Alan P. Anderson

It is with great sadness that the family of Alan Paul Anderson announces his peaceful passing on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Grosse Ile, Michigan. Born into the Great Depression in Detroit on June 26, 1933, Alan was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and an absolute automotive legend that changed the culture of the United States and saved millions of lives. Anyone that has ever smiled after driving a Mustang or a Corvette, or had their life saved by a seat belt, owes it all to Alan. He will be deeply missed by all he impacted, all who knew him, and his family.

Alan graduated from the Wayne State University of Detroit with an MS Mechanical Engineering degree where he invented the process of fiberglass rigidity in automotive bodies in 1956. His patent was purchased by GM and the technology implemented in the 1957 Corvette and beyond. In essence, he saved the Corvette from extension due to body cracks. He then entered military service with the Air Force as a Maintenance Officer and special projects engineer where he worked on the XB-70 program. Following military service, he went to work with Ford and was hand selected by Mr. Ford to be part of the seven-man team that invented the Mustang prototype in 1961 and 1964 production Mustang. In the process of co-inventing the Mustang, he invented the adjustable steering wheel and adjustable peddles, which are now found in nearly every car in the world. He also developed the first ever SAE standard for seat belts which has gone on to save millions of lives. Imagine our nation without the Corvette or the Mustang! Alan made them both happen. And he saved your life with seat belts. He was again hand selected by Mr. Ford for critical work on the GT40 program as the lead chassis engineer, test driver, and race setup driver, resulting in a stunning victory over Ferrari. His contributions to the automotive industry, the United States and humanity are beyond measure. He retired from Ford as an Executive Engineer.

Beyond the automotive world he had a love of all things’ aviation. He built a World War 1 replica biplane, restored two more aircraft which won national awards, and was building yet another aircraft at the time of his passing. When not in the air, he was out on the water in one of his beautiful classic Chris-Craft boats.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia ,whom he loved beyond measure. Marcia’s never-ending endurance, spirit, and love in return kept him alive and full of hope. Marcia was the bedrock of Alan’s life upon which he revolved. The family is forever grateful for all that Marcia did for Alan. His living legacy is carried on by his loving children, Erik and Kris; his five grandchildren: Conner, Morgen, Tanner, Tate, and Colt. Marcia’s three adult children: Katie, Dan, and late son David, also welcomed Alan with open arms while embracing him with love and compassion while matching his sense of humor.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, December 19th, 2025 at the Ridge Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 2272 W. Jefferson Avenue, Trenton, MI 48183. There will also be a rosary service provided during evening of visitation. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 20th, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Grosse Ile, MI. He will lie in state at 9:30 am.

If you come, feel free to drive your Corvette or Mustang in honor. In lieu of flowers, the Alan requested that you go take a flying lesson to expand your horizons, drive something really fun, have a beer with friends, then have a glass of wine with a beautiful sunset: Skoal!