The collection, dating back to 1925, was opened at Ford's head office in Campbellfield last week.

It will be handy for those who want to know the motor company's history.

The archives include documents, photos, brochures, speeches and films.

Ford's archive historian, Michele Cook (pictured), said the collection had been established over the past 12 years and was one of only four historical archives in Ford Motor Company the world over.

"We're now really serious about cataloguing the archives," Ms Cook said.

"Australia is serious about our history and culture."

Ms Cook (pictured) said one of the collection highlights was hundreds of thousands of photo negatives of old car models.

An intriguing archive was a report by Hubert French, Ford's managing director from Canada, who came to Australia in 1935 to see if it was worth manufacturing vehicles here.

"It's an amazing collection and full of history and, unfortunately, I don't think I'll have enough time to read it all," Ms Cook said.

"It's like opening Christmas presents at the moment.

"The treasures you find are just amazing."

Ford Australia president and chief executive Bob Graziano opened the archives collection.

"We are very pleased that the collection is now housed in a manner that will allow us to ensure it survives for some time to come," Mr Graziano said.

"The archives team will also be able to serve individuals outside the company who have an interest in our history - they'll include vehicle enthusiasts, the media, authors, video and film producers, and a range of researchers, scholars and students."