1952 – Porsche Designs a Car for Studebaker
On this day in 1952, Porsche and Studebaker signed a contract for Porsche to help design a future Studebaker vehicle. The project eventually produced a prototype known internally as the “542,” a sleek and advanced concept featuring European-inspired styling and engineering ideas well ahead of many American cars of the era. Despite the promising design, the vehicle never entered production, becoming one of the more fascinating “what if?” stories in automotive history and an early example of Porsche consulting work beyond its own sports cars.
1956 – MG Builds Its 100,000th Car
MG produced its 100,000th automobile, an MG MGA 1500, on this day in 1956. The MGA represented a major styling shift for MG, replacing the upright prewar appearance of earlier models with smoother, more aerodynamic bodywork that better reflected the sports car trends of the 1950s. Lightweight, affordable, and fun to drive, the MGA helped cement MG’s reputation as one of Britain’s defining sports car brands during the postwar era.
2013 – Legendary Racer Dick Trickle Dies
In 2013, legendary short-track racer Dick Trickle died at age 71. Known as one of the greatest short-track racers in American history, Trickle reportedly completed more than one million laps throughout his remarkable career. Though many casual fans remember him for his NASCAR years and unforgettable name, Trickle built his reputation dominating short tracks across the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin. His death was ruled a suicide, sending shockwaves through the racing community and prompting widespread reflection on both his accomplishments and personal struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please know there are resources available, including Suicide and Crisis Lifeline which can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988 in the United States.
2014 – Lamborghini Announces the Egoista Will Stay in Italy
In 2014, Lamborghini announced that the one-off Lamborghini Egoista would remain permanently at the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. Designed by Walter De Silva to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary in 2013, the fighter jet-inspired Egoista featured a dramatic single-seat cockpit and a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 producing approximately 600 horsepower. Its name, “Egoista,” translates to “selfish,” a fitting title for a car designed entirely around the driver experience. With its aggressive styling, canopy-style cockpit, and aviation-inspired design language, the Egoista quickly became one of the wildest concept cars in Lamborghini history.
