisfaction of all amounts owed to the Holders of the Preferred Securities, to
each Holder of Common Securities pro rata according to the aggregate
liquidation amount of Common Securities held by the relevant Holder relative to
the aggregate liquidation amount of all Common Securities outstanding.

                 7.  Ranking.  The Common Securities rank pari passu and
payment thereon will be made Pro Rata with the Preferred Securities except that
where an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the rights of Holders of
Common Securities to payment in respect of Distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption or otherwise are subordinate to the rights of Holders
of the Preferred Securities.

                 8.  Mergers, Consolidations or Amalgamations.  The Trust may
not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by, or convey,
transfer or lease its properties and assets to, any corporation or other body.

                 9.  Transfers, Exchanges, Method of Payments. Payment of
Distributions and payments on redemption of the Common Securities will be
payable, the transfer of the Common Securities will be registrable, and Common
Securities will be exchangeable for Common Securities of other denominations of
a like aggregate liquidation amount, at the principal corporate trust office of
the Institutional Trustee in The City of New York; provided that payment of
Distributions may be made at the option of the Regular Trustees on behalf of
the Trust by check mailed to the address of the persons entitled thereto and
that the payment on redemption of any Common Security will be made only upon
surrender of such Common Security to the Institutional Trustee. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, transfers of Common Securities are subject to conditions set
forth in Section 9.1(c) of the Declaration.

                 10.  Acceptance of Indenture.  Each Holder of Common
Securities, by the acceptance thereof, agrees to the provisions of the
Indenture and the Debentures, including the subordination provisions thereof.

                 11.  No Preemptive Rights.  The Holders of Common Securities
shall have no preemptive rights to subscribe to any additional Common
Securities or Preferred Securities.

                 12.  Miscellaneous.  These terms shall constitute a part of
the Declaration. The Trust will provide a copy of the Declaration and the
Indenture to a Holder without charge on written request to the Trust at its
principal place of business.





                                       61
<PAGE>   62


                                                                         Annex I

                          TRANSFER OF THIS CERTIFICATE
                          IS SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS
                          SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION
                               REFERRED TO BELOW

    Certificate Number                          Number of Common Securities
             C-1                                            ______

                    Certificate Evidencing Common Securities


                                       of


                       Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I


   
                    9%  Trust Originated Common Securities
    

                  (liquidation amount $25 per Common Security)

   
                 Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I, a statutory business trust
formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Trust"), hereby certifies
that Ford Motor Company (the "Holder") is the registered owner of
_____________________________ (______) common securities of the Trust
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust
designated the 9% Trust Originated Common Securities (liquidation amount $25
per Common Security) (the "Common Securities"). The Common Securities are
transferable on the books and records of the Trust, in person or by a duly
authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate duly endorsed and in
proper form for transfer and satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in
the Declaration (as defined below) including, without limitation Section 9.1(c)
thereof. The designations, rights, privileges, restrictions, preferences and
other terms and provisions of the Common Securities are set forth in, and this
certificate and the Common Securities represented hereby are issued and shall
in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust dated as of December 7, 1995, as
the same may be amended from time to time (the "Declaration") including the
designation of the terms of Common Securities as set forth in Exhibit C
thereto. The Common Securities and the Preferred Securities issued by the Trust
pursuant to the Declaration represent undivided beneficial interests in the
assets of the Trust, including the Debentures (as defined in the Declaration)
issued by Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation, to the Trust pursuant to
the Indenture referred to in the Declaration. The Trust will furnish a copy of
the Declaration and the Indenture to the Holder without charge upon written
request to the Trust at its principal place of business or registered office.
    

   
                 The Holder of this Certificate, by accepting this Certificate,
is deemed to have agreed to the terms of the Indenture and the Debentures,
including that the Debentures are subordinate and junior in right of payment to
all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) as and to the extent 
provided in the Indenture.
    





                                       62
<PAGE>   63



                 Upon receipt of this certificate, the Holder is bound by the
Declaration and is entitled to the benefits thereunder.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trustees of the Trust have executed
this certificate this ____ day of ____, 1995.

                                           FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I


                                           By: _________________________
                                               Name:
                                               Title: Trustee


                                           By: _________________________
                                               Name:
                                               Title: Trustee

Dated:

Countersigned and Registered:

   
CHEMICAL BANK,
Transfer Agent and Registrar
    

By:___________________________
    Authorized Signature





                                       63
<PAGE>   64

                                   ASSIGNMENT


FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned assigns and transfer this Common Security
Certificate to:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Insert assignee's social security or tax identification number)

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Insert address and zip code of assignee)

   
and irrevocably constitutes and appoints _______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
attorney to transfer this Common Security Certificate on the books of the
within-named Trust with full power of substitution in the premises. 
    

   
Dated: ____________________________
    


Signature: ________________________

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Common Security
Certificate)





                                       64

<PAGE>   1



                                                                     Exhibit 5.1

                                                                October 27, 1995

Ford Motor Company
The American Road
Dearborn, MI  48121


Ladies and Gentlemen:


         As Secretary and an Assistant General Counsel of Ford Motor Company, a
Delaware corporation ("Ford"), I have acted as counsel for Ford and Ford Motor
Company Capital Trust I, a statutory business trust created under the Delaware
Business Trust Act (the "Trust"), in connection with the preparation and filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of a Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-62761), as amended (the "Registration
Statement"), relating to (i) the offer by the Trust (the "Offer") to exchange
its 9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities") for
up to 44,600,000 outstanding Series B Depositary Shares ("Depositary Shares")
each representing 1/2,000 of a share of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock of
Ford and (ii) in connection therewith, the deposit by Ford with the Trust as
trust assets of its 9% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2025 (the "Junior
Subordinated Debentures").  Concurrently with the delivery of Junior
Subordinated Debentures to the Trust, Ford will make a cash contribution to the
Trust, the proceeds of which will be used by the Trust to purchase as trust
assets additional Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Junior Subordinated
Debentures are to be issued under an Indenture dated as of December 1, 1995 (as
supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1995,
the "Indenture"), to be entered into by and between Ford and The Bank of New
York, as trustee.  The Preferred Securities will be guaranteed (the
"Guarantee") by Ford to the extent described in the Prospectus forming a part
of the Registration Statement.

         I have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified
to my satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of
public officials and other instruments as I have deemed necessary or advisable
for the purpose of rendering this opinion.

       Based on the foregoing, it is my opinion that:

         1.      The Indenture, the Junior Subordinated  Debentures and the
Guarantee have been duly authorized by Ford.

         2.      When (i) the Registration Statement has become effective under
the Act, (ii) the Indenture has been duly executed and delivered, (iii) the
terms of the 
<PAGE>   2

                                    - 2 -


        Junior Subordinated Debentures have been duly established in accordance
with the Indenture and (iv) the Junior Subordinated Debentures have been duly
executed and authenticated in accordance with the Indenture and duly issued and
delivered to the Trust as contemplated by the Registration  Statement, the
Junior Subordinated Debentures will constitute valid and binding obligations of
Ford, enforceable in accordance with their  terms, except as the same may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws now or
hereinafter in effect relating to or  affecting the enforcement of creditors'
rights generally and by general equitable principles, regardless of whether
such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

         3.      When (i) the Registration Statement has become effective under
the Act, (ii) the Guarantee has been duly executed and delivered and (iii) the
Preferred  Securities have been duly issued and delivered in exchange for the
Depositary Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Guarantee
will constitute a valid and binding obligation of Ford, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws now or hereinafter in effect
relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by
general equitable principles, regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

         In connection with the foregoing opinion, I wish to point out that I
am a member of the Bar of the State of Michigan and do not hold myself out as
an expert in the laws of states other than Michigan.  However, I have made, or
caused to be made, such investigation as I have deemed appropriate with respect
to the laws of other states in connection with such opinion, and nothing has
come to my attention in the course of such investigation which would lead me to
question the correctness of such opinion.

         I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of my name under the heading "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement.  In
giving this consent, I do not admit that I am in the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of
the Commission issued thereunder.


                                                               Very truly yours,



                                                          /s/  J. M. Rintamaki
                                                          ----------------------
                                                               J. M. Rintamaki


<PAGE>   1



                                                                     Exhibit 5.2


                                                                October 27, 1995



Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I
The American Road
Dearborn, MI  48121


         Re:     Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special Delaware counsel to Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust"), in
connection with certain matters relating to the organization of the Trust and
the proposed issuance of Preferred Securities to beneficial owners pursuant to
and as described in the Trust's Registration Statement (and the Prospectus
forming a part thereof) on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (Registration No. 33-62761) (the "Registration Statement").
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise herein defined are used as
defined in the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust in the
form attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the "Governing
Instrument").

         In rendering this opinion, we have examined copies of the following
documents in the forms provided to us:  the Certificate of Trust of the Trust
as filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the
"State Office") on September 19, 1995 (the "Certificate"); a Declaration of
Trust of the Trust dated as of September 19, 1995 (the "Original Governing
Instrument"); the Governing Instrument; the Registration Statement; and a
certificate of good standing of the Trust obtained as of the date hereof from
the State Office.  In such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to
us as drafts or copies or forms of documents to be executed and the legal
capacity of natural persons to complete the execution of documents. We have
further assumed for purposes of this opinion: (i) the due formation or
organization, valid existence and good standing of each entity (other than the
Trust) that is a party to any of the documents reviewed by us under the laws of
the jurisdiction of its respective formation or organization; (ii) the due
authorization, execution and delivery by, or on behalf of, each of the parties
thereto of the above-referenced documents (including, without limitation, the
due execution and delivery of the Governing Instrument and the dealer manager
agreement relating to the Preferred Securities substantially in the form
attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement (the "Dealer Manager
Agreement") prior to the first issuance of Preferred Securities); (iii) that no
event has occurred subsequent to the filing of the Certificate, or will occur
prior to the issuance of the Preferred
<PAGE>   2

                                     - 2 -


Securities, that would cause a dissolution or liquidation of the Trust under
the Original Governing Instrument or the Governing Instrument, as applicable;
(iv) that the activities of the Trust have been and will be conducted in
accordance with the Original Governing Instrument or the Governing Instrument,
as applicable, and the Delaware Business Trust Act, 12 Del. C. Sec. 3801 et
seq. (the "Delaware Act"); (v) that each Holder of a Preferred Security will
validly tender a Depositary Share in exchange therefor, that such Depositary
Share will be duly accepted, and that such Holder will duly receive a Preferred
Securities Certificate in consideration thereof, all in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Governing Instrument, Registration Statement and
Dealer Manager Agreement; (vi) that the Preferred Securities are issued and
sold to the Preferred Securities Holders in accordance with the terms,
conditions, requirements and procedures set forth in the Governing Instrument,
Registration Statement and Dealer Manager Agreement; and (vii) that the
documents examined by us are in full force and effect, express the entire
understanding of the parties thereto with respect to the subject matter thereof
and have not been modified, supplemented or otherwise amended, except as herein
referenced. No opinion is expressed with respect to the requirements of, or
compliance with, federal or state securities or blue sky laws. We have not
participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement or any other
offering materials relating to the Preferred Securities and we assume no
responsibility for their contents. As to any fact material to our opinion,
other than those assumed, we have relied without independent investigation on
the above-referenced documents and on the accuracy, as of the date hereof, of
the matters therein contained.

         Based on and subject to the foregoing, and limited in all respects to
matters of Delaware law, it is our opinion that:

         1.      The Trust is a duly organized and validly existing business
trust in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

         2.      The Preferred Securities, upon issuance, will constitute
validly issued and, subject to the qualifications set forth in paragraph 3
below, fully paid and nonassessable beneficial interests in the Trust.

         3.      Under the Delaware Act and the terms of the Governing
Instrument, each Preferred Security Holder of the Trust, in such capacity, will
be entitled to the same limitation of personal liability as that extended to
stockholders of private corporations for profit organized under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware; provided, however, we express no
opinion with respect to the liability of any Preferred Security Holder who is,
was or may become a named Trustee of the Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
we note that pursuant to Section 11.4 of the Governing Instrument, the Trust
may withhold amounts otherwise distributable to a Holder and pay over such
amounts to the applicable jurisdictions in accordance with federal, state and
local law and any amount withheld will be deemed to have been distributed to
such Holder and that, pursuant to the Governing Instrument, Preferred Security
Holders may be obligated to make payments or provide indemnity or security
under the circumstances set forth therein.
<PAGE>   3

                                     - 3 -



         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the heading "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit
that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under
Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder. This opinion
speaks only as of the date hereof and is based on our understandings or
assumptions as to present facts, and on our review of the above referenced
documents and the application of Delaware law as the same exist as of the date
hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or supplement this opinion
after the date hereof for the benefit of any person or entity with respect to
any facts or circumstances that may hereafter come to our attention or any
changes in facts or law that may hereafter occur or take effect.


                                                Very truly yours,


   
                                            /s/ Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell
                                                MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL
    






<PAGE>   1



                                                                       Exhibit 8

                                                                October 27, 1995

Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I
The American Road
Dearborn, MI  48121


Re:           Registration Statement on Form S-4
              Registration No. 33-62761


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         As Chief Tax Officer of Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation
("Ford"), I have acted as counsel for Ford and Ford Motor Company Capital Trust
I, a statutory business trust created under the Business Trust Act of the State
of Delaware (the "Trust"), in connection with the Trust's offer (the "Offer")
to exchange its 9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (the "Preferred
Securities") for up to 44,600,000 outstanding Series B Depositary Shares
("Depositary Shares") each representing 1/2,000 of a share of Series B
Cumulative Preferred Stock of Ford.  In connection therewith, I have prepared
the discussion set forth under the caption "Taxation" (the "Discussion") in the
Prospectus (the "Prospectus") that is part of the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-62761) filed by Ford and the Trust with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

         In rendering my opinion, I have examined the form of Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I dated as of
December 7, 1995 (the "Declaration") included as an Exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and have assumed that the Trustees will conduct the affairs of the
Trust in accordance with the Declaration. I hereby confirm my opinion as set
forth in the Discussion, which is a summary of the material United States
federal income tax consequences of the exchange of Depositary Shares for the
Preferred Securities pursuant to the Offer, and of the ownership and
disposition of the Preferred Securities.
<PAGE>   2

                                     - 2 -



         I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of my name under the caption "Taxation"
in the Prospectus.  In giving this consent, I do not admit that I am in the
category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the
rules and regulations of the Commission issued thereunder.


                                                           Very truly yours,

                                                           /s/ Dennis E. Ross
                                                           --------------------
                                                           Dennis E. Ross



<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 12



                      Ford Motor Company and Subsidiaries

 CALCULATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK
                                   DIVIDENDS

                                 (in millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    
                                                    Nine                        For the Years Ended December 31           
                                                    Months      -----------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1995          1994         1993        1992         1991         1990  
                                                   -------      --------     --------    --------     --------     --------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Earnings
  Income/(loss) before income taxes
   and cumulative effects of changes
   in accounting principles                        $ 5,825      $ 8,789      $ 4,003     $  (127)     $(2,587)     $ 1,495
  Equity in net (income)/loss of
   affiliates plus dividends from
   affiliates                                          176         (182)         (98)         26           69          171
  Adjusted fixed charges a/                          7,727        8,122        7,648       8,113        9,360        9,690
                                                   -------      -------      -------     -------      -------      -------
    Earnings                                       $13,728      $16,729      $11,553     $ 8,012      $ 6,842      $11,356
                                                   =======      =======      =======     =======      =======      =======

Combined Fixed Charges and
 Preferred Stock Dividends
  Interest expense b/                              $ 7,486      $ 7,787      $ 7,351     $ 7,987      $ 9,326      $ 9,647
  Interest portion of rental expense c/                199          265          266         185          124          105
  Preferred stock dividend requirements
   of majority-owned subsidiaries d/                   151          160          115          77           56           83
                                                   -------      -------      -------     -------      -------      -------
    Fixed charges                                    7,836        8,212        7,732       8,249        9,506        9,835

Ford preferred stock dividend
 requirements e/                                       311          472          442         317           26            0
                                                   -------      -------      -------     -------      -------      -------
  Total combined fixed charges
   and preferred stock dividends                   $ 8,147      $ 8,684      $ 8,174     $ 8,566      $ 9,532      $ 9,835
                                                   =======      =======      =======     =======      =======      =======
Ratios
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                   1.8          2.0          1.5         f/           g/           1.2

  Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
   charges and preferred stock dividends               1.7          1.9          1.4         h/           i/           1.2
</TABLE>





- - - - - -
a/ Fixed charges, as shown below, adjusted to exclude the amount of interest
   capitalized during the period and preferred stock dividend requirements of 
   majority-owned subsidiaries.
b/ Includes interest, whether expensed or capitalized, and amortization of debt
   expense and discount or premium relating to any indebtedness.
c/ One-third of all rental expense is deemed to be interest.
d/ Preferred stock dividend requirements of Ford Holdings, Inc., increased to
   an amount representing the pre-tax earnings which would be required to
   cover such dividend requirements based on Ford's effective income tax rates 
   for all periods except 1992.  The U.S. statutory rate of 34% was used for
   1992.
e/ Preferred stock dividend requirements of Ford Motor Company, increased to an
   amount representing the pre-tax earnings which would be required to cover 
   such dividend requirements based on Ford's effective income tax rates for
   all periods except 1992.  The U.S. statutory rate of 34% was used for 1992.
f/ Earnings inadequate to cover fixed charges by $237 million.
g/ Earnings inadequate to cover fixed charges by $2,664 million.
h/ Earnings inadequate to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock
   dividends by $554 million.
i/ Earnings inadequate to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock
   dividends by $2,690 million.


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 15



Ford Motor Company
The American Road
Dearborn, Michigan

   
Re:    Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I and Ford Motor Company Amendment No.
1 to Registration Statement No. 33-62761 on Form S-4
    

We are aware that our reports dated April 19, 1995 and July 19, 1995
accompanying the unaudited interim financial information of Ford Motor Company
and Subsidiaries for the periods ended March 31, 1995 and 1994, and for the
periods ended June 30, 1995 and 1994, and included in the Ford Motor Company
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1995 and June
30, 1995, respectively, are incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.  Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, these
reports should not be considered a part of the Registration Statement prepared
or certified by us within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.



/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

400 Renaissance Center
Detroit, Michigan 48243
   
October 27, 1995
    


<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1




Ford Motor Company
The American Road
Dearborn, Michigan 


                     CONSENT OF COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

   
Re:   Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I and Ford Motor Company Amendment No. 1
to Registration Statement No. 33-62761 on Form S-4
    

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
our report dated January 27, 1995 on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements of Ford Motor Company at December 31, 1994 and 1993, and for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, which report is included in, or
incorporated by reference in, Ford's 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K.




/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

400 Renaissance Center
Detroit, Michigan 48243
   
October 27, 1995
    


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 24.1


   
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    

   
                        CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY AND
                          AN ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL
    

   
         The undersigned, J. M. Rintamaki, Secretary and an Assistant General
Counsel of Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), DOES
HEREBY CERTIFY THAT the resolutions attached as Exhibit A hereto are true and
correct copies of resolutions excerpted from the minutes of proceedings of the
Board of Directors of the Company; such resolutions were duly adopted by the
Board of Directors of the Company at a meeting held on September 14, 1995; and
such resolutions are in full force and effect on the date hereof.
    

   
         WITNESS my hand and the seal of the Company this 2nd day of October,
1995.
    


   

                                                       /s/ J. M. Rintamaki
                                                       -----------------------
                                                       J. M. Rintamaki
                                                       Secretary and an
                                                       Assistant General Counsel
    

<PAGE>   2


   
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
    

   
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    

   
                                  Resolutions
    


   
         WHEREAS, it is desirable for the Company (i) to form a Delaware
Business Trust that will offer to exchange (the "Offer") Trust Originated
Preferred Securities (the "Preferred Securities") for the Depositary Shares
(the "Depositary Shares") representing the Company's Series B Cumulative
Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred") and (ii) to issue its Junior
Subordinated Debentures, Series A (the "Junior Subordinated Debentures") to the
trust in return for common shares of the trust and the Depositary Shares
exchanged in the Offer;
    

   
         NOW, THEREFORE BE IT:
    

   
The Preferred Stock Exchange
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
the Vice President - Finance and the Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby
are authorized in the name and on behalf of the Company to take any and all
action which such persons, or any of them, may deem necessary, appropriate or
desirable in order to cause the formation pursuant to the Delaware Business
Trust Act of a business trust (the "Trust") of which the Company will serve as
sponsor.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized in the name and on behalf of the
Company to file a declaration of trust establishing the Trust (the "Declaration
of Trust"), file a certificate of trust with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware and pay all filing and other fees in connection therewith.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
the Vice President - Finance and the Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby
are authorized to select those directors, officers or employees of the Company,
if any, or third persons, if any, who will serve as trustees of the Trust and
to select one or more banks and/or trust companies as may be required to comply
with the Delaware Business Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, and in order to obtain an exemption from the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company be and hereby is authorized to purchase
the common securities of the Trust representing undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of the Trust (the "Common Securities"), in such amounts as shall
be required
    

<PAGE>   3
                                     - 2 -


   
by the Declaration of Trust, the proceeds of such purchase to be used by the
Trust to purchase an equal aggregate principal amount of Junior Subordinated
Debentures.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company, in its individual capacity, take any and
all action as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable to cause the Trust to
offer to exchange its Preferred Securities for up to all, or such lesser number
as may be determined by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
the Vice President - Finance or the Treasurer, of the outstanding Depositary
Shares on such terms as may be approved by the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer; the Vice President - Finance or the Treasurer.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company issue, and deposit in the Trust as trust
assets, Junior Subordinated Debentures in (a) an aggregate principal amount
equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate stated liquidation value of the Preferred
Securities issued in the Offer in exchange for Depositary Shares and (ii) the
aggregate stated liquidation value of the Common Securities purchased by the
Company, or (b) such other aggregate principal amount as the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer; the Vice President - Finance or the
Treasurer shall determine, and, in either case, to receive as payment therefor
the Depositary Shares received by the Trust pursuant to the Offer and the
Common Securities.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
the Vice President - Finance or the Treasurer be and hereby are authorized to
determine the interest rate, the final maturity date, the redemption date and
the other terms and conditions of the Junior Subordinated Debentures.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company be and hereby is authorized to enter into
one or more indentures and supplements thereto, each with a bank or trust
company as Trustee (the "Indentures"), providing for the issuance of the Junior
Subordinated Debentures and that the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical
Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice
President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any
Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are authorized, in the
name and on behalf of the Company, (i) to select such trustee or trustees and
(ii) to execute, acknowledge and deliver the Indentures and supplements
thereto, under the seal of the Company, attested by the Secretary or any
Assistant Secretary, containing such terms and provisions as the officer or
officers executing such Indentures or supplements thereto may deem necessary,
appropriate or desirable, as conclusively evidenced by his, her or their
execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
the Vice President - Finance and the Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby
are
    









<PAGE>   4

                                     - 3 -

   
authorized in the name and on behalf of the Company to execute, deliver and
perform in the name and on behalf of the Company, a guarantee (the "Guarantee")
of the payment obligations of the Trust with respect to the Preferred
Securities, on such terms and conditions as such persons, or any of them, may
deem necessary, appropriate or desirable, as conclusively evidenced by his, her
or their execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company be and hereby is authorized to register 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), the Junior Subordinated 
Debentures, the Preferred Securities, the Common Securities and the Guarantee.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the preparation by the Company of one or more
Registration Statements on Form S-4, or such other form as may be appropriate,
covering the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities, the
Common Securities and the Guarantee, including prospectuses, exhibits and other
documents, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") for the purpose of registering the Junior Subordinated
Debentures, the Preferred Securities, the Common Securities and the Guarantee,
be and it hereby is in all respects approved; that the directors and
appropriate officers of the Company, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized to sign and execute in their own behalf, or in the name and on
behalf of the Company, or both, as the case may be, any such Registration
Statement, with such changes, if any, therein, including amendments to the
prospectus and the addition or amendment of exhibits and other documents
relating thereto or required by law or regulation in connection therewith, all
in such form as such directors and officers may deem necessary, appropriate or
desirable, as conclusively evidenced by their execution thereof, and that the
appropriate officers of the Company, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized to cause any such Registration Statement, so executed, to be filed
with the Commission; and, prior to the effective date of any such Registration
Statement and if the Vice President - General Counsel or the Secretary deems it
advisable, the appropriate officers of the Company are directed to use their
best efforts to furnish each director and each officer signing such
Registration Statement with a copy of such Registration Statement, and if,
prior to the effective date of any such Registration Statement, material
changes therein or material additions thereto are proposed to be made, other
than changes and additions of a type authorized under these resolutions to be
approved by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief
Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; the
Vice President - Finance or the Treasurer, and if the Vice President - General
Counsel or the Secretary deems it advisable, the appropriate officers of the
Company are directed to use their best efforts to furnish each director, and
each officer signing any such Registration Statement, with a copy of such
Registration Statement and each amendment thereto as filed with the Commission,
or a description of such changes or additions, or a combination thereof, in as
complete and final form as practicable and in sufficient time to permit each
director and each such officer so desiring to object to any part of any such
Registration Statement before it becomes effective.
    
<PAGE>   5
                                     - 4 -

   
         RESOLVED, That the directors and appropriate officers of the Company,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized to sign and execute in their own
behalf, or in the name and on behalf of the Company, or both, as the case may
be, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to any
Registration Statement, including amendments to the prospectus and the addition
or amendment of exhibits and other documents relating thereto or required by
law or regulation in connection therewith, all in such form, with such changes,
if any, therein, as such directors and officers may deem necessary, appropriate
or desirable, as conclusively evidenced by their execution thereof, and that
the appropriate officers of the Company, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized to cause such amendment or amendments, so executed, to be filed with
the Commission; and if, prior to the effective date of each such post-effective
amendment, material changes or material additions are proposed to be made in or
to any such Registration Statement or any amendment thereto in the form in
which it most recently became effective, other than changes and additions of a
type authorized under these resolutions to be approved by officers of the
Company, and if the Vice President - General Counsel or the Secretary deems it
advisable, the appropriate officers of the Company are directed to use their
best efforts to furnish each director, and each officer signing such
post-effective amendment, with a copy of such post-effective amendment or a
description of all material changes or additions therein, or a combination
thereof, in as complete and final form as practicable and in sufficient time to
permit each director and each such officer so desiring to object to any part of
such post-effective amendment before it becomes effective.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That each director and officer who may be required to sign
and execute any such Registration Statement or any amendment thereto or
document in connection therewith (whether on behalf of the Company, or as an
officer or director of the Company, or otherwise), be and hereby is authorized
to execute a power of attorney appointing J. M. Devine, D. N. McCammon, M. S.
Macdonald, J. W. Martin, Jr., J. M.  Rintamaki, L. J. Ghilardi, P. J. Sherry,
Jr., and N. A. Patino, and each of them, severally, his or her true and lawful
attorney or attorneys to sign in his or her name, place and stead in any such
capacity any such Registration Statement and any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) thereto and documents in connection therewith, and
to file the same with the Commission, each of said attorneys to have power to
act with or without the other, and to have full power and authority to do and
perform, in the name and on behalf of each of said officers and directors who
shall have executed such a power of attorney, every act whatsoever which such
attorneys, or any of them, may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable to be
done in connection therewith as fully and to all intents and purposes as such
officers or directors might or could do in person.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized in the name and on behalf of the
Company to take any and all action which such persons, or any of them, may deem
necessary, appropriate or desirable in order to obtain a permit, register or
qualify
    
<PAGE>   6
                                    - 5 -

   
the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities, the Common
Securities and the Guarantee for issuance and/or sale or to request an
exemption from registration of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the
Preferred Securities, the Common Securities and the Guarantee or to register or
obtain a license for the Company as a dealer or broker under the securities
laws of such of the states of the United States of America as such persons, or
any of them, may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable, and in connection
with such registrations, permits, licenses, qualifications and exemptions to
execute, acknowledge, verify, deliver, file and publish all such applications,
reports, resolutions, irrevocable consents to service of process, powers of
attorney and other papers and instruments as may be required under such laws,
and to take any and all further action which such persons, or any of them, may
deem necessary, appropriate or desirable in order to maintain such
registrations in effect for as long as such persons, or any of them, may deem
to be in the best interests of the Company.
    
   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized to designate any licensed
California broker-dealer as the Company's attorney-in-fact for the purpose of
executing and filing one or more applications and amendments thereto on behalf
of the Company, under applicable provisions of the California Corporate
Securities Law of 1968, for the registration or qualification of part or all of
the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities, the Common
Securities and the Guarantee (whether or not subordinated) for offering and
sale in the State of California.
    
   
         RESOLVED, That any and all haec verba resolutions which may be
required by the Blue Sky or securities laws of any state in which the Company
intends to offer Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities, the
Common Securities and the Guarantee be, and hereby are, adopted; that the
appropriate officers of the Company be, and hereby are, authorized to certify
that such resolutions were duly adopted at this meeting; and that the Secretary
of the Company shall cause a copy of each resolution so certified to be
attached to the minutes of this meeting.
    
   
         RESOLVED, That the directors and appropriate officers of the Company,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized to prepare or cause to be
prepared, to execute, in the name and on behalf of the Company, and to file
with the Commission an Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13e-4 and any
other tender offer statement required to be filed by the Company with the
Commission, including, if necessary, Schedule 14D-1, in connection with the
Offer, and to make any other filings that they, or any of them, may deem
necessary, appropriate or desirable to comply with the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or the rules and regulations of the
Commission promulgated thereunder.
    
<PAGE>   7
                                     - 6 -

   
         RESOLVED, That the appropriate officers of the Company, and each of
them, be and hereby are authorized on behalf of the Company to take such action
as such officers, or any of them, may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable
to make application for the listing on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or any
other Stock Exchange of the Preferred Securities and that the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman
and Chief Technical Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice
President; any Vice President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the
Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are
designated a representative of the Company to appear before the Corporate
Services Division or other appropriate body of any such Exchange and take all
such other steps as such persons, or any of them, may deem necessary,
appropriate or desirable to effect such listing.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized to execute and file with the
Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., or any other Stock Exchange,
in the name and on behalf of the Company, one or more Registration Statements,
on Form 8-A or such other form as may be appropriate, including any and all
exhibits and other documents relating thereto, for the registration under the
Exchange Act of the Guarantee and to enable the Trust to register the Preferred
Securities, and any and all amendments to such Registration Statements, in such
forms as the person or persons executing the same may deem necessary,
appropriate or desirable, as conclusively evidenced by his, her or their
execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That, in connection with each application of the Company to
the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., or any other stock exchange, for the listing
on such exchange of the Preferred Securities, the Company enter into an
agreement providing for the indemnification by the Company of the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc., or any other stock exchange, its governors, officers,
employees and its subsidiary companies and innocent purchasers for value of the
Preferred Securities or any one or more of them, as the case may be, from and
against losses, liabilities, claims, damages or accidents in connection with
the use of facsimile signatures on the Securities; and that the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman
and Chief Technical Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice
President; any Vice President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the
Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized in the name and on behalf of the Company and under its corporate
seal to execute and deliver to the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., or any other
stock exchange, the aforesaid indemnification agreement in such form as the
person or persons executing the same may deem necessary, appropriate or
desirable, as conclusively evidenced by his, her or their execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That in connection with the Offer, the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and
Chief
    
<PAGE>   8
                                     - 7 -


   
Technical Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any
Vice President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any
Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are authorized in the name
and on behalf of the Company to execute and deliver (i)  a dealer manager
agreement among the Company, Merrill Lynch & Co., and/or such other dealer
managers as any such officer shall determine is necessary, appropriate or
desirable, and (ii) such other documents as may be necessary, appropriate or
desirable in connection with the dealer manager agreement and the Offer, each
in such form and having such terms and conditions as the person or persons
executing the same may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable, as
conclusively evidenced by his, her or their execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That in connection with the Offer, the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and
Chief Technical Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice
President; any Vice President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the
Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized in the name and on behalf of the Company, to select (i) an exchange
agent and (ii) an information agent, and, in each case, in the name and on
behalf of the Company, to enter into such agreement or agreements, and to
execute and deliver such other documents on behalf of the Company, as the
person or persons executing the same may deem necessary, appropriate or
desirable, as conclusively evidenced by his, her or their execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized, in the name and on behalf of
the Company to take all such other action and to execute and deliver all such
certificate, instruments and other documents as he, she or they (or his, her or
their designee) may consider necessary or appropriate in order to enable the
Trust to carry out the intent and purposes of the foregoing resolutions and the
transactions contemplated thereby (hereby ratifying and confirming any and all
actions taken heretofore or hereafter to accomplish such purposes, all or
singular).
    


   
Actions by the Company as Sponsor of the Trust
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company, in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust,
take any and all action deemed necessary, appropriate or desirable to cause the
Trust to issue the Preferred Securities, representing undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of the Trust, with an aggregate liquidation amount not
to exceed $1.14 billion  in connection with the Offer.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
the Vice President - Finance; and the Treasurer and each of them, be and hereby
are
    
<PAGE>   9
                                     - 8 -

   
authorized, acting for the Company in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust, to
determine the distribution rate on the Preferred Securities and the Common
Securities and the aggregate liquidation amount of the Preferred Securities and
Common Securities.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Preferred Securities and the Common Securities
shall have such other terms as the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President and Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer; the Vice President - Finance or the Treasurer, acting for
the Company in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust, may approve, such approval
to be conclusively evidenced by the execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company, in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust,
take any and all action as may be necessary or advisable to cause the Trust to
offer to exchange its Preferred Securities for up to all, or such lesser number
as may be determined by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
the Vice President - Finance or the Treasurer, and each of them, of the
outstanding Depositary Shares, on such terms and conditions as such persons, or
any of them, may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the Company in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust is
hereby authorized to file in the name and on behalf of the Trust the
Registration Statement with the Commission and that the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and
Chief Technical Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice
President; any Vice President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the
Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Company, as sponsor of the Trust,
to execute (personally or by attorney-in-fact) on behalf of the Trust, the
Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto, registering the Preferred
Securities and Common Securities, which Registration Statement is hereby in all
respects approved with such changes therein as the officer or officers
executing the same shall approve (such approval to be conclusively evidenced by
such execution), and such amendments and supplements (including post-effective
amendments) as the officer or officers executing the same shall deem
appropriate or desirable, the same to be filed with the Commission pursuant to
the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That J. M. Rintamaki be, and hereby is, designated as the
agent for service for the Trust in all matters relating to the Registration
Statement and any and all amendments (including, without limitation,
post-effective amendments) and supplements thereto, with all the powers
incident to such appointment.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That the appropriate officers of the Company, in its
capacity as sponsor of the Trust, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized and directed to take any and all action which such officer may deem
necessary or advisable to
    
<PAGE>   10
                                     - 9 -

   
enable the Trust to have the Preferred Securities listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., or any other exchange.
    
   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized and directed to execute in the
name and on behalf of the Company, in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust, on
behalf of the Trust, under its corporate seal or otherwise, and to file and
deliver, all such applications, statements, certificates, agreements and other
instruments as shall be necessary to accomplish such listing and that each of
them (or such other person as such officer may designate in writing) be and
hereby are authorized to appear on behalf of the Company and the Trust before
any committee or board of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., or other exchange
and to execute and deliver any and all papers and agreements and to do any and
all things that may be necessary or advisable to affect such listing.
    
   
         RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized, in the name and on behalf of
the Company, in its capacity as sponsor of the Trust, on behalf of the Trust,
to prepare, execute (personally or by attorney-in-fact) and file such
registration statements or amendments thereto on behalf of the Trust which, in
their judgment, shall be necessary, appropriate or desirable to register the
Guarantee and to enable the Trust to register the Preferred Securities under
the Exchange Act.
    

   
         RESOLVED, That it is desirable and in the best interest of the Trust
that the Offer, the Junior Subordinated Debentures, the Preferred Securities,
the Common Securities and the Guarantee be qualified or registered in the
various states; that the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized to determine on behalf of the
Trust the states in which appropriate action shall be taken to qualify or
register the securities to be issued in the Offer; that said officers are
hereby authorized to perform in the name and on behalf of the Company, in its
capacity as sponsor of the Trust on behalf of the Trust, any and all such acts
as they may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable in order to comply with
the applicable laws of any such states, and in connection therewith to execute,
in the name and on behalf of the Company, in its capacity as sponsor of the
Trust, on behalf of the Trust, and file all requisite papers and documents,
including but not limited to, applications, reports, surety bonds, irrevocable
consents and appointments of attorneys for service of process; and the
execution by such officers of any such paper or document or the doing by them
of any act in connection with the foregoing matters shall conclusively
establish their authority
    
<PAGE>   11
                                     - 10 -

   
therefor from the Company and the Trust and the approval and ratification by
the Company, in its individual capacity and in its capacity as sponsor of the
Trust, on behalf of the Trust, of the papers and documents so executed and the
action so taken.
    

   
         RESOLVED, that the appropriate officers of the Company, and each of
them, be and hereby are authorized and directed, to prepare or cause to be
prepared, to execute, in the name and on behalf of the Company, in its capacity
as sponsor of the Trust, on behalf of the Trust, and to file with the
Commission an Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13e-4 and any other
tender offer statement required to be filed by the Trust with the Commission
(including, if necessary, Schedule 14D-1) in connection with the Offer and to
take any other actions and to make any other filings that may be necessary or
advisable to comply with rules and regulation of the Commission under the
Exchange Act applicable to the Offer.
    

   
         RESOLVED, that in connection with the Offer, the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and
Chief Technical Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice
President; any Vice President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the
Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized in the name and on behalf of the Company, in its capacity as sponsor
of the Trust, on behalf of the Trust, to execute and deliver (i) a dealer
manager agreement among the Company, the Trust and Merrill Lynch & Co., and/or
such other dealer managers as any such officer shall determine is necessary,
appropriate or desirable, relating to the Offer and (ii) such other documents
as may be necessary or advisable in connection with the dealer manager
agreement and the Offer, each in such form and having such terms and conditions
as the person or persons executing the same may deem necessary, appropriate or
desirable, as conclusively evidenced by his, her or their execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, that in connection with the Offer, the Chairman of the Board
of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and
Chief Technical Officer; any Executive Vice President; any Group Vice
President; any Vice President; the Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the
Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer, and each of them, be and hereby are
authorized, in the name and on behalf of the Trust, to select (i) an exchange
agent and (ii) an information agent with respect to the Offer, and in each
case, in the name and on behalf of the Company, in its capacity as sponsor of
the Trust, on behalf of the Trust, to enter into such agreement or agreements
with such parties as the officer executing the same shall deem necessary or
appropriate and to execute and deliver such other documents as the person or
persons executing the same may deem necessary, appropriate or desirable, as
conclusively evidenced by his, her or their execution thereof.
    

   
         RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and 
    
<PAGE>   12
                                     - 11 -
   
each of them, be and hereby are, in the name and on behalf of the Trust, to
cause the Trust to take all actions they deem necessary and advisable in
furtherance of the foregoing resolutions.
    

   
         RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer; the Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer; any
Executive Vice President; any Group Vice President; any Vice President; the
Secretary; any Assistant Secretary; the Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer,
and each of them, be and hereby are authorized, in the name and on behalf of
the Trust to take all such other action and to execute and deliver all such
certificates, instruments and other documents as he, she or they (or his, her
or their designee) may consider necessary or appropriate in order to enable the
Trust to carry out the intent and purposes of the foregoing resolutions and the
transactions contemplated thereby (hereby ratifying and confirming any and all
actions taken heretofore or hereafter to accomplish such purposes, all or
singular).
    



<PAGE>   13
          POWER OF ATTORNEY WITH RESPECT TO REGISTRATION STATEMENTS
              COVERING JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES, PREFERRED
                 SECURITIES, COMMON SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES


        Each of the undersigned, a director or officer of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
(the "Company"), appoints each of J. M. Devine, D. N. McCammon, M. S.
Macdonald, J. W. Martin, Jr., J. M. Rintamaki, L. J. Ghilardi, P. J. Sherry,
Jr. and N. A. Patino, his or her true and lawful attorney and agent to do any
and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments which the attorney
and agent may deem necessary or advisable in order to enable the Company to
comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") in respect thereof, in
connection with a Registration Statement or Registration Statements and any and
all amendments thereto relating to the issuance and/or sale of the
above-captioned Junior Subordinated Debentures, Preferred Securities, Common
Securities and Guarantees, as authorized at a meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Company held on September 14, 1995, including but not limited to, power
and authority to sign his or her name (whether on behalf of the Company, or
otherwise) to such Registration Statement or Registration Statements and any
amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), or any of the
exhibits, financial statements and schedules, or the Prospectuses, filed
therewith, and to file them with the Commission.  Each of the undersigned
ratifies and confirms all that any of the attorneys and agents shall do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Any one of the attorneys and agents shall
have, and may exercise, all the powers conferred by this instrument.

        Each of the undersigned has signed his or her name as of the 14th day
of September, 1995.


/s/ Alex Trotman                                /s/ Colby H. Chandler
- -------------------------                       ---------------------------
   (Alex Trotman)                                  (Colby H. Chandler)

/s/ Michael D. Dingman                          /s/ Edsel B. Ford II
- -------------------------                       ---------------------------
   (Michael D. Dingman)                            (Edsel B. Ford II)

/s/ William Clay Ford                           /s/ William Clay Ford, Jr.
- -------------------------                       ---------------------------
   (William Clay Ford)                             (William Clay Ford, Jr.)

                                                /s/ Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.
- -------------------------                       ---------------------------
  (Roberto C. Goizueta)                            (Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr.)
<PAGE>   14
                                    - 2 -



  /s/ Marie-Josee Kravis                 /s/ Drew Lewis
- -------------------------------         --------------------------
     (Marie-Josee Kravis)                   (Drew Lewis)

  /s/ Ellen R. Marram                    /s/ Kenneth H. Olsen
- -------------------------------         --------------------------
     (Ellen R. Marram)                      (Kenneth H. Olsen)

  /s/ Carl E. Reichardt                  /s/ Louis R. Ross
- -------------------------------         --------------------------
     (Carl E. Reichardt)                    (Louis R. Ross)

  /s/ Clifton R. Wharton, Jr.            /s/ John M. Devine
- -------------------------------         --------------------------
     (Clifton R. Wharton, Jr.)              (John M. Devine)

  /s/ Murray L. Reichenstein
- -------------------------------   
     (Murray L. Reichenstein)

<PAGE>   15

          POWER OF ATTORNEY WITH RESPECT TO REGISTRATION STATEMENTS
              COVERING JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES, PREFERRED
                 SECURITIES, COMMON SECURITIES AND GUARANTEES



        The undersigned, the Director, Accounting and the principal accounting
officer of FORD MOTOR COMPANY (the "Company"), appoints each of J. M. Devine,
D. N. McCammon, M. S. Macdonald, J.W. Martin, Jr., J.M. Rintamaki, L. J.
Ghilardi, P. J. Sherry, Jr. and N. A. Patino, his true and lawful attorney and
agent to do any and all acts and things and execute any and all instruments
which the attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable in order to enable
the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") in
respect thereof, in connection with a Registration Statement or Registration
Statements and any and all amendments thereto relating to the issuance and/or
sale of the above-captioned Junior Subordinated Debentures, Preferred
Securities, Common Securities and Guarantees, as authorized at a meeting of the
Board of Directors of the Company held on September 14, 1995, including but not
limited to, power and authority to sign his name (whether on behalf of the
Company, or otherwise) to such Registration Statement or Registration
Statements and any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), or
any of the exhibits, financial statements and schedules, or the Prospectuses,
filed therewith, and to file them with the Commission.  The undersigned
ratifies and confirms all that any of the attorneys and agents shall do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Any one of the attorneys and agents shall
have, and may exercise, all the powers conferred by this instrument.

        The undersigned has signed his name as of the 19th day of September,
1995.



                                    /s/ Daniel R. Coulson
                                    ---------------------
                                    Daniel R. Coulson


<PAGE>   1



================================================================================
                                                                    Exhibit 25.1

                                    FORM T-1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                   UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                      CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
                      ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
                        SECTION 305(b)(2)           |__|

                             ____________________

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
New York                                   13-5160382
(State of incorporation                    (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank)               identification no.)

48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y.             10286
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
</TABLE>


                             ____________________

                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
Delaware                                   38-0549190
(State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)             identification no.)

The American Road
Dearborn, Michigan                         48121
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
</TABLE>

                             ______________________

                         Junior Subordinated Debentures
                      (Title of the indenture securities)


================================================================================
<PAGE>   2

1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE
         TRUSTEE:

         (A)     NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO
                 WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Name                                        Address           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         <S>                                       <C>
         Superintendent of Banks of the State of   2 Rector Street, New York,
         New York                                  N.Y.  10006, and Albany, N.Y. 
                                                   12203

         Federal Reserve Bank of New York          33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
                                                   N.Y.  10045

         Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation     Washington, D.C.  20429

         New York Clearing House Association       New York, New York
</TABLE>

         (B)     WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

         Yes.

2.       AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.

         IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
         AFFILIATION.

         None.  (See Note on page 3.)

16.      LIST OF EXHIBITS.

         EXHIBITS IDENTIFIED IN PARENTHESES BELOW, ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSION,
         ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT HERETO, PURSUANT TO
         RULE 7A-29 UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 (THE "ACT") AND RULE
         24 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES OF PRACTICE.

         1.      A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
                 (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which 
                 contains the authority to commence business and a grant of
                 powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to 
                 Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
                 No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with
                 Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
                 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

         4.      A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to 
                 Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)

                                     -2-
<PAGE>   3


         6.      The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the 
                 Act.  (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration 
                 Statement No. 33-44051.)

         7.      A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee 
                 published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its
                 supervising or examining authority.



                                      NOTE


         Inasmuch as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the
Trustee of all facts on which to base a responsive answer to Item 2, the answer
to said Item is based on incomplete information.

         Item 2 may, however, be considered as correct unless amended by an
amendment to this Form T-1.

                                     -3-
<PAGE>   4



                                   SIGNATURE



         Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New
York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New
York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and
State of New York, on the 26th day of October, 1995.


                                        THE BANK OF NEW YORK



                                        By: /s/ Robert F. McIntyre
                                            -------------------------------
                                            Name: Robert F. McIntyre 
                                            Title: Assistant Vice President

<PAGE>   5
                                                                      Exhibit 7

_______________________________________________________________________________

                      Consolidated Report of Condition of

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                    of 48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
                     And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 1995,
published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Dollar Amounts
ASSETS                                                                                       in Thousands
<S>                                                                                           <C>
Cash and balances due from depos-
  itory institutions:
  Noninterest-bearing balances and
  currency and coin ..................                                                        $ 3,025,419
  Interest-bearing balances ..........                                                            881,413
Securities:
  Held-to-maturity securities ........                                                          1,242,368
  Available-for-sale securities ......                                                          1,774,079
Federal funds sold in domestic
  offices of the bank ................                                                          5,503,445
Securities purchased under agree-
  ments to resell ....................                                                            200,634
Loans and lease financing
  receivables:
  Loans and leases, net of unearned
    income .................26,599,533
  LESS: Allowance for loan and
    lease losses ..............516,283
    Loans and leases, net of unearned
    income and allowance                                                                       26,083,250
Assets held in trading accounts ......                                                          1,455,639
Premises and fixed assets (including
  capitalized leases) ................                                                            612,547
Other real estate owned ..............                                                             79,667
Investments in unconsolidated
  subsidiaries and associated
  companies ..........................                                                            198,737
Customers' liability to this bank on
  acceptances outstanding ............                                                          1,111,464
Intangible assets ....................                                                            105,263
Other assets .........................                                                          1,237,264
                                                                                              -----------
Total assets .........................                                                        $43,511,189
                                                                                              ===========

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  In domestic offices ................                                                        $19,233,885
  Noninterest-bearing .......7,677,954
  Interest-bearing .........11,555,931
  In foreign offices, Edge and
  Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ...                                                         12,641,676
  Noninterest-bearing ..........72,479
  Interest-bearing .........12,569,197
 Federal funds purchased and secu-
  rities sold under agreements to re-
purchase in domestic offices of
                               
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   6




<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
  the bank and of its Edge and
  Agreement subsidiaries, and in
  IBFs:
  Federal funds purchased ............                                                          1,747,659
  Securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase ....................                                                             73,553
Demand notes issued to the U.S.
  Treasury ...........................                                                            300,000
Trading liabilities ..................                                                            738,317
Other borrowed money:
  With original maturity of one year
    or less ..........................                                                          1,586,443
  With original maturity of more than
    one year .........................                                                            220,877
Bank's liability on acceptances exe-
  cuted and outstanding ..............                                                          1,113,102
Subordinated notes and debentures ....                                                          1,053,860
Other liabilities ....................                                                          1,489,252
                                                                                              -----------
Total liabilities ....................                                                         40,198,624
                                                                                              -----------

EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock ........................                                                             942,284
Surplus .............................                                                             525,666
Undivided profits and capital
  reserves ..........................                                                           1,849,221
Net unrealized holding gains
  (losses) on available-for-sale
  securities ........................                                                           (    662)
Cumulative foreign currency transla-
  tion adjustments ..................                                                         (    3,944)
                                                                                              -----------
Total equity capital ................                                                           3,312,565
                                                                                              -----------
Total liabilities and equity
  capital ...........................                                                         $43,511,189
                                                                                              ===========
</TABLE>


  I, Robert E. Keilman, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the
above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been
prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.

                                                               Robert E. Keilman

  We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.


  J. Carter Bacot
  Thomas A. Renyi           Directors
  Samuel F. Chevalier


      __________________________________________________________________

<PAGE>   1


================================================================================
                                                                    Exhibit 25.2

                                    FORM T-1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                   UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                      CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
                      ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
                        SECTION 305(b)(2)           |__|

                             ____________________

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                      <C>
New York                                                                                 13-5160382
(State of incorporation                                                                  (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank)                                                             identification no.)

48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y.                                                           10286
(Address of principal executive offices)                                                 (Zip code)
</TABLE>


                             ____________________


                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                      <C>
Delaware                                                                                 Applied for
(State or other jurisdiction of                                                          (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                                                           identification no.)

The American Road
Dearborn, Michigan                                                                       48121
(Address of principal executive offices)                                                 (Zip code)
</TABLE>

                             ______________________

                              Preferred Securities
                      (Title of the indenture securities)


================================================================================
<PAGE>   2



1.     GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE
       TRUSTEE:

       (A)  NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO 
            WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Name                                        Address           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  <S>                                             <C>
  Superintendent of Banks of the State of         2 Rector Street, New York,
  New York                                        N.Y.  10006, and Albany, N.Y.
                                                  12203

  Federal Reserve Bank of New York                33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
                                                  N.Y.  10045

  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation           Washington, D.C.  20429

  New York Clearing House Association             New York, New York
</TABLE>

       (B)  WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

       Yes.

2.     AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.

       IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH 
       AFFILIATION.

       None.  (See Note on page 3.)

16.    LIST OF EXHIBITS.

       EXHIBITS IDENTIFIED IN PARENTHESES BELOW, ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSION,
       ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT HERETO, PURSUANT TO
       RULE 7A-29 UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 (THE "ACT") AND RULE
       24 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES OF PRACTICE.

       1.      A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
               (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which
               contains the authority to commence business and a grant of
               powers to exercise corporate trust powers.  (Exhibit 1 to
               Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
               No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with
               Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
               filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

       4.      A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee.  (Exhibit 4 to
               Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3


         6.      The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                 Act.  (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
                 No. 33-44051.)

         7.      A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee
                 published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its
                 supervising or examining authority.



                                      NOTE

         Inasmuch as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the
Trustee of all facts on which to base a responsive answer to Item 2, the answer
to said Item is based on incomplete information.

         Item 2 may, however, be considered as correct unless amended by an
amendment to this Form T-1.


                                      
                                     -3-


<PAGE>   4





                                   SIGNATURE



         Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New
York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New
York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and
State of New York, on the 26th day of October, 1995.


                                        THE BANK OF NEW YORK



                                        By: /s/ Robert F. McIntyre
                                            -------------------------------
                                            Name:  Robert F. McIntyre 
                                            Title: Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>   5
                                                                      Exhibit 7

      __________________________________________________________________

                      Consolidated Report of Condition of

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                    of 48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
                     And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 1995,
published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Dollar Amounts
ASSETS                                                              in Thousands
<S>                                                                 <C>
Cash and balances due from depos-
  itory institutions:
  Noninterest-bearing balances and
  currency and coin ..................                              $ 3,025,419
  Interest-bearing balances ..........                                  881,413
Securities:
  Held-to-maturity securities ........                                1,242,368
  Available-for-sale securities ......                                1,774,079
Federal funds sold in domestic
  offices of the bank ................                                5,503,445
Securities purchased under agree-
  ments to resell ....................                                  200,634
Loans and lease financing
  receivables:
  Loans and leases, net of unearned
    income .................26,599,533
  LESS: Allowance for loan and
    lease losses ..............516,283
    Loans and leases, net of unearned
    income and allowance .............                               26,083,250
Assets held in trading accounts ......                                1,455,639
Premises and fixed assets (including
  capitalized leases) ................                                  612,547
Other real estate owned ..............                                   79,667
Investments in unconsolidated
  subsidiaries and associated
  companies ..........................                                  198,737
Customers' liability to this bank on
  acceptances outstanding ............                                1,111,464
Intangible assets ....................                                  105,263
Other assets .........................                                1,237,264
                                                                    -----------
Total assets .........................                              $43,511,189
                                                                    ===========

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  In domestic offices ................                              $19,233,885
  Noninterest-bearing .......7,677,954
  Interest-bearing .........11,555,931
  In foreign offices, Edge and
  Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ...                               12,641,676
  Noninterest-bearing ..........72,479
  Interest-bearing .........12,569,197
 Federal funds purchased and secu-
  rities sold under agreements to re-
  purchase in domestic offices of
                                 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   6


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
 the bank and of its Edge and
  Agreement subsidiaries, and in
  IBFs:
  Federal funds purchased ............                              1,747,659
  Securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase ....................                                 73,553
Demand notes issued to the U.S.
  Treasury ...........................                                300,000
Trading liabilities ..................                                738,317
Other borrowed money:
  With original maturity of one year
    or less ..........................                              1,586,443
  With original maturity of more than
    one year .........................                                220,877
Bank's liability on acceptances exe-
  cuted and outstanding ..............                              1,113,102
Subordinated notes and debentures ....                              1,053,860
Other liabilities ....................                              1,489,252
                                                                  -----------
Total liabilities ....................                             40,198,624
                                                                  -----------

EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock ........................                                 942,284
Surplus .............................                                 525,666
Undivided profits and capital
  reserves ..........................                               1,849,221
Net unrealized holding gains
  (losses) on available-for-sale
  securities ........................                                (    662)
Cumulative foreign currency transla-
  tion adjustments ..................                              (    3,944)
                                                                  -----------
Total equity capital ................                               3,312,565
                                                                  -----------
Total liabilities and equity
  capital ...........................                             $43,511,189
                                                                  ===========
</TABLE>

        I, Robert E. Keilman, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the
above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been
prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.

                                                               Robert E. Keilman

        We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report
of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.


  J. Carter Bacot
  Thomas A. Renyi           Directors
  Samuel F. Chevalier


      __________________________________________________________________

<PAGE>   1


================================================================================
                                                                    Exhibit 25.3

                                    FORM T-1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                   UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                      CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
                      ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
                        SECTION 305(b)(2)           |__|

                             ____________________

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
New York                                                            13-5160382
(State of incorporation                                             (I.R.S. employer
if not a U.S. national bank)                                        identification no.)

48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y.                                      10286
(Address of principal executive offices)                            (Zip code)
</TABLE>


                             ____________________


                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Delaware                                                            38-0549190
(State or other jurisdiction of                                     (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                                      identification no.)

The American Road
Dearborn, Michigan                                                  48121
(Address of principal executive offices)                            (Zip code)
</TABLE>

                             ______________________

                     Guarantees of the Preferred Securities
                      (Title of the indenture securities)


================================================================================
<PAGE>   2



1.       GENERAL INFORMATION.  FURNISH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS TO THE
         TRUSTEE:

         (A)     NAME AND ADDRESS OF EACH EXAMINING OR SUPERVISING AUTHORITY TO
                 WHICH IT IS SUBJECT.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Name                                        Address           
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         <S>                                         <C>
         Superintendent of Banks of the State of     2 Rector Street, New York,
         New York                                    N.Y.  10006, and Albany, N.Y. 
                                                     12203

         Federal Reserve Bank of New York            33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
                                                     N.Y.  10045

         Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation       Washington, D.C.  20429

         New York Clearing House Association         New York, New York
</TABLE>

         (B)     WHETHER IT IS AUTHORIZED TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS.

         Yes.

2.       AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.

         IF THE OBLIGOR IS AN AFFILIATE OF THE TRUSTEE, DESCRIBE EACH SUCH
         AFFILIATION.

         None.  (See Note on page 3.)

16.      LIST OF EXHIBITS.

         EXHIBITS IDENTIFIED IN PARENTHESES BELOW, ON FILE WITH THE COMMISSION,
         ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE AS AN EXHIBIT HERETO, PURSUANT TO
         RULE 7A-29 UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 (THE "ACT") AND RULE
         24 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES OF PRACTICE.

         1.      A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
                 (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which
                 contains the authority to commence business and a grant of
                 powers to exercise corporate trust powers.  (Exhibit 1 to
                 Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
                 No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with
                 Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
                 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)

         4.      A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee.  (Exhibit 4 to
                 Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3


         6.      The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                 Act.  (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement
                 No. 33-44051.)

         7.      A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee
                 published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its
                 supervising or examining authority.



                                      NOTE

         Inasmuch as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the
Trustee of all facts on which to base a responsive answer to Item 2, the answer
to said Item is based on incomplete information.

         Item 2 may, however, be considered as correct unless amended by an
amendment to this Form T-1.


                                     -3-




<PAGE>   4





                                   SIGNATURE



         Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New
York, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New
York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and
State of New York, on the 26th day of October, 1995.


                                        THE BANK OF NEW YORK


                                        By: /s/ Robert F. McIntyre
                                            -------------------------------
                                            Name:  Robert F. McIntyre 
                                            Title: Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>   5
                                                                      Exhibit 7

      __________________________________________________________________

                      Consolidated Report of Condition of

                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                    of 48 Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286
                     And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 1995,
published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this
District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Dollar Amounts
ASSETS                                                                                       in Thousands
<S>                                                                                           <C>
Cash and balances due from depos-
  itory institutions:
  Noninterest-bearing balances and
  currency and coin ..................                                                        $ 3,025,419
  Interest-bearing balances ..........                                                            881,413
Securities:
  Held-to-maturity securities ........                                                          1,242,368
  Available-for-sale securities ......                                                          1,774,079
Federal funds sold in domestic
  offices of the bank ................                                                          5,503,445
Securities purchased under agree-
  ments to resell ....................                                                            200,634
Loans and lease financing
  receivables:
  Loans and leases, net of unearned
    income .................26,599,533
  LESS: Allowance for loan and
    lease losses ..............516,283
    Loans and leases, net of unearned
    income and allowance                                                                       26,083,250
Assets held in trading accounts ......                                                          1,455,639
Premises and fixed assets (including
  capitalized leases) ................                                                            612,547
Other real estate owned ..............                                                             79,667
Investments in unconsolidated
  subsidiaries and associated
  companies ..........................                                                            198,737
Customers' liability to this bank on
  acceptances outstanding ............                                                          1,111,464
Intangible assets ....................                                                            105,263
Other assets .........................                                                          1,237,264
                                                                                              -----------
Total assets .........................                                                        $43,511,189
                                                                                              ===========

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  In domestic offices ................                                                        $19,233,885
  Noninterest-bearing .......7,677,954
  Interest-bearing .........11,555,931
  In foreign offices, Edge and
  Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ...                                                         12,641,676
  Noninterest-bearing ..........72,479
  Interest-bearing .........12,569,197
 Federal funds purchased and secu-
  rities sold under agreements to re-
  purchase in domestic offices of
                                 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   6


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                           <C>
  the bank and of its Edge and
  Agreement subsidiaries, and in
  IBFs:
  Federal funds purchased ............                                                          1,747,659
  Securities sold under agreements
    to repurchase ....................                                                             73,553
Demand notes issued to the U.S.
  Treasury ...........................                                                            300,000
Trading liabilities ..................                                                            738,317
Other borrowed money:
  With original maturity of one year
    or less ..........................                                                          1,586,443
  With original maturity of more than
    one year .........................                                                            220,877
Bank's liability on acceptances exe-
  cuted and outstanding ..............                                                          1,113,102
Subordinated notes and debentures ....                                                          1,053,860
Other liabilities ....................                                                          1,489,252
                                                                                              -----------
Total liabilities ....................                                                         40,198,624
                                                                                              -----------

EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock ........................                                                             942,284
Surplus .............................                                                             525,666
Undivided profits and capital
  reserves ..........................                                                           1,849,221
Net unrealized holding gains
  (losses) on available-for-sale
  securities ........................                                                            (    662)
Cumulative foreign currency transla-                    
  tion adjustments ..................                                                          (    3,944)
                                                                                              -----------
Total equity capital ................                                                           3,312,565
                                                                                              -----------
Total liabilities and equity
  capital ...........................                                                         $43,511,189
                                                                                              ===========
</TABLE>

        I, Robert E. Keilman, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the
above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been
prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.

                                                               Robert E. Keilman

        We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report
of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.


  J. Carter Bacot
  Thomas A. Renyi           Directors
  Samuel F. Chevalier


      __________________________________________________________________

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1
 
                             LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
           TO TENDER SERIES B DEPOSITARY SHARES (CUSIP 345370 40 7),
                EACH REPRESENTING 1/2,000 OF A SHARE OF SERIES B
             CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK (THE "DEPOSITARY SHARES"),
 
                                       OF
 
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    PURSUANT TO THE OFFER BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I TO EXCHANGE
   
           ITS 9% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIESSM ("TOPRSSM")
    
               FOR UP TO 44,600,000 OUTSTANDING DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
                          THE OFFER, PRORATION PERIOD
                       AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE
   
          AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON DECEMBER 7, 1995,
    
                         UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
 
                      The Exchange Agent for the Offer is:
 
                                 CHEMICAL BANK
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
                        By Mail:                                                By Hand:
       (registered or certified mail recommended)               c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services
        c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services                       Reorganization Department
                    Midtown Station                                     120 Broadway, 13th Floor
                      P.O. Box 837                                         New York, NY 10271
                   New York, NY 10018                             
                                                                      By Facsimile Transmission:
                 By Overnight Courier:                             (For Eligible Institutions Only)
        c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services                            (201) 296-4293
               Reorganization Department                                 Confirm by Telephone:    
                   85 Challenger Road                                       (201) 296-4209   
               Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660                                        
                                                    
</TABLE>
    
 
    DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH
ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
 
    THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ
CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.
 
   
    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and herein,
the Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I (the "Trust") will accept for exchange up
to 44,600,000 Depositary Shares validly tendered and not withdrawn.
    
 
   
    This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by holders of Depositary
Shares, either (i) if certificates for Depositary Shares are to be forwarded
herewith or (ii) unless an Agent's Message (as defined in the accompanying
Prospectus of Ford Motor Company ("Ford") and the Trust (as amended or
supplemented (including documents incorporated by reference), the "Prospectus"))
is utilized, if tenders of Depositary Shares are to be made by book-entry
transfer into the account of Chemical Bank, as Exchange Agent (the "Exchange
Agent"), at The Depository Trust Company, Philadelphia Depository Trust Company
and Midwest Securities Trust Company (together, the "Depository Institutions")
pursuant to the procedures described under "The Offer--Procedures for Tendering"
in the Prospectus. Holders of Depositary Shares who tender Depositary Shares by
book-entry transfer are referred to herein as "Book-Entry Shareholders."
    
- ---------------
SM "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
   Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
   
    Any holder of Depositary Shares who submits this Letter of Transmittal and
tenders Depositary Shares in accordance with the instructions contained herein
prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus) will thereby have
directed the Trust to deliver its 9% Trust Originated Preferred SecuritiesSM
("TOPrSSM") (the "Preferred Securities") in exchange for such holder's
Depositary Shares and in consideration of the deposit by Ford with the Trust as
trust assets of its 9% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2025 (the "Junior
Subordinated Debentures") as set forth in the Prospectus. Tenders of Depositary
Shares pursuant to this Letter of Transmittal are subject to withdrawal as
described in the Prospectus under the caption "The Offer--Withdrawal of
Tenders".
    
<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES TENDERED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NAMES(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER(S)                     DEPOSITARY SHARES TENDERED
               (Please fill in, if blank)                          (ATTACH ADDITIONAL LIST IF NECESSARY)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                                TOTAL NUMBER
                                                                                 OF SHARES
                                                            CERTIFICATE        REPRESENTED BY     NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                             NUMBER(S)*       CERTIFICATE(S)*        TENDERED**
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Total Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 * Need not be completed by shareholders tendering by book-entry transfer.
** Unless otherwise indicated, the holder will be deemed to have tendered the
   full number of Depositary Shares represented by the tendered certificates.
   See Instruction 4.
 
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY
    TRANSFER TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT'S ACCOUNT AT A DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION AND
    COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
 
      Name of Tendering Institution.............................................
 
      Check Box of Book-Entry Transfer Facility:
 
        / / The Depository Trust Company
        / / Philadelphia Depository Trust Company
        / / Midwest Securities Trust Company
 
       Account No...............................................................
 
      Transaction Code No.......................................................
 
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A
    NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND
    COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
 
      Name(s) of Tendering Shareholder(s).......................................
 
      Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery........................
 
      Name of Institution which Guaranteed Delivery.............................
 
   If delivery is by book-entry transfer:
 
       Name of Tendering Institution............................................
 
       Check Box of Book-Entry Transfer Facility:
 
        / / The Depository Trust Company
        / / Philadelphia Depository Trust Company
        / / Midwest Securities Trust Company
 
       Account No...............................................................
 
      Transaction Code No.......................................................
 
                               SOLICITED TENDERS
                              (SEE INSTRUCTION 11)
 
    Ford will pay to any Soliciting Dealer, as defined in Instruction 11, a
solicitation fee of $0.50 per Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Offer (as herein defined).
 
    The undersigned represents that the Soliciting Dealer which solicited and
obtained this tender is:
 
Name of Firm:...................................................................
                                 (PLEASE PRINT)
 
Name of Individual Broker or Financial Consultant:..............................
 
Identification Number (if known):...............................................
 
Address:........................................................................
 
 ................................................................................
                               (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
 
    The acceptance of compensation by such Soliciting Dealer will constitute a
representation by it that: (i) it has complied with the applicable requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the applicable rules and regulations
thereunder in connection with such solicitations; (ii) it is entitled to such
compensation for such solicitation under the terms and conditions of the Offer;
(iii) in soliciting tenders of Depositary Shares, it has used no soliciting
materials other than those furnished by Ford and the Trust; and (iv) if it is a
foreign broker or dealer not eligible for membership in the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), it has agreed to conform to the NASD's
Rules of Fair Practice in making solicitations outside the United States to the
same extent as though it were an NASD member.
<PAGE>   3
 
    If tendered Depositary Shares are being delivered by book-entry transfer
made to an account maintained by the Exchange Agent with a Depository
Institution, the Soliciting Dealer must return a Notice of Solicited Tenders to
the Exchange Agent to receive a solicitation fee.
 
    SOLICITING DEALERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO A FEE FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES
BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY SUCH SOLICITING DEALER.
 
                    NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
              PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
 
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
 
   
     The undersigned hereby tenders to Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I, a
Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust"), the above-described Depositary 
Shares, pursuant to the offer by the Trust to exchange its 9% Trust Originated
Preferred Securities(SM) ("TOPrS(SM)") ("Preferred Securities") for up to
44,600,000 Series B Depositary Shares ("Depositary Shares"), each representing
1/2,000 of a share of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (the "Series B
Preferred") of Ford Motor Company ("Ford"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Prospectus, receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (which, together with the
Prospectus, constitute the "Offer"). Depositary Shares not accepted for
exchange because of proration will be returned. 
    
 
     Subject to and effective upon acceptance for exchange of the Depositary
Shares tendered herewith, the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and
transfers to or upon the order of the Trust all right, title and interest in and
to all the Depositary Shares that are being tendered hereby and irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent the true and lawful agent and
attorney-in-fact of the undersigned with respect to such Depositary Shares, with
full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an
irrevocable power coupled with an interest), to (a) deliver certificates for
such Depositary Shares or transfer ownership of such Depositary Shares on the
account books maintained by a Depository Institution, together, in any such
case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to the
Exchange Agent for the account of the Trust, (b) present such Depositary Shares
for transfer on the books of Ford and (c) receive all benefits and otherwise
exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Depositary Shares, all in
accordance with the terms of the Offer.
 
     The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has
full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Depositary
Shares and the underlying Series B Preferred tendered hereby and to acquire
Preferred Securities issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Depositary
Shares and that, when the undersigned's Depositary Shares are accepted for
exchange, the Trust will acquire good and unencumbered title to such tendered
Depositary Shares and the underlying Series B Preferred, free and clear of all
liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse
claim. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional
documents deemed by the Trust to be necessary or desirable to complete the
exchange, assignment and transfer of tendered Depositary Shares or transfer
ownership of such Depositary Shares.
 
     All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the
death, bankruptcy or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the
undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, legal representatives,
successors, assigns, executors and administrators of the undersigned. Except as
stated in the Offer, this tender is irrevocable.
 
     The undersigned understands that tenders of Depositary Shares pursuant to
any one of the procedures described in "The Offer -- Procedures for Tendering"
in the Prospectus and in the instructions hereto will constitute agreements
between the undersigned and the Trust upon the terms and subject to the
conditions of the Offer.
 
     Unless otherwise indicated under "Special Exchange Instructions", please
cause Preferred Securities to be issued, and return any Depositary Shares not
tendered or not accepted for exchange, in the name(s) of the undersigned (and,
in the case of Depositary Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to
the account at a Depository Institution). Similarly, unless otherwise indicated
under "Special Delivery Instructions", please mail any certificates for
Depositary Shares not tendered or not accepted for exchange (and accompanying
documents, as appropriate), and any certificates for Depositary Shares, to the
undersigned at the address shown below the undersigned's signature(s). If both
"Special Exchange Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" are
completed, please cause Preferred Securities to be issued, and return any
Depositary Shares not tendered or not accepted for exchange, in the name(s) of,
and deliver any certificates for such Depositary Shares to, the person(s) so
indicated (and in the case of Depositary Shares tendered by book-entry transfer,
by credit to the account at the Depository Institution so indicated). The
undersigned recognizes that the Trust has no obligation, pursuant to the
"Special Exchange Instructions", to transfer any Depositary Shares from the name
of the registered holder(s) thereof if the Trust does not accept for exchange
any of the Depositary Shares so tendered.
<PAGE>   4
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------
                SPECIAL EXCHANGE INSTRUCTIONS
               (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5, 6 AND 7)
 
   To be completed ONLY if certificates for Preferred
   Securities are to be issued, or certificates for Depositary
   Shares not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be
   issued, in the name of someone other than the undersigned.

   Issue / / certificates for Preferred Securities in name of:
         / / certificates for Depositary Shares to:

   Name: .....................................................
                          (PLEASE PRINT)

   Address:  .................................................

   ...........................................................
                                                    (ZIP CODE)

   ...........................................................
                   (TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)

- --------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   SIGN HERE
                  (PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 BELOW)

   X .......................................................................
 
   X .......................................................................
                              SIGNATURE(S) OF OWNER(S)
 
   Dated ........................................... , 1995
 
   Name(s)  ................................................................

   .........................................................................
                                 (PLEASE PRINT)
 
   Capacity (full title) ...................................................
 
   Address .................................................................

           .................................................................
                               (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
 
   Area Code and Telephone No.  ............................................
 
   (Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on
   certificate(s) for Depositary Shares or on a security position listing or
   by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by certificates and
   documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor,
   administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or
   other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set
   forth full title and see Instruction 5.)
 
                           GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
                           (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1 AND 5)
 
   Authorized Signature ....................................................
 
   Name ....................................................................

   Title ...................................................................

   Address .................................................................

   Name of Firm ............................................................

   Area Code and Telephone Number ..........................................

   Dated ............................................................ , 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                      ----------------------------------------------------------

                                  SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
                                  (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 7)

                      To be completed ONLY if certificates for Depositary
                      Shares not tendered or not accepted for exchange, or
                      certificates for Preferred Securities, are to be mailed to
                      someone other than the undersigned, or to the
                      undersigned at an address other than that shown below the
                      undersigned's signature(s).

                      Mail / / certificates for Depositary Shares to:
                           / / certificates for Preferred Securities to:

                      Name: ...................................................
                                           (PLEASE PRINT)
 
                      Address: ................................................

                      .........................................................
                                                                     (ZIP CODE)

                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                      ----------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   5
 
                                  INSTRUCTIONS
 
             FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER
 
     1. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. No signature guarantee is required on this
Letter of Transmittal (i) if tendered Depositary Shares are registered in the
name(s) of the undersigned and the Preferred Securities to be issued in exchange
therefor are to be issued (and any Depositary Shares not tendered or not
accepted for exchange are to be returned) in the name of the registered
holder(s) (which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include any
participant in a Depository Institution whose name appears on a security listing
as the owner of Depositary Shares) and (ii) such holder(s) have not completed
the instruction entitled "Special Exchange Instructions" or "Special Delivery
Instructions" on this Letter of Transmittal. If the tendered Depositary Shares
are registered in the name(s) of someone other than the undersigned or if the
Preferred Securities to be issued in exchange therefor are to be issued (or
Depositary Shares not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be returned)
in the name of any other person, such tendered Depositary Shares must be
endorsed or accompanied by written instruments of transfer in form satisfactory
to the Trust and duly executed by the registered holder, and the signature on
the endorsement or instrument of transfer must be guaranteed by a financial
institution (including most banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage
houses) that is a participant in the Security Transfer Agents Medallion Program
or the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (any of the foregoing hereinafter
referred to as an "Eligible Institution"). See Instruction 5.
 
     2. DELIVERY OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND DEPOSITARY SHARES. This Letter of
Transmittal is to be completed by holders of Depositary Shares either if
certificates are to be forwarded herewith or, unless an Agent's Message (as
defined in the Prospectus) is utilized, if tenders are to be made pursuant to
the procedure for tender by book-entry transfer set forth under "The Offer --
Procedures for Tendering" and "-- Book-Entry Transfer" in the Prospectus.
Certificates for Depositary Shares, or timely confirmation (a "Book-Entry
Confirmation") of a book-entry transfer of such Depositary Shares into the
Exchange Agent's account at a Depository Institution, as well as this Letter of
Transmittal (or a facsimile hereof), properly completed and duly executed, with
any required signature guarantees, or an Agent's Message in the case of a
book-entry delivery, and any other documents required by this Letter of
Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent at one of its addresses set
forth herein prior to the Expiration Date.
 
     If a holder of Depositary Shares desires to participate in the Offer and
time will not permit this Letter of Transmittal or Depositary Shares to reach
the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date or the procedure for book-entry
transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected if the
Exchange Agent has received at one of the addresses set forth herein prior to
the Expiration Date, a letter, telegram or facsimile transmission from an
Eligible Institution setting forth the name and address of the tendering Holder,
the name(s) in which the Depositary Shares are registered and, if the Depositary
Shares are held in certificated form, the certificate numbers of the Depositary
Shares to be tendered, and stating that the tender is being made thereby and
guaranteeing that within three New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") trading days
after the date of execution of such letter, telegram or facsimile transmission
by the Eligible Institution, the Depositary Shares in proper form for transfer
together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (and
any other required documents), or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such
Depositary Shares into the Exchange Agent's account at a Depository Institution,
will be delivered by such Eligible Institution. Unless the Depositary Shares
being tendered by the above-described method are deposited with the Exchange
Agent within the time period set forth above (accompanied or preceded by a
properly completed Letter of Transmittal and any other required documents) or a
confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Depositary Shares into the Exchange
Agent's account at a Depository Institution in accordance with such Depositary
Institution's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") procedures is received,
the Trust may, at its option, reject the tender.
 
     THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF DEPOSITARY SHARES AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING DELIVERY THROUGH A DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION, IS AT THE OPTION
AND RISK OF THE TENDERING SHAREHOLDER. IF CERTIFICATES FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE
SENT BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED,
IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY
DELIVERY.
 
     No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted, and no
fractional Depositary Shares will be accepted for exchange. By executing this
Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof), the tendering holder waives any
right to receive any notice of the acceptance of the Depositary Shares for
exchange.
 
     3. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the
certificate numbers and/or the number of Depositary Shares should be listed on a
separate signed schedule attached hereto.
 
     4. PARTIAL TENDERS. (Not applicable to Book-Entry Shareholders) If fewer
than all the Depositary Shares represented by any certificate delivered to the
Exchange Agent are to be tendered, fill in the number of Depositary Shares which
are to be tendered in the box entitled "Number of Shares Tendered". In such
case, a new certificate for the remainder of the Depositary Shares represented
by the old certificate will be sent to the person(s) signing this Letter of
Transmittal, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of
Transmittal, as promptly as practicable following the Expiration Date. All
Depositary Shares represented by certificates delivered to the Exchange Agent
will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
 
     5. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL; STOCK POWERS AND ENDORSEMENTS. If
this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
Depositary Shares tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond with the
name(s) as written on the face of the certificates without alteration,
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
<PAGE>   6
 
     If any of the Depositary Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two
or more persons, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
 
     If any of the Depositary Shares tendered hereby are registered in different
names on different certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and
submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different
registrations of certificates.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
Depositary Shares tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate
stock powers are required unless Preferred Securities issued in exchange
therefor are to be issued, or Depositary Shares not tendered or not exchanged
are to be returned, in the name of any person other than the registered
holder(s). Signatures on any such certificates or stock powers must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder(s) of the Depositary Shares tendered hereby, certificates must
be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate stock powers, in either case, signed
exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on the certificates
for such Depositary Shares. Signature(s) on any such certificates or stock
powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificate or stock power is signed
by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a
corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity,
such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to
the Trust of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted.
 
   
     6. STOCK TRANSFER TAXES. Ford will pay all stock transfer taxes, if any,
applicable to the exchange of any Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer. If,
however, certificates representing Preferred Securities or Depositary Shares not
tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in
the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Depositary
Shares tendered or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the
exchange of Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer, then the amount of any such
transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons)
will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of
such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with this Letter of
Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such
tendering holder.
    
 
     7. SPECIAL EXCHANGE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. If certificates representing
Preferred Securities are to be issued in the name of, or any Depositary Shares
not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be issued or to be returned to,
a person other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or any
certificates for Preferred Securities or certificates for Depositary Shares not
tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be mailed to someone other than the
person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to the person(s) signing this
Letter of Transmittal at an address other than that shown above, the appropriate
boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed.
 
     8. SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. Under the federal income tax laws, the Trust may be
required to withhold 31% of the amount of any payments made to certain
shareholders with respect to the Preferred Securities. In order to avoid such
backup withholding, each tendering shareholder, and, if applicable, each other
payee, must provide such shareholder's or payee's correct taxpayer
identification number and certify that such shareholder or payee is not subject
to such backup withholding by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth
above. In general, if a shareholder or payee is an individual, the taxpayer
identification number is the Social Security number of such individual. If the
Trust is not provided with the correct taxpayer identification numbers, the
shareholder or payee may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal
Revenue Service. Certain shareholders or payees (including, among others, all
corporations and certain foreign individual(s)) are not subject to these backup
withholding and reporting requirements. In order to satisfy the Trust that a
foreign individual qualifies as an exempt recipient, such shareholder or payee
must submit a statement, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that
individual's exempt status. Such statements can be obtained from the Exchange
Agent. For further information concerning backup withholding and instructions
for completing the Substitute Form W-9 (including how to obtain a taxpayer
identification number if you do not have one and how to complete the Substitute
Form W-9 if Depositary Shares are held in more than one name), consult the
enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
Substitute Form W-9.
 
     9. WAIVER OF CONDITIONS. The conditions of the Offer may be waived by the
Trust from time to time in accordance with, and subject to the limitations
described in, the Prospectus, provided that acceptance of Depositary Shares
validly tendered in the Offer is subject to the condition that as of the
Expiration Date there be at least 400 record or beneficial holders of at least
1,000,000 Preferred Securities to be issued in exchange for such Depositary
Shares, which condition may not be waived.
 
     10. REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES. Requests for assistance
or additional copies of the Prospectus and this Letter of Transmittal may be
obtained from the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent at their respective
addresses or telephone numbers set forth below.
 
     11. SOLICITED TENDERS. Ford will pay to a Soliciting Dealer (as defined
herein) a solicitation fee of $0.50 per Depositary Share validly tendered and
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Offer. For purposes of this Instruction
11, "Soliciting Dealer" includes (i) any broker or dealer in securities,
including the Dealer Manager in its capacity as a dealer or broker, who is a
member of any national securities exchange or of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), (ii) any foreign broker or dealer not
eligible for membership in the NASD who agrees to conform to the NASD's Rules of
Fair Practice in soliciting tenders outside the United States to the same extent
as though it were an NASD member, or (iii) any bank or trust company, any one of
whom has solicited and obtained a tender pursuant to the Offer. No such fee
shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer in respect of Depositary Shares
registered in the name of such Soliciting Dealer unless such Depositary Shares
are held by such Soliciting Dealer as nominee and such Depositary Shares are
being tendered for the benefit of one or more beneficial owners identified on
the Letter of Transmittal or on the
<PAGE>   7
 
Notice of Solicited Tenders (included in the materials provided to brokers and
dealers). No solicitation fee shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer with
respect to the tender of Depositary Shares unless the Letter of Transmittal
accompanying such tender designates such Soliciting Dealer as such in the box
captioned "Solicited Tenders".
 
   
     If tendered Depositary Shares are being delivered by book-entry transfer
made to an account maintained by the Exchange Agent with a Depository
Institution, the Soliciting Dealer must return a Notice of Solicited Tenders to
the Exchange Agent within three NYSE trading days after the Expiration Date in
order to receive a solicitation fee. No solicitation fee shall be payable to a
Soliciting Dealer in respect of Depositary Shares (i) beneficially owned by such
Soliciting Dealer or (ii) registered in the name of such Soliciting Dealer
unless such Depositary Shares are held by such Soliciting Dealer as nominee and
such Depositary Shares are being tendered for the benefit of one or more
beneficial owners identified on the Letter of Transmittal or the Notice of
Solicited Tenders. No solicitation fee shall be payable to the Soliciting Dealer
with respect to the tender of Depositary Shares by the holder of record, for the
benefit of the beneficial owner, unless the beneficial owner has designated such
Soliciting Dealer.
    
<PAGE>   8
 
                              SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
          REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND CERTIFICATION
 
                          PAYER'S NAME: CHEMICAL BANK
 
<TABLE>
<S><C> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PAYEE INFORMATION
 (Please print or type)
 Individual or business name (if joint account, list first and circle the name of person or entity whose number you furnish in
  Part I below):
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Check appropriate box:    / / Individual/Sole proprietor     / / Corporation      / / Partnership       / / Other
                                                                                                                    -----------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.): 
                                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 City, state, and ZIP code: 
                            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           PART II PAYEES EXEMPT FROM BACKUP
                                                                                           WITHHOLDING
                                                                                           Check box (See page 2 of the Guidelines
                                                                                           for further clarification. Even if you
 PART I TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ("TIN")                                             are exempt from backup withholding, you
 Enter your TIN below. For individuals, this is your social security number. For other     should still complete and sign the
 entities, it is your employer identification number. Refer to the chart on page 1         certification below):
 of the Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on                              / / EXEMPT
 Substitute Form W-9 (the "Guidelines") for further clarification. If you do not have 
 a TIN, see instructions on how to obtain a TIN on page 2 of the Guidelines, check the 
 appropriate box below indicating that you have applied for a TIN and, in addition to
 the Part III Certification, sign the attached Certification of Awaiting Taxpayer
 Identification Number.

 Social Security Number:
 / /  / /  / / - / /  / / - / /  / /  / /  / /                        / / Applied For

 Employer Identification Number:
 / /  / / - / /  / /  / /  / /  / /  / /  / /
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PART III CERTIFICATION
 
 Certification Instructions: You must cross out Item 2 below if you have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
 that you are currently subject to backup withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return (See page
 2 of the Guidelines for further clarification).

 Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

 1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me),
    and

 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by
    the IRS that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS
    has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.

    Signature                                                    Date                      
              -------------------------------------------------       ---------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
        NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
        MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENT MADE TO
        YOU WITH RESPECT TO THE PREFERRED SECURITIES. PLEASE REVIEW THE
        ENCLOSED "GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER
        IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9" FOR ADDITIONAL
        DETAILS.
 
        YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATION IF YOU CHECKED THE
               BOX "APPLIED FOR" IN PART I OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
 
            CERTIFICATION OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
 
    I certify, under penalties of perjury, that a TIN has not been issued to me,
and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a TIN to the
appropriate IRS Center or Social Security Administration Office, or (b) I intend
to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that I must
provide a TIN to the payer within 60 days of submitting this Substitute Form W-9
and that if I do not provide a TIN to the payer within 60 days, the payer is
required to withhold 31% of all reportable payments thereafter to me until I
furnish the payer with a TIN.
    Signature                                                Date
              ---------------------------------------------       --------------
 
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
 
                             c/o Ford Motor Company
                               The American Road
                            Dearborn, Michigan 48121
<PAGE>   9
 
                    THE INFORMATION AGENT FOR THE OFFER IS:
 
                        (GEORGESON & COMPANY INC. LOGO)
                               Wall Street Plaza
                            New York, New York 10005
   
                           (800) 223-2064 (Toll-Free)
    
   
                        Banks and Brokers Call Collect:
    
   
                                 (212) 440-9800
    
 
                     THE DEALER MANAGERS FOR THE OFFER ARE:
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                             World Financial Center
                          North Tower -- Seventh Floor
                            New York, New York 10281
                            (212) 236-4565 (Collect)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
            DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.                            A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
               2 World Trade Center                                  1 North Jefferson
                    65th Floor                                 St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2205
             New York, New York 10048                            (800) 640-1705 (Toll-Free)
            (800) 488-4490 (Toll-Free)
               GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.                                   LEHMAN BROTHERS
                 85 Broad Street                                  3 World Financial Center
             New York, New York 10004                             New York, New York 10285
            (800) 828-3182 (Toll-Free)                           (800) 438-3242 (Toll-Free)
             PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED                                SMITH BARNEY INC.
           1285 Avenue of the Americas                              388 Greenwich Street
             New York, New York 10019                             New York, New York 10013
            (800) 324-0210 (Toll-Free)                           (800) 813-3754 (Toll-Free)
</TABLE>
 
            , 1995

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2
 
                         NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
 
     This form, or a form substantially equivalent to this form, must be used to
accept the Offer (as defined below) if (i) certificates for shares of Series B
Depositary Shares (the "Depositary Shares"), each representing 1/2,000 of a
share of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock of Ford Motor Company ("Ford")
cannot be delivered to the Exchange Agent by the Expiration Date (as defined in
the Prospectus of Ford and Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I dated           ,
1995 (the "Prospectus")), (ii) the procedure for book-entry transfer of
Depositary Shares (as set forth in the Prospectus) cannot be completed by the
Expiration Date or (iii) the Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) and
all other required documents cannot be delivered to the Exchange Agent prior to
the Expiration Date. This form, properly completed and duly executed, may be
delivered by hand or facsimile transmission or mail to the Exchange Agent. See
the Prospectus.
 
To: Chemical Bank, Exchange Agent
    c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services
 
                                    BY HAND:
                           Reorganization Department
                            120 Broadway, 13th Floor
                               New York, NY 10271
 
                             BY OVERNIGHT COURIER:
                           Reorganization Department
                               85 Challenger Road
                           Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660
 
                                    BY MAIL:
                                Midtown Station
                                  P.O. Box 837
                               New York, NY 10018
 
                           BY FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION:
                        (For Eligible Institutions Only)
 
                                 (201) 296-4293

                Confirm Receipt of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
                                 by Telephone:
 
                                 (201) 296-4209
 
DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION TO A
NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
<PAGE>   2
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     The undersigned hereby tenders to Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I (the
"Trust"), upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the
related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Offer"), receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged, the number of Depositary Shares set forth
below, pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth in the
Prospectus.
 
                                                         SIGN HERE
 
Number of Depositary Shares tendered: X.........................................
 

 ..................................... X.........................................
                                                       (SIGNATURE(S))


Certificate Nos. (if available):      ..........................................
                                                (NAME(S)) (PLEASE PRINT)


 ..................................... ..........................................
                                                         (ADDRESS)


 ..................................... ..........................................
                                                         (ZIP CODE)

                                      ..........................................
                                                 (AREA CODE AND TELEPHONE NO.)



If Depositary Shares will be tendered by
book-entry transfer:
 
Name of Tendering Institution: ........             
 

 .......................................
 
Check Box of Book-Entry Transfer Facility:

  / /  The Depository Trust Company

  / /  Philadelphia Depository Trust Company

  / /  Midwest Securities Trust Company
 
Account No.:

 .......................................
 
 
 
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                                   GUARANTEE
                    (Not to be used for signature guarantee)
 
     The undersigned, a firm that is a member of a registered national
securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or
a commercial bank or trust company having an office, branch or agency in the
United States, guarantees (a) that the above named person(s) "own(s)" the
Depositary Shares tendered hereby within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (b) that such tender of Depositary
Shares complies with Rule 14e-4 and (c) to deliver to the Exchange Agent either
the Depositary Shares tendered hereby, in proper form for transfer, or
confirmation of the book-entry transfer of the Depositary Shares tendered hereby
into the account of the Exchange Agent at the Depository Trust Company, Midwest
Securities Trust Company or Philadelphia Depository Trust Company, in each case
together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter(s) of Transmittal
(or facsimile(s) thereof), with any required signature guarantees (or an Agent's
Message (as defined in the Prospectus)) and any other required documents within
three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of this
Notice.
                                        ........................................
                                                     (NAME OF FIRM)
                                        ........................................
                                                 (AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE)
                                        ........................................
                                                         (NAME)
                                        ........................................
                                                       (ADDRESS)
                                        ........................................
                                                       (ZIP CODE)
 
Dated: ...........................      ........................................
                                             (AREA CODE AND TELEPHONE NO.)
 
     DO NOT SEND STOCK CERTIFICATES WITH THIS FORM. YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES
                  MUST BE SENT WITH THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
 
                                        3

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.3
 
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
 
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
   
             9% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES(SM) ("TOPRS(SM)")
    
         (LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY AND GUARANTEED
        TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH IN THE PROSPECTUS BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY)
 
          FOR UP TO 44,600,000 OUTSTANDING SERIES B DEPOSITARY SHARES
          (CUSIP 345 370 407), EACH REPRESENTING 1/2,000 OF A SHARE OF
                      SERIES B CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
 
                                       OF
 
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
 
   
                                                                          , 1995
    
 
   
To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial
    
Banks, Trust Companies and
   
Other Nominees:
    
 
   
     We have been appointed by Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation
("Ford"), and Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business
trust (the "Trust"), to act as Dealer Managers in connection with the offer by
the Trust to exchange, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
the Prospectus referred to below and the related Letter of Transmittal (which
together constitute the "Offer"), its 9% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities(SM) ("TOPrS(SM)") (the "Preferred Securities") for up to 44,600,000
Series B Depositary Shares (the "Depositary Shares"), each representing
1/2,000 of a share of Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock of Ford, that are 
validly tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Offer. In connection
with the Offer, Ford will deposit in the Trust as trust assets its 9% Junior 
Subordinated Debentures due 2025 as set forth in the Prospectus referred to 
below.
    
 
     Pursuant to the Offer, exchanges will be made on the basis of one Preferred
Security for each Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for exchange in
the Offer. Depositary Shares not accepted for exchange because of proration will
be returned.
 
     The Trust will accept for exchange all Depositary Shares validly tendered
and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer,
including the provisions thereof relating to proration described in the
Prospectus dated             , 1995 (the "Prospectus").
 
     For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold
Depositary Shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, we are
enclosing the following documents:
 
     1. Prospectus;
 
     2. Letter of Transmittal for your use and for the information of your
clients, together with Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification
Number on Substitute Form W-9 providing information relating to backup federal
income tax withholding;
 
     3. Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to be used to accept the Offer if the
Depositary Shares and all other required documents cannot be delivered to the
Exchange Agent by the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus), or the
book-entry transfer of the Depositary Shares cannot be completed by the
Expiration Date;
- ---------------
(SM) "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co.
<PAGE>   2
 
     4. A form of letter that may be sent to your clients for whose accounts you
hold Depositary Shares registered in your name or in the name of your nominee,
with space provided for obtaining such clients' instructions and designation of
Soliciting Dealer with regard to the Offer;
 
     5. A letter from the Chairman of Ford to holders of Depositary Shares that
may be sent to your clients;
 
     6. A Question and Answers pamphlet that may be sent to your clients; and
 
   
     7. A return envelope addressed to Chemical Bank, the Exchange Agent.
    
 
     WE URGE YOU TO CONTACT YOUR CLIENTS AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE.
 
   
     THE OFFER, THE PRORATION PERIOD AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS EXPIRE AT 12:00
MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON DECEMBER 7, 1995, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
    
 
     NEITHER THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FORD, FORD, THE TRUSTEES NOR THE TRUST
MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER
OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING IN THE OFFER. HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE URGED
TO CONSULT THEIR FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS IN MAKING THEIR DECISIONS ON WHAT
ACTION TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
     Ford will pay a solicitation fee of $0.50 per Depositary Shares for any
Depositary Shares validly tendered and accepted for exchange and exchanged
pursuant to the Offer and covered by a Letter of Transmittal which designates,
as having solicited and obtained the tender, the name of (i) any broker or
dealer in securities, including each Dealer Manager in its capacity as a broker
or dealer, which is a member of any national securities exchange or of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), (ii) any foreign
broker or dealer not eligible for membership in the NASD which agrees to conform
to the NASD's Rules of Fair Practice in soliciting tenders outside the United
States to the same extent as though it were an NASD member, or (iii) any bank or
trust company (each of which is referred to herein as a "Soliciting Dealer"). No
solicitation fee shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer with respect to the
tender of Depositary Shares by a holder unless the Letter of Transmittal
accompanying such tender designates such Soliciting Dealer as such in the box
captioned "Solicited Tenders".
 
     If tendered Depositary Shares are being delivered by book-entry transfer
made to an account maintained by the Exchange Agent with The Depository Trust
Company, Midwest Securities Trust Company or Philadelphia Depository Trust
Company, the Soliciting Dealer must return a Notice of Solicited Tenders to the
Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the
Expiration Date in order to receive a solicitation fee. Such Notice of Solicited
Tenders is attached hereto on page 4. No solicitation fee shall be payable to a
Soliciting Dealer in respect of Depositary Shares (i) beneficially owned by such
Soliciting Dealer or (ii) registered in the name of such Soliciting Dealer
unless such Depositary Shares are held by such Soliciting Dealer as nominee and
such Depositary Shares are being tendered for the benefit of one or more
beneficial owners identified on the Letter of Transmittal or the Notice of
Solicited Tenders. No solicitation fee shall be payable to the Soliciting Dealer
with respect to the tender of Depositary Shares by the holder of record, for the
benefit of the beneficial owner, unless the beneficial owner has designated such
Soliciting Dealer.
 
   
     No solicitation fee shall be payable to a Soliciting Dealer if such
Soliciting Dealer is required for any reason to transfer any portion of such fee
to a tendering holder (other than itself). No broker, dealer, bank, trust
company or fiduciary shall be deemed to be the agent of Ford, the Trust, the
Trustees, the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent or the Dealer Managers for
purposes of the Offer.
    
 
     Ford will, upon request, reimburse brokers, dealers, commercial banks and
trust companies for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them
in forwarding materials to their customers. Ford will pay all stock transfer
taxes applicable to the acceptance of Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer,
subject to Instruction 6 of the Letter of Transmittal.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
     Soliciting Dealers should take care to ensure proper record-keeping to
document their entitlement to any solicitation fee.
 
     Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Offer should be addressed
to, and additional copies of the enclosed materials may be obtained from, the
Information Agent or the undersigned at the addresses and telephone numbers set
forth on the back cover of the Prospectus.
 
                                                  Very truly yours,
 
                                                 MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                                              DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
                                              A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC.
                                                 GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                                                   LEHMAN BROTHERS
                                               PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                                                  SMITH BARNEY INC.
 
     NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU
THE AGENT OF FORD, THE TRUST, THE TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST, THE DEALER MANAGERS,
THE INFORMATION AGENT OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER
PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER OTHER THAN THE DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND THE
STATEMENTS CONTAINED THEREIN.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
                          NOTICE OF SOLICITED TENDERS
 
     List below the number of Depositary Shares whose tender you have solicited.
All Depositary Shares beneficially owned by a beneficial owner, whether in one
account or several, and in however many capacities, must be aggregated for
purposes of completing the tables below. Any questions as to what constitutes
beneficial ownership should be directed to the Exchange Agent. If the space
below is inadequate, list the Depositary Shares on a separate signed schedule
and affix the list to this Notice of Solicited Tenders. PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE
THE SECTIONS OF THE TABLE HEADED "TO BE COMPLETED ONLY BY EXCHANGE AGENT".
 
     ALL NOTICES OF SOLICITED TENDERS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT
WITHIN THREE NYSE TRADING DAYS AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE AT THE ADDRESS SET
FORTH ON THE BACK COVER OF THE PROSPECTUS. ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE NOTICES
OF SOLICITED TENDERS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION AGENT AT THE
TELEPHONE NUMBER SET FORTH ON THE BACK COVER OF THE PROSPECTUS.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  TO BE            TO BE                             TO BE
                                                COMPLETED        COMPLETED          TO BE          COMPLETED
                                                  BY THE           BY THE         COMPLETED         ONLY BY
                                                SOLICITING       SOLICITING        ONLY BY         EXCHANGE
                                                  DEALER           DEALER       EXCHANGE AGENT       AGENT
                                             ----------------    ----------    ----------------    ---------
                                             NUMBER OF SHARES    VOI TICKET    NUMBER OF SHARES    FEE $0.50
            BENEFICIAL OWNERS                    TENDERED         NUMBER*          ACCEPTED        PER SHARE
- ------------------------------------------   ----------------    ----------    ----------------    ---------
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>           <C>                 <C>
Beneficial Owner No. 1....................
                                                 -------         ----------        -------         ---------
Beneficial Owner No. 2....................
                                                 -------         ----------        -------         ---------
Beneficial Owner No. 3....................
                                                 -------         ----------        -------         ---------
Beneficial Owner No. 4....................
                                                 -------         ----------        -------         ---------
Beneficial Owner No. 5....................
                                                 -------         ----------        -------         ---------
     Total................................
                                                 -------         ----------        -------         ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Complete if Depositary Shares delivered by book-entry transfer.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of Notices of Solicited Tenders will be determined by the Exchange
Agent, in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding.
Neither the Exchange Agent nor any other person will be under any duty to give
notification of any defects or irregularities in any Notice of Solicited Tenders
or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
 
     The undersigned hereby confirms that: (i) it has complied with the
applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the
applicable rules and regulations thereunder, in connection with such
solicitation; (ii) it is entitled to such compensation for such solicitation
under the terms and conditions of the Prospectus; (iii) in soliciting tenders of
Depositary Shares, it has used no soliciting materials other than those
furnished by Ford or the Trust; and (iv) if it is a foreign broker or dealer not
eligible for membership in the NASD, it has agreed to conform to the NASD's
Rules of Fair Practice in making solicitations outside the United States to the
same extent as though it were an NASD member.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
- ---------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
Printed Firm Name                               Address
- ---------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
Authorized Signature                            Attention
- ---------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
Area Code and Telephone Number                  City, State, Zip Code
</TABLE>
 
                                        4

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.4
 
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I
 
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
   
             9% TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIESSM ("TOPRSSM")
    
         (LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $25 PER PREFERRED SECURITY AND GUARANTEED
        TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH IN THE PROSPECTUS BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY)
 
          FOR UP TO 44,600,000 OUTSTANDING SERIES B DEPOSITARY SHARES
          (CUSIP 345 370 407), EACH REPRESENTING 1/2,000 OF A SHARE OF
                      SERIES B CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
 
                                       OF
 
                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY
 
                                                                          , 1995
 
To Our Clients:
 
   
     Enclosed for your consideration are the Prospectus dated             , 1995
(the "Prospectus") and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together
constitute the "Offer") in connection with the Offer by Ford Motor Company
Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust (the "Trust"), to exchange
its 9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities(SM) ("TOPrS(SM)") (the "Preferred
Securities") for up to 44,600,000 outstanding Series B Depositary Shares (the
"Depositary Shares"), each representing 1/2,000 of a Share of Series B
Cumulative Preferred Stock of Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation
("Ford"), that are validly tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the
Offer. In connection with the Offer, Ford will deposit in the Trust as trust
assets its 9% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2025 as set forth in the
Prospectus.
    
 
     Pursuant to the Offer, exchanges will be made on the basis of one (1)
Preferred Security for each Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for
exchange in the Offer. Depositary Shares not accepted for exchange because of
proration will be returned.
 
     The Trust will accept for exchange up to 44,600,000 Depositary Shares
validly tendered and not withdrawn, upon the terms and subject to the conditions
of the Offer, including the provisions thereof relating to proration described
in the Prospectus. We are the holder of record of Depositary Shares held for
your account. A tender of such Depositary Shares can be made only by us as the
holder of record and pursuant to your instructions. The Letter of Transmittal is
furnished to you for your information only and cannot be used by you to tender
Depositary Shares held by us for your account.
 
- ---------------
 
(SM) "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co.
<PAGE>   2
 
     We request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender any or all of
the Depositary Shares held by us for your account, upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal. We
also request that you designate, in the box captioned "Soliciting Tenders", any
Soliciting Dealer who solicited your tender of Depositary Shares.
 
     Your attention is invited to the following:
 
   
          1. The Offer, the proration period and withdrawal rights expire at
     12:00 Midnight, New York City time, on December 7, 1995, unless the Offer
     is extended.
    
 
          2. Consummation of the Offer is conditioned on, among other things,
     (i) receipt of at least 12,000,000 validly tendered Depositary Shares
     (which condition may be waived by the Trust) and (ii) tenders by a
     sufficient number of holders of Depositary Shares such that there be at
     least 400 record or beneficial holders of at least 1,000,000 Preferred
     Securities to be issued in exchange for such Depositary Shares (the
     "Minimum Distribution Condition") (which condition may not be waived).
 
   
          3. The Trust expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion,
     subject to applicable law, to (i) terminate the Offer and not accept for
     exchange any Depositary Shares and promptly return all Depositary Shares
     upon the failure of any of the conditions specified above and in "The Offer
     -- Conditions to the Offer" in the Prospectus, (ii) waive any condition to
     the Offer (other than the Minimum Distribution Condition) and accept all
     Depositary Shares previously tendered pursuant to the Offer, (iii) extend
     the Expiration Date of the Offer, and retain all Depositary Shares tendered
     pursuant to such Offer until the Expiration Date, subject, however, to all
     withdrawal rights of holders; see "The Offer -- Withdrawal of Tenders" in
     the Prospectus, (iv) amend the terms of the Offer or (v) modify the form of
     the consideration to be paid pursuant to the Offer. Any amendment
     applicable to the Offer will apply to all Depositary Shares tendered
     pursuant to the Offer. The minimum period during which the Offer must
     remain open following material changes in the terms of the Offer or the
     information concerning the Offer, other than a change in the amount of
     Depositary Shares sought for exchange or an increase or decrease in the
     consideration offered to holders of Depositary Shares, depends upon the
     facts and circumstances, including the relative materiality of such terms
     or information. See "The Offer -- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments;
     Termination" in the Prospectus.
    
 
          4. Any stock transfer taxes applicable to the exchange of Depositary
     Shares pursuant to the Offer will be paid by Ford, except as otherwise
     provided in Instruction 6 of the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Please note that a Question and Answer pamphlet regarding the Preferred
Securities is enclosed for your information.
 
     If you wish to have us tender any or all of your Depositary Shares, please
so instruct us by completing, executing, detaching and returning to us the
instruction form on the detachable part hereof. An envelope to return your
instructions to us is enclosed. If you authorize tender of your Depositary
Shares, all such Depositary Shares will be tendered unless otherwise specified
on the detachable part hereof. Your instructions should be forwarded to us in
ample time to permit us to submit a tender on your behalf by the Expiration
Date.
 
     As described in the Prospectus, if fewer than all Depositary Shares validly
tendered prior to the Expiration Date are to be accepted by the Trust, the Trust
will accept Depositary Shares from each tendering holder on a pro rata basis,
subject to adjustment to avoid the acceptance for exchange of fractional shares.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
     THE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO, NOR WILL TENDERS BE ACCEPTED FROM OR ON
BEHALF OF, HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE MAKING
OF THE OFFER OR ACCEPTANCE THEREOF WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS OF
SUCH JURISDICTION. IN THOSE JURISDICTIONS THE LAWS OF WHICH REQUIRE THAT THE
OFFER BE MADE BY A LICENSED BROKER OR DEALER, THE OFFER SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE
MADE ON BEHALF OF THE TRUST BY MERRILL LYNCH & CO., DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.,
A.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC., GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO., LEHMAN BROTHERS, PAINEWEBBER
INCORPORATED AND SMITH BARNEY INC. OR ONE OR MORE REGISTERED BROKERS OR DEALERS
LICENSED UNDER THE LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
                     INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER
 
     The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of your letter and the enclosed
Prospectus dated [            ], 1995 and the related Letter of Transmittal in
connection with the Offer by the Trust to exchange its Preferred Securities for
up to 44,600,000 Depositary Shares of Ford that are validly tendered and
accepted for exchange. Pursuant to the Offer, exchanges will be made on the
basis of one Preferred Security for each Depositary Share validly tendered and
accepted for exchange in the Offer. Depositary Shares not accepted for exchange
because of proration will be returned.
 
     This will instruct you to tender the number of Depositary Shares indicated
below held by you for the account of the undersigned, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the related Letter of
Transmittal.
 
/ / By checking this box, all Depositary Shares held by you for our account,
    including fractional shares, will be tendered in the Offer. If fewer than
    all Depositary Shares are to be tendered, we have checked the box below and
    indicated the aggregate number of Depositary Shares to be tendered by you.
 
/ /        shares*
- ---------------
* Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all Depositary Shares held
  by us for your account are to be tendered.
 
                                [SEE OTHER SIDE]
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
   Please designate in the box below any Soliciting Dealer who solicited your
                                    tender.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                               SOLICITED TENDERS
    The undersigned represents that the Soliciting Dealer who solicited and
                            obtained this tender is:
 
                 Name of Firm:
                              ---------------------------------
                                       (PLEASE PRINT)
 
                 Name of Individual Broker
                 or Financial Consultant:
                                         ---------------------------------------
 
                 Identification Number (if known):
                                         ---------------------------------------
 
                 Address:
                         --------------------------------------
 
                 ----------------------------------------------
                               (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
 
                                   SIGN HERE
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                           <C>
   X                         
   ------------------------------------------    ------------------------------------------
   X                         
   ------------------------------------------    ------------------------------------------
                  SIGNATURE(S)                            PLEASE PRINT NAME(S) AND                            
   Dated                                                     ADDRESS(ES) HERE             
   ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        4

<PAGE>   1



                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.5


November __, 1995



Chemical Bank
c/o Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services
Four Station Square
3rd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA  15219

Attn:  Mr. J. Livingston


       Re:  Ford Motor Company ("Ford") and Ford Motor Company Capital 
            Trust I (the "Trust" and, together with Ford, the "Offerors")


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Pursuant to "The Offer" section of the Prospectus dated_________, 1995
(the "Prospectus"), we appoint you as Exchange Agent subject to the terms
hereof. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the
meanings ascribed thereto in the Prospectus.

         The Offerors have delivered to you or will deliver to you (i) a copy
of the Letter of Transmittal, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, (ii)
copies of all other documents or materials to be forwarded to the Holders and
(iii) a copy of the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of Ford or a
duly constituted committee thereof authorizing the Offer and your appointment
as Exchange Agent. Ford has delivered or will deliver to you (i) a list showing
the names and addresses of the Holders as of the close of business on
________________, 1995, and the number of Depositary Shares, each representing
1/2,000 of a share of Series B Preferred, held by each such Holder as of such
date and (ii) a list of certificates (giving the certificate number) stating
which Depositary Shares have been or are, as of such date, lost, stolen,
destroyed or replaced or restricted as to transfer (noting the text of the
restrictive legends applicable thereto) or with respect to which a stop
transfer order has been noted.

1.       Appointment of the Exchange Agent.

         This will confirm the Offerors' appointment of Chemical Bank as the
Exchange Agent provided for in the Prospectus and, in that capacity,
authorization to act solely as agent for the Offerors hereunder for the purpose
of receiving from the Holders the Depositary Shares tendered in exchange for
Preferred Securities of
<PAGE>   2

                                     -2-


the Trust upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and in the
Prospectus. You will not owe fiduciary duties to any other person by reason of
this appointment.

2.       Duties and Obligations of the Exchange Agent.

         As Exchange Agent, you are hereby instructed to perform the specific
exchange agency duties set forth in "The Offer" section of the Prospectus and
in the related Letter of Transmittal and to perform such duties as are
specifically set forth herein, and no implied covenants or obligations should
be read into your appointment as Exchange Agent against you. Without limiting
and in furtherance of the foregoing, you shall not be liable or responsible for
any of the provisions of the Prospectus except for those expressly referred to
herein above. Further, as Exchange Agent you:

         (i) will, at the request of Ford, advise the Co-Dealer Managers on a
         daily basis with respect to the Depositary Shares tendered as follows:
         (a) the number of Depositary Shares validly tendered represented by
         certificates physically held by you (or for which you have received
         confirmation of receipt of book-entry transfer into your account at a
         Depository Institution (as defined in the Prospectus) pursuant to the
         procedures set forth in "The Offer" section of the Prospectus) on such
         day; (b) the number of Depositary Shares represented by Notices of
         Guaranteed Delivery on such day; (c)  the number of Depositary Shares
         properly withdrawn on such day; and (d) the cumulative number of
         Depositary Shares in categories (a) through (c) above;

         (ii) will, on the day following such oral communication, furnish to
         the Co-Dealer Managers a written report confirming the above
         information and furnish to the Co-Dealer Managers such reasonable
         information on the tendering holders of Depositary Shares as may be
         requested from time to time;

         (iii) will be regarded as making no representations or warranties and
         having no responsibilities regarding the validity or adequacy of the
         Offerors' power to make this appointment or the Offer;

         (iv) will not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for the
         correctness of the statements made in the Prospectus; the Letter of
         Transmittal or in any document furnished to you by the Offerors;

         (v) shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted or
         for any error of judgment made by you in the performance of your
         duties hereunder, in the absence of willful misconduct or negligence
         on your part, nor shall you be liable for any error of judgment made
         in good faith unless you shall have been negligent in ascertaining the
         pertinent facts;

         (vi) may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
         acting upon any communication authorized hereby and upon any oral or
         written instruction, notice, request, direction, consent, report,
         certificate, form of
<PAGE>   3

                                     - 3 -


         bond certificate or other instrument, paper or document in good faith
         reasonably believed by you to be genuine;

         (vii) may consult with counsel of your choice, and the advice of such
         counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in
         respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by you hereunder in
         good faith and in reasonable reliance thereon; and

         (viii) may perform your duties and exercise your rights hereunder
         directly or by or through agents or attorneys.

3.       Maintenance of Records.

         You will keep and maintain complete and accurate records and ledgers
showing all Depositary Shares exchanged by you and payments made by you.
Letters of Transmittal, Notices of Guaranteed Delivery and telegrams, telexes,
facsimile transmissions and other materials submitted to you shall be preserved
by you until delivered to, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the
instructions of, the Offerors.

4.       Indemnification, Compensation and Expenses.

         (a) In consideration of your acceptance of the foregoing appointment
by the Offerors, Ford hereby agrees:

         (i) to indemnify you for, and to hold you harmless against, any loss,
         liability or expense incurred without negligence or willful misconduct
         on your part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or
         administration of the agency created under the foregoing appointment,
         including the costs and expenses (including the reasonable fees and
         expenses of your counsel) of defending yourself against any claim or
         liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of
         your duties thereunder and of enforcing this indemnification
         provision; and

         (ii) to pay to you a fee for all services rendered by you under the
         foregoing appointment according to the fee schedule attached hereto as
         Exhibit A; and

         (iii) to reimburse you upon your request for all reasonable expenses,
         disbursements and advances incurred or made by you in accordance with
         any of your agency duties (including the reasonable compensation and
         the reasonable expenses and disbursements of your agents and counsel),
         except any such expenses, disbursement or advance as may be
         attributable to your negligence or willful misconduct.

         (b) You shall not be required to advance, expend or risk your own
funds or otherwise incur or become exposed to financial liability in the
performance of your duties hereunder.
<PAGE>   4
                                     -4-


5.       IRS Filings.

         You shall arrange to comply with all requirements under the tax laws
of the United States, including those relating to missing Taxpayer
Identification Numbers, and shall file any appropriate reports with the IRS
(e.g., 1099, 1099B, etc.).

6.       Counterparts.

         This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one and
the same instrument.

7.       Governing Law.

         This agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the
laws of the state of New York.

         Please confirm your acceptance of your appointment as Exchange Agent
and the arrangements herein provided by signing and returning to us the
enclosed duplicate of this letter.


FORD MOTOR COMPANY

By:___________________________
Name:
Title:


FORD MOTOR COMPANY
CAPITAL TRUST I

By: Ford Motor Company,
      as Sponsor

By:___________________________
Name:
Title:


CHEMICAL BANK

By:____________________________________
Name:
Title:
<PAGE>   5

                                     - 5 -




                                                                       EXHIBIT A


CHEMICAL BANK FEE SCHEDULE FOR
EXCHANGE AGENT SERVICES

DEPOSITARY SHARES EACH REPRESENTING 1/2,000 OF A SHARE OF SERIES B PREFERRED

EXCHANGE OFFER OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND
FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAPITAL TRUST I

I.       Exchange Agency

A fee for the receipt of tendered Depositary Shares, each representing 1/2,000
of a share of Series B Preferred, will be charged at $    per Letter of
Transmittal. The total charge will be subject to a minimum of $     and maximum
of $       .

This fee covers examination and execution of all required documentation,
receipt of tendered shares and transmittal letters, reporting as required to
Ford and other parties and communication with DTC.


II.      Miscellaneous

Fees for services not specifically covered in this schedule will be assessed in
amounts commensurate with the services rendered. The fees in this schedule are
subject to reasonable adjustments as changes in laws, procedures, or costs of
doing business demand. The costs of supplies and other out-of-pocket expenses
that can be directly allocated will be added to our regular charges.






<PAGE>   1





                                                                    Exhibit 99.6

                                                              September 27, 1995


Ford Motor Company
The American Road
Dearborn, MI  48121

                              LETTER OF AGREEMENT

         This Letter of Agreement (the "Agreement") sets forth the terms and
conditions under which Georgeson & Company Inc. ("Georgeson") has been retained
by Ford Motor Company ("Ford") as Information Agent for its upcoming exchange
offer (the "Offer").  The term of the Agreement shall be the term of the Offer,
including any extensions thereof.

        1.       During the term of the Agreement, Georgeson will: provide
    advice and consultation with respect to the planning and execution of the
    Offer; assist in the preparation and placement of newspaper ads; assist in
    the distribution of Offer documents to brokers, banks, nominees,
    institutional investors, and other shareholders and investment community
    accounts; answer collect telephone inquiries from shareholders and their
    representatives; and, if requested, call individuals who are registered
    holders or non-objecting beneficial owners.

        2.       Ford will pay Georgeson a fee of Twenty Thousand Dollars
    ($20,000.00), of which half is payable in advance per the enclosed invoice
    and the balance at the expiration of the Offer, plus an additional fee to
    be mutually agreed upon if the Offer is extended more than thirty days
    beyond the initial expiration date.  A total of 4,000 incoming and/or
    outgoing calls is included in the base fee.  If Georgeson is requested to
    call individuals who are holders of the issue, Ford will pay Georgeson an
    additional sum computed on the basis of $3.00 per call for all incoming
    and/or outgoing calls exceeding 4,000, which fee will include all telephone
    charges other than directory assistance charges. In addition, Ford will
    reimburse Georgeson for reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Georgeson
    in fulfilling the Agreement, including but not limited to:  expenses
    incurred by Georgeson in the preparation and placement of newspaper ads,
    including typesetting and space charges; postage and freight charges
    incurred by Georgeson in the delivery of Offer documents; printing costs;
    charges for the production of shareholder lists (paper, computer cards,
    etc.), statistical analyses, mailing labels or other forms of information
    requested by Ford or its agents and other expenses or disbursements
    authorized by Ford or its agents.

        3.       If requested, Georgeson will provide you a list of brokers and
    banks forwarding Offer material to beneficial owners and forward their
    bills to you for payment.
<PAGE>   2


        4.  Georgeson hereby agrees not to make any representations not
            included in the Offer documents.
        
        5.  Ford agrees to indemnify and hold Georgeson harmless against        
            any loss, damage, expense (including, without limitation, legal and
            other related fees and expenses), liability or claim arising out of
            Georgeson's fulfillment of the Agreement (except for any loss,
            damage, expense liability or claim arising out of Georgeson's own
            negligence or misconduct).  At its election, Ford may assume the
            defense of any such action.  Georgeson hereby agrees to advise Ford 
            of any such liability or claim promptly after receipt of any notice
            thereof. The indemnification contained in this paragraph will 
            survive the term of the Agreement.
        
        6.  Georgeson agrees to preserve the confidentiality of all non-public
            information provided by Ford or its agents for our use in providing
            services under this Agreement, or information developed by
            Georgeson based upon such non-public information.

            By executing the Agreement below the undersigned agrees to be 
            bound by its terms.
        
ACCEPTED:                                              Sincerely,

FORD MOTOR COMPANY                                     GEORGESON & COMPANY INC.


By:   /s/ E. S. Acton                                  By: /s/ Donna M. Ackerly
   ---------------------------                            ----------------------
                                                           Donna M. Ackerly 
                                                           Director
Title:  Assistant Treasurer                                        
       -----------------------

Date:    9/27/95





<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.7

This is neither an offer to exchange or sell nor a solicitation of an offer to
exchange or buy any of these securities. The Offer is made only by the
Prospectus and the related Letter of Transmittal and the Offer is not being
made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of the
securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would
not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.
In any jurisdiction where the securities or blue sky laws require the Offer to
be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer is being made on behalf of
the Trust by Merrill Lynch & Co., Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., A. G. Edwards &
Sons, Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., Lehman Brothers, PaineWebber Incorporated,
Smith Barney Inc. or one or more other brokers or dealers which are licensed
under the laws of such jurisdiction.

                         Notice of Offer to Holders of

                               FORD MOTOR COMPANY

         Series B Depositary Shares, each representing 1/2,000 of a share of 
                     Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock

         Ford Motor Company Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business
trust (the "Trust"), is offering, upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in its Prospectus dated ________, 1995 (the "Prospectus") and the
accompanying Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal" which, together
with the Prospectus, constitute the "Offer"), to exchange its 9% Trust
Originated Preferred Securities(SM) ("TOPrS(SM)") (the "Preferred Securities")
for up to 44,600,000 of the outstanding Series B Depositary Shares ("Depositary
Shares") each representing 1/2,000 of a share of Series B Cumulative Preferred
Stock (the "Series B Preferred") of Ford Motor Company, a Delaware corporation
("Ford").  Exchanges will be made on the basis of  one Preferred Security for
each Depositary Share validly tendered and accepted for exchange in the Offer.
Depositary Shares not accepted for exchange because of proration will be
returned.  In connection with the Offer, Ford will deposit in the Trust as
trust assets its 9% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2025, as set forth in
the Prospectus.

THE OFFER, THE PRORATION PERIOD AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00
MIDNIGHT, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON DECEMBER 7, 1995, UNLESS THE OFFER IS
EXTENDED.

         NEITHER THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FORD, FORD, THE TRUSTEES NOR THE
TRUST MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES AS TO WHETHER TO
TENDER OR REFRAIN FROM TENDERING IN THE OFFER. HOLDERS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE
URGED TO CONTACT THEIR FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS IN MAKING THEIR DECISION ON
WHAT ACTION TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
<PAGE>   2


         Upon the terms and conditions of the Offer, including the provisions
relating to proration described in the Prospectus, the Trust will accept for
exchange up to 44,600,000 Depositary Shares, validly tendered and not withdrawn
prior to 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on December 7, 1995, or if the
Offer is extended by the Trust, in its sole discretion, the latest date and
time to which the Offer has been extended (the "Expiration Date").  Tenders of
Depositary Shares pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to
the Expiration Date and, unless accepted for exchange by the Trust, may be
withdrawn at any time after 40 business days after December 7, 1995. Depositary
Shares not accepted because of proration will be returned to the tendering
holders at Ford's expense as promptly as practicable following the Expiration
Date.

         Consummation of the Offer is conditioned on, among other things, (i)
receipt of at least 12,000,000 validly tendered Depositary Shares (which
condition may be waived by the Trust) and (ii) tenders by a sufficient number
of holders of Depositary Shares such that, as of the Expiration Date, there be
at least 400 record or beneficial owners of at least 1,000,000 Preferred
Securities to be issued in exchange for such Depositary Shares (which condition
may not be waived)(the "Minimum Distribution Condition").

         The Trust expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion,
subject to applicable law, to (i) terminate the Offer, and not accept for
exchange any Depositary Shares and promptly return all Depositary Shares upon
the failure of any of the conditions specified above or in "The
Offer--Conditions to the Offer" in the Prospectus, (ii) waive any condition to
the Offer (other than the Minimum Distribution Condition) and accept all
Depositary Shares previously tendered pursuant to the Offer, (iii) extend the
Expiration Date of the Offer and retain all Depositary Shares tendered pursuant
to such Offer until the Expiration Date, subject, however, to all withdrawal
rights of holders, see "The Offer--Withdrawal of Tenders" in the Prospectus,
(iv) amend the terms of the Offer or (v) modify the form of the consideration
to be paid pursuant to the Offer. Any amendment applicable to the Offer will
apply to all Depositary Shares tendered pursuant to the Offer.  The minimum
period during which the Offer must remain open following material changes in
the terms of the Offer or the information concerning the Offer, other than a
change in the percentage of securities sought or the price, depends upon the
facts and circumstances, including the relative materiality of such terms or
information.  See "The Offer--Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination" in the Prospectus.

         The purpose of the Offer is to refinance the Depositary Shares with
the Preferred Securities to achieve certain tax efficiencies while preserving
Ford's flexibility with respect to future financings.

         The Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal contain important information
which should be read before any action is taken by holders of Depositary
Shares. Tenders may be made only by a properly completed and executed Letter of
Transmittal and in conformance with the terms thereof and of the Prospectus.
<PAGE>   3


         Ford will pay to Soliciting Dealers (as defined in the Prospectus)
designated by the record or beneficial owner, as appropriate, of Depositary
Shares a solicitation fee of $0.50 per Depositary Share validly tendered and
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Offer, subject to certain conditions.
Soliciting Dealers are not entitled to a solicitation fee for Depositary Shares
beneficially owned by such Soliciting Dealer.

         The information required to be disclosed by paragraph (d)(1) of Rule
13e-4 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, is contained in the Prospectus and is incorporated herein by
reference.

         The Prospectus and the related Letter of Transmittal are first being
sent to holders of Depositary Shares on ________, 1995 and are being furnished
to brokers, dealers, banks and similar persons whose names, or names of whose
nominees, appear on the lists of holders of the Depositary Shares or, if
applicable, who are listed as participants in a clearing agency's security
position listing for subsequent transmittal to beneficial owners of Depositary
Shares.

         Any questions or requests for assistance may be directed to the
Information Agent and the Dealer Managers at the addresses and telephone
numbers set forth below. Requests for copies of the Prospectus, the Letter of
Transmittal or the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be directed to Georgeson &
Company Inc., the Information Agent, at (800) 223-2064, and copies will be
forwarded promptly at Ford's expense.  Shareholders may also contact their
broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company for assistance concerning the
Offer.

                    The Information Agent for the Offer is:

                                 [insert logo]
                            Georgeson & Company Inc.
                               Wall Street Plaza
                           New York, New York  10005
                           (800) 223-2064 (Toll-Free)
                        Banks and Brokers Call Collect:
                                 (212) 440-9800
<PAGE>   4


                     The Dealer Managers for the Offer are:

                              Merrill Lynch & Co.
                             World Financial Center
                                  North Tower
                            New York, New York 10281
                            (212) 236-4565 (Collect)


 Dean Witter Reynolds Inc.                       A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
 2 World Trade Center                            1 North Jefferson
 New York, New York 10048                        St. Louis, Missouri  63103-2205
 (800) 488-4490 (Toll-Free)                      (800) 640-1705 (Toll-Free)

 Goldman, Sachs & Co.                            Lehman Brothers
 85 Broad Street                                 3 World Financial Center
 New York, New York  10004                       New York, New York  10285
 (800) 828-3182 (Toll-Free)                      (800) 438-3242 (Toll-Free)

 PaineWebber Incorporated                        Smith Barney Inc.
 1285 Avenue of the Americas                     388 Greenwich Street
 New York, New York  10019                       New York, New York  10013
 (800) 324-0210 (Toll-Free)                      (800) 813-3745 (Toll-Free)



_____________________, 1995



_____________________
(SM) "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co.






<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.8
                                 (FORD LOGO)
 
Ford Motor Company                                             The American Road
                                                   Dearborn, Michigan 48121-1899
 
                                            , 1995
 
   
Dear Shareholder:
    
 
   
     A special purpose trust formed by Ford Motor Company is offering to
exchange its 9% Trust Originated Preferred Securities (TOPrS) for up to
44,600,000 outstanding Ford Series B Depositary Shares. The exchange will be
made on the basis of one TOPrS for one Depositary Share. Each Depositary Share
represents 1/2,000 of a share of Ford's Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock.
    
 
   
     This exchange offer makes good economic sense for Ford. Replacing the
Depositary Shares with TOPrS will improve Ford's after-tax cash flow. The cash
flow benefit arises because interest payable by Ford to the TOPrS' trust is
deductible for federal income tax purposes, while the dividends payable by Ford
on the Depositary Shares are not.
    
 
   
     Neither Ford nor its Board makes any recommendation as to whether you
should exchange your Depositary Shares. That's your decision. I encourage you to
read the enclosed prospectus before deciding. If you choose to participate in
the exchange offer, please follow the instructions in the enclosed materials.
    
 
   
     If you have any questions, please call Georgeson & Company Inc. or any of
the Dealer Managers at the phone numbers on the back cover of the enclosed
Prospectus. Thank you.
    
 
   
                                          Very truly yours,
    
                                          /s/ ALEX TROTMAN
   
                                          Alex Trotman
                                          Chairman of the Board of Directors,
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer
    
   
cc:  Chemical Bank
     Depositary for Series B 
     Cumulative Preferred Stock
    



<PAGE>   1
 
(FORD LOGO)
 
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.9
    
 
                                    EXCHANGE
                                     OFFER
 
                                   QUESTIONS
                                       &
                                    ANSWERS

                                  (FORD LOGO)
 
<PAGE>   2
 
                           PROCEDURES FOR EXCHANGING
                               DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
Q:
   IF DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN MY NAME, HOW DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE
   OFFER?
 
A: You should have received a package from Chemical Bank consisting of this 
   Question and Answer sheet and:
 
   - Prospectus dated         , 1995,
 
   - Letter of Transmittal (printed on yellow paper) bearing a pre-printed label
     with your account name and address,
 
   - Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
     Substitute Form W-9,
 
   - Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
 
   - Letter from the Chairman of Ford Motor Company, and
 
   - Return envelope addressed to Chemical Bank.
 
   If, after reviewing these materials carefully, you decide to participate in
   the Offer, complete the Letter of Transmittal and send it with your
   certificate(s) representing Depositary Shares to Chemical Bank as Exchange
   Agent at either of the addresses shown on the Letter of Transmittal. It is
   recommended that you use registered or certified mail.
 
   Holders of record may also contact their broker to exchange their Depositary
   Shares on their behalf. And if you cannot deliver your certificate(s) to the
   Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date, then you must arrange for your
   broker to guarantee delivery of your Depositary Shares. See "The Offer --
   Procedures for Tendering" in the Prospectus.
 
Q: IF MY DEPOSITARY SHARES ARE HELD BY A BROKER OR BANK FOR MY ACCOUNT, HOW 
   DO I PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFER?
 
A: If your Depositary Shares are held by a broker or bank for your account, 
   you should have received a package from them as holder of record containing,
   along with this Question and Answer sheet, the following:
 
   - Prospectus dated         , 1995,
 
   - Letter of Transmittal for information only,
 
   - Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on
     Substitute Form W-9,
 
   - Notice of Guaranteed Delivery,
 
   - Letter from the Chairman of Ford Motor Company, and
 
   - Cover letter or notice from your broker or bank.
 
   If you decide to participate in the Offer, you must contact your broker or
   bank to tender your Depositary Shares on your behalf. See "The Offer --
   Procedures for Tendering -- Special Procedure for Beneficial Owners" in the
   Prospectus.
 
Q: ONCE I HAVE TENDERED MY DEPOSITARY SHARES, OR INSTRUCTED MY BROKER OR BANK 
   TO TENDER THEM ON MY BEHALF, MAY I WITHDRAW THEM FROM THE OFFER?
 
   
A: Yes, tenders of Depositary Shares may be withdrawn at any time prior to 
   the Expiration Date and, unless accepted for exchange by the Trust, may be 
   withdrawn at any time after 40 business days from the date of the 
   Prospectus. See "The Offer -- Withdrawal of Tenders" in the Prospectus.
    
 
Q: WHEN DOES THE OFFER EXPIRE?
 
   
A: At 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Thursday, December 7, 1995, 
   unless extended by the Trust. The Trust may also amend or terminate the 
   Offer as described in the Prospectus.
    
 
                            For additional details,
                         or if you have any questions,
                       please call the Information Agent,
                        (GEORGESON & COMPANY INC. LOGO)
   
                           (800) 223-2064 (Toll-Free)
    
                                       or
   
                        Banks and Brokers, Call Collect:
    
   
                                 (212) 440-9800
    
<PAGE>   3
 
                             QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
                      RELATING TO THE OFFER (THE "OFFER")
                             BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY
                         CAPITAL TRUST I (THE "TRUST")
   
                      TO EXCHANGE ITS 9% TRUST ORIGINATED
    
                   PREFERRED SECURITIESSM ("TOPRS(SM)") FOR
                         SERIES B DEPOSITARY SHARES OF
                       FORD MOTOR COMPANY (THE "COMPANY")
 
   
    Please note that the following information does not purport to be complete
and is subject in all respects to the provisions of, and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to, the Prospectus dated         , 1995 (the "Prospectus")
and the Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the Offer). Please
refer to the Prospectus for details of the Offer and defined terms used herein.
    
 
Q: WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF THE OFFER?
 
A: The Trust will exchange one TOPrS for each Series B Depositary Share issued
   by the Company. See "The Offer" in the Prospectus.
 
Q: WHAT ARE TOPRS?
 
A: TOPrS represent preferred interests in the Trust's assets, consisting 
   solely of Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2025 issued by the Company. 
   TOPrS securities pay quarterly distributions corresponding to the interest
   rate and the payment dates for the Junior Subordinated Debentures. See 
   "Description of the Preferred Securities" in the Prospectus.
 
Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE OFFER?
 
A: The principal purpose is to refinance the Shares with the TOPrS to achieve
   certain tax efficiencies and to preserve flexibility with respect to future
   financings. The refinancing will permit the Company to deduct interest 
   payable on the Junior Subordinated Debentures for United States federal 
   income tax purposes, while the dividends payable on the Depositary Shares 
   are not deductible.
 
Q: WILL THE TOPRS BE LISTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE?
 
A: Yes. The ticker symbol will be "F Pr T".
 
Q: ARE THE TOPRS RATED?
 
A: As of the date of the Prospectus, the TOPrS
   have been rated by Moody's and by Standard & Poor's and have the same ratings
   as the Depositary Shares.
 
Q: HOW ARE THE TOPRS GUARANTEED?
 
A: Payments of dividends on the TOPrS and on liquidation or redemption are 
   guaranteed on a subordinated basis by the Company, only if and to the 
   extent payments have been made on the Junior Subordinated Debentures. See 
   "Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantee" in the Prospectus.
 
Q: ARE THE REDEMPTION PROVISIONS OF THE TOPRS DIFFERENT FROM THE DEPOSITARY 
   SHARES?
 
A: Yes. While the Depositary Shares have no maturity date, the TOPrS will be 
   redeemed following repayment of the Junior Subordinated Debentures upon 
   their December 31, 2025 final maturity date or earlier redemption. The 
   Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Depositary Shares (under certain 
   circumstances) are redeemable at the option of the Company on or after 
   December 1, 2002. The redemption price of $25 per share is the same for the
   Junior Subordinated Debentures and the Depositary Shares. See "Description 
   of the Preferred Securities", "Description of the Series B Preferred and 
   Depositary Shares", and "Prospectus Summary -- Potential Risks to 
   Exchanging Holders" in the Prospectus.
 
- ---------------
 
(SM) "Trust Originated Preferred Securities" and "TOPrS" are service marks of
Merrill Lynch & Co.
<PAGE>   4
 
                       DISTRIBUTION AND DIVIDEND MATTERS
 
Q: HOW DOES THE DISTRIBUTION RATE ON THE TOPRS COMPARE TO THE DIVIDEND RATE ON
   THE DEPOSITARY SHARES?
 
   
A: The distribution rate on the TOPrS is 9% per annum, while the dividend rate
   for the Depositary Shares is 8.25% per annum.
    
 
Q: WILL DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE TOPRS BE PAID ON THE SAME SCHEDULE AS DIVIDENDS 
   ON THE DEPOSITARY SHARES?
 
A: No, there is a different payment schedule. Distributions on the TOPrS will 
   be paid on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, while dividends
   are paid on the Depositary Shares on March 1, June 1, September 1 and 
   December 1.
 
Q: THE NEXT SCHEDULED DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE ON THE DEPOSITARY SHARES IS 
   DECEMBER 1, 1995 (SUBJECT TO DECLARATION BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS). WILL 
   THAT DIVIDEND BE PAID ON DEPOSITARY SHARES THAT ARE EXCHANGED IN THE OFFER?
 
   
A: Yes. However, holders who exchange their Depositary Shares in the Offer 
   will not be paid dividends on those Depositary Shares for any period after 
   December 1, 1995. Instead, such holders will be entitled to receive 
   distributions on their new TOPrS at the rate of 8.25% per annum from 
   December 1, 1995 up to and including the Expiration Date of the
   Offer, and 9% per annum thereafter, with the first payment to be made on
   December 31, 1995. See "Description of the Preferred Securities --
   Distributions" in the Prospectus.
    
 
Q: EXPLAIN THE 20 QUARTER DIVIDEND DEFERRAL PROVISION OF THE TOPRS.
 
A: Quarterly interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures may be 
   deferred for one or more periods of up to 20 consecutive quarters each, at 
   the option of the Company. In the case of any such deferral, distributions 
   on the TOPrS will be similarly deferred. The Junior Subordinated Debentures
   have a maturity date which may not be extended. See "Description of the 
   Preferred Securities -- Distributions" in the Prospectus. Quarterly 
   dividend payments on the Depositary Shares are payable only if declared by 
   the Company's Board of Directors and such dividends may be deferred 
   indefinitely. To date, the Company has made each quarterly dividend payment
   with respect to the Depositary Shares on the scheduled dividend payment 
   date. The Depositary Shares have no maturity date.
 
   
   Deferred TOPrS distributions continue to accrue and, if in arrears, compound
   quarterly at a rate equal to 9% per annum. However, while dividends on the
   Depositary Shares accrue if dividends are suspended, there is no such
   compounding feature. During such a deferral, the Trust will continue to
   accrue interest income (as original issue discount) in respect of the Junior
   Subordinated Debentures which will be taxable to beneficial owners of TOPrS.
   As a result, beneficial owners of TOPrS during such a deferral will include
   their pro rata share of the interest in gross income in advance of the
   receipt of cash.
    
 
                                   TAX ISSUES
 
Q: WILL THE EXCHANGE OF TOPRS FOR DEPOSITARY SHARES CONSTITUTE A TAXABLE EVENT?
 
A: Yes. The Company recommends that each holder read the section entitled 
   "Taxation" in the Prospectus and consult their own tax advisor.
 
Q: WHAT WILL BE THE INITIAL TAX BASIS FOR THE TOPRS?
 
A: The initial tax basis of TOPrS acquired in the Offer will be equal to the 
   fair market value of the TOPrS on the Expiration Date of the Offer. See 
   "Taxation" in the Prospectus.
 
Q: HOW WILL DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE TOPRS BE REPORTED TO THE IRS?
 
   
A: Distributions on the TOPrS will be reported on Form 1099-OID.
    
 
   
Q: CORPORATE HOLDERS CAN CLAIM THE DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION ON DIVIDENDS 
   ON THE DEPOSITARY SHARES. ARE DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE TOPRS ELIGIBLE FOR THAT 
   DEDUCTION FOR CORPORATE HOLDERS?
    
 
A: No.


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