Categories: Automotive

April 5, 1923 – Firestone begins balloon tire production

On this day in 1923, Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, began balloon-tire production. This tire type has an inner tube inside the tire that is inflated with air. Balloon tires provided better handling and a smoother ride. However, with Firestone’s innovation also came the era of the flat tire. At the time, Firestone had become the country’s largest producer of automobile tires thanks to a contract to supply rubber for the Ford Model T.

Brian Corey

Share
Published by
Brian Corey
Tags: 1923

Recent Posts

May 16, 1952 – Studebaker & Porsche sign development deal

An unusual automotive partnership formed on this day in 1952 when Studebaker and Porsche signed…

10 hours ago

Forgotten Automotive Innovations That Never Gained Traction

Automakers often chase convenience with bold ideas. Some creations made headlines but then vanished before…

11 hours ago

May 14, 1966 – Subaru introduces the 1000

By 1966, Subaru had been selling its tiny, rear engine 360 for nearly a decade.…

2 days ago

May 8, 1879 – George Selden files US patent for the automobile

George B. Selden driving an automobile in 1905 When patent lawyer George B. Selden first…

1 week ago

May 7, 1990 – The Last Lamborghini Countach

Thirty-five years ago today, the final Lamborghini Countach—a Pearl Red 25th Anniversary Edition—emerged from the…

1 week ago

May 5, 1914 – Erwin “Cannonball” Baker starts first cross country run

Cannonball Baker Motorcycle racer Erwin “Cannonball” Baker left San Diego for New York City on…

2 weeks ago