1903 – Barney Oldfield Breaks the 60 MPH Barrier
Speed records fell on this day in 1903 when racing pioneer Barney Oldfield became one of the first drivers to exceed 60 mph behind the wheel of Henry Ford’s famous 999 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The massive, chain-driven racer featured a four-cylinder engine displacing nearly 19 liters and producing about 80 horsepower. Oldfield’s fearless driving helped establish him as America’s first motorsports superstar and demonstrated the performance potential of the young Ford Motor Company.
1942 – Prisoners Escape Auschwitz in a Stolen Car
One of World War II’s most remarkable escape stories unfolded on this day in 1942 when four prisoners successfully fled the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz using a stolen Steyr 220 belonging to an SS officer. Disguised in stolen German uniforms, Kazimierz Piechowski, Stanisław Gustaw Jaster, Józef Lempart, and Eugeniusz Bendera drove through the camp’s main gate after bluffing the guards into believing they were on official business. Their daring escape became one of the most extraordinary acts of resistance during the Holocaust and remains one of the few successful automobile escapes from Auschwitz.
1982 – Porsche Sweeps Le Mans
The dominance of Porsche was on full display at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on this day in 1982, the 50th running of the race, as the new Porsche 956 claimed first, second, and third overall. The revolutionary Group C prototype introduced advanced aerodynamics and ground-effect technology, ushering in one of the most successful eras in endurance racing history. The 956 and its successor, the 962, would go on to dominate sports car racing throughout the 1980s, helping Porsche cement its place as Le Mans’ most successful manufacturer. More: History of motorsports.
1993 – Ford Enters the Chinese Market
Recognizing the enormous potential of a rapidly developing economy, Ford Motor Company opened its first dealerships in China on this day in 1993. Although Ford would later establish local manufacturing operations through joint ventures, these first dealerships marked the company’s official entry into what would become the world’s largest automotive market. Today, China plays a critical role in the global strategies of nearly every major automaker.
2007 – Bosch Builds Its 10 Billionth Spark Plug
A remarkable manufacturing milestone was reached on this day in 2007 when Robert Bosch GmbH produced its 10 billionth spark plug. Since introducing its first spark plug in 1902, Bosch has become one of the world’s leading suppliers of ignition components, with its products powering everything from economy cars and race cars to motorcycles and aircraft. The achievement underscored the company’s lasting influence on the development and reliability of the internal combustion engine.
