April 9, 2009 – Honda wins award for fuel-cell vehicle
The Honda FCX Clarity went into production in June 2008 with Honda calling it the world’s first hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicle intended for mass production. During its appearance at the New York Auto Show it took home the World Green Car award on this day in 2009, after more than
April 8, 1916 – Auto racing pioneer Bob Burman dies
Bob Burman participated in many significant races in the early 20th century, including winning the Prest-O-Lite Trophy Race in 1909 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the precursor to the Indy 500. Unfortunately, it was racing that would kill him. Burman died on this day in 1916 at age 31 when
April 7, 1947- Henry Ford dies
Henry Ford passed away this day in 1947 at his estate in Dearborn, Michigan, of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 83. Henry’s professional life started as an engineer for the Edison Illuminating Company, where he began work in 1891. After a promotion in 1893 he found himself
April 6, 1853 – The man who took his daughter’s name
Emil Jellinek may not ring any bells at first, but add Mercedes to the end and it sure does. Born on this day in 1853 in Leipzig, Germany, Emil found success in the auto industry after partnering with DMG to build a car “not for today or tomorrow, but
April 5, 1940 – Buick finally debuts the Y-Job
Largely considered the first industry concept car, the 1938 Buick Y-Job racked up many miles before finally debuting to the media on this day in 1940. Designed by Harley Earl and co. as a design practice that incorporated technological advancement, the Y-Job was the predecessor to many GM styling
April 4, 1996 – Jaguar introduces the XK8
Jaguar introduced a new kitten to their litter on this day in 1996 at the New York Auto Show, the Jaguar XK8. This grand touring model was the first car of the new XK series, although it borrowed lettering from earlier models such as the original XK150 and XK-E.
April 3, 1885 – The internal combustion engine is patented
In the early 1880s Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach started developing what would become known as the Grandfather clock engine, which they patented on this day in 1885. Their workshop? A garden shed behind Daimler’s home in Cannstatt, Germany. What they came up with was an upright 0.5 hp
April 2, 1875 – Walter Chrysler is born
After a long stint as a mechanic and machinist who worked his way up in rank in the railroad industry, Walter Chrysler, born on this day in 1875, caught the eye of General Motors executive James J. Storrow in 1911. Following a meeting with Buick president Charles Nash, Chrysler