On this day in…
1870
154 years ago
Washington Roebling began construction on the Brooklyn Bridge; when it opened 13 years later, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world Read more…
1899
125 years ago
An editorial in The New York Times made a reference to an ‘automobile’ – the first known written use of the word Read more…
1916
108 years ago
Henry Ford, US industrialist, returned from abortive peace mission to Europe Read more…
1920
104 years ago
The Martin Wasp was introduced at the Hotel Commodore in New York City Read more…
1921
103 years ago
The Studebaker Corporation announced that it would no longer build farm wagons Read more…
1925
99 years ago
The Hupmobile Model E-1 was introduced, the marque’s first 8-cylinder car Read more…
1926
98 years ago
General Motors introduced the Pontiac brand name Read more…
1928
96 years ago
The Packard 443 Custom was introduced along with rumble seat coupe and a convertible coupe as an additional body style in all series Read more…
1929
95 years ago
Herbert Austin arrived in New York City to arrange for the production of the Austin Seven in the US Read more…
1931
93 years ago
The Marmon Sixteen was introduced at the 31st Annual New York Show Read more…
1934
90 years ago
The British government announced that road signs were to be standardised, including a sign for ‘Main Road Ahead’, but surprisingly no ‘Stop’ sign. Read more…
1939
85 years ago
The experimental Rolls-Royce ‘Big Bertha’, a Wraith chassis with a straight-8 engine, was completed Read more…
1941
83 years ago
William J Lane (100), one of the three brothers that designed and built the Lane Steam car 1900-1911, died in Poughkeepsie, New York, US Read more…
1963
61 years ago
Internationale premier of the Ford Thunderbird Limited Edition Landau or the “Princess Grace Landau” took place at the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco to commemorate Ford’s involvement in the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally Read more…
1972
52 years ago
The largest filling station of the 20,106 in the UK, the ESSO service area on the M4 at Leigh Delamere in Wiltshire, opened Read more…
1980
44 years ago
Sprintcar builder and Indy 500 crew chief Wally Meskowski died at the age of 64 Read more…
1982
42 years ago
Howard A “Dutch” Darrin (84), a partner in the custom coachbuilding firms of Hibbard & Darrin 1922-1932 and Fernandez & Darrin 1932-37, a consultant with many automobile companies in the United States and Europe, and a stylist with Nash, Packard, Kaiser and others, died in Santa Monica, California, US Read more…
1992
32 years ago
The Citroen Xantia made its market debut Read more…
1995
29 years ago
Nigel Mansell’s plans to return to F1 were all but ended with Williams’ announcement they had opted David Coulthard for the coming season Read more…
1996
28 years ago
After being alerted by his wife Pam Dawber, actor Mark Harmon saved two teenagers who were trapped inside a burning Jeep Cherokee in Los Angeles, California Read more…
1999
25 years ago
The “Inspirational Yellow” Concept Thunderbird was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show Read more…
2003
21 years ago
MG Rover Group announced a ‘free fuel until 2004’ offer on MG and Rover cars registered before 31 March 2003 Read more…
2003
21 years ago
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart announced his team was up for sale, admitting that the days of private teams were numbered Read more…
2005
19 years ago
A truck overloaded with Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims overturned in Qinghai province, China killing 54 Read more…
2007
17 years ago
A 77 seat double-decker National Express coach overturned near Heathrow Aiport after failing to negotiate a slip road between the M4 and the M25 Read more…
2007
17 years ago
A seven month trial of a congestion pricing system began in Stockholm, Sweden which was so successful that it was made permanent in August 2007 Read more…
2008
16 years ago
Ford Motor Co Read more…
2008
16 years ago
James Stewart (76), elder brother of Jackie Stewart, who participated in a single World Championship Grand Prix, driving for Ecurie Ecosse, died Read more…
2011
13 years ago
The Citroën DS4 was launched, the second vehicle in the DS line is a raised four-door coupé that combined performance and versatility for a new driving sensation Read more…