1910 – Alfa Romeo Is Founded
One of Italy’s most celebrated automotive marques traces its roots to this day in 1910, when Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili, better known simply as A.L.F.A., was established in Milan. The company began after local investors acquired the struggling Italian operations of French automaker Darracq, with engineer Giuseppe Merosi developing its first successful models. Following Nicola Romeo’s acquisition in 1915, the company adopted the name Alfa Romeo in 1920 and went on to build an unrivaled legacy in motorsport, luxury, and performance that continues more than a century later. LEARN MORE.
1911 – Juan Manuel Fangio Is Born
Argentine racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio was born on this day in 1911 in Balcarce, Argentina. Widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history, Fangio captured five Formula One World Championships between 1951 and 1957 while driving for Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Maserati. His five titles stood as the all-time record for 46 years, and his remarkable winning percentage of nearly 46 percent remains unmatched among Formula One champions.
1951 – Jaguar Earns Its First Le Mans Victory
British manufacturer Jaguar Cars achieved a breakthrough on this day in 1951 when Peter Walker and Peter Whitehead drove a Jaguar C-Type to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was Jaguar’s first overall win in the French endurance classic and marked the beginning of one of Le Mans’ greatest success stories. Jaguar would go on to claim seven overall victories while pioneering technologies such as disc brakes that would eventually find their way into production automobiles.
1966 – The Senate Paves the Way for Modern Auto Safety
Automotive safety took a giant leap forward on this day in 1966 when the U.S. Senate unanimously approved, by a 76-0 vote, legislation that became the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson later that year, the act established the nation’s first mandatory federal motor vehicle safety standards. The legislation ultimately led to requirements for seat belts, collapsible steering columns, crash testing, and countless other safety improvements that have saved millions of lives.
2001 – Schumacher Wins at the Nürburgring
Formula One champion Michael Schumacher added another victory to his remarkable 2001 season on this day by winning the European Grand Prix at Germany’s Nürburgring in his Ferrari F2001. The triumph was Schumacher’s fifth victory of the season and helped propel him toward his fourth World Championship. The Ferrari F2001 proved to be one of the most dominant Formula One cars of its era, winning nine Grands Prix and securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships for Ferrari.
