1879 – George Selden Files His Automobile Patent
In 1879, George Selden filed a U.S. patent for an automobile design powered by an internal combustion engine. Though the patent would not officially be granted until 1895, it became one of the most controversial legal tools in early automotive history. Selden never became a major automaker himself, but through the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers (ALAM), he collected royalties from nearly every American car company building automobiles at the time.
One major exception was Henry Ford. After Ford was denied membership in ALAM, he continued producing cars without paying Selden’s royalties, leading to a massive legal battle. Ford initially lost in court, but ultimately won on appeal in 1911 after judges determined his engines differed significantly from Selden’s original design. The decision effectively broke Selden’s control over the industry and opened the door for automakers to build cars royalty-free, helping accelerate the growth of the American automobile industry.
1974 – Britain Ends Emergency 50 MPH Speed Limit
In 1974, Britain lifted the temporary 50 mph national speed limit that had been introduced during the 1973 oil crisis. The restriction was part of broader efforts to conserve fuel as oil shortages and rising prices affected countries around the world. The energy crisis dramatically changed automotive culture during the 1970s, pushing automakers toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles and influencing everything from speed limits to vehicle design and consumer habits.
1996 – Dodge Viper GTS Debuts
In 1996, Dodge introduced the Dodge Viper GTS, the coupe version of its already outrageous Viper supercar. Featuring the now-iconic “double-bubble” roof design, improved aerodynamics, and a more refined interior, the GTS transformed the Viper from a raw roadster into a true world-class performance machine. Powered by an 8.0-liter V10 engine producing 450 horsepower, the Viper GTS quickly became one of the defining American performance cars of the 1990s and remains a symbol of unapologetic horsepower and aggressive styling.
