This Day

Automotive History for January 23

1937 Cord 812. By Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England – CC BY 2.0

On January 23, 1914, the world welcomed Alex Tremulis. He would grow up and become beloved for his creative genius, as Tremulis left an impressive mark on the industry with iconic designs like the Cord 810 and 812 series, a custom Duesenberg roadster, and the visionary Tucker 48, showcasing his influence on the aesthetics of classic automobiles.

In 1948, January 23 witnessed the inaugural Annual Automotive Equipment Display and Hot Rod Exhibition at the National Guard Armory in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. This event not only showcased hot rods but also marked a pivotal moment in the culture of automotive exhibitions, laying the foundation for future showcases of custom and modified vehicles.

Jackie Stewart racing in 1969.

Turning the pages to 1972, January 23 saw the triumphant return of the Argentine Grand Prix after a hiatus since 1960. Jackie Stewart emerged victorious, etching his name in the history books and reigniting the thrill of Formula One racing in Argentina.

The automotive design landscape mourned on January 23, 1980, as Giovanni Michelotti, the visionary behind iconic models like the Ferrari 166, Ferrari 375MM, Maserati 5000 GT, BMW 700, Triumph GT6, Triumph Spitfire, Alfa Romeo 2600, Prince Skyline Sports Coupe, and many more, passed away. His legacy continues to resonate through the timeless elegance of his creations.

1 of 34 Maserati 5000 GTs, a car designed by Giovanni Michelotti. By Herranderssvensson – CC BY-SA 4.0

Shifting to a more contemporary era, January 23, 2006, marked the debut of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. This documentary delved into the failed attempt by the auto industry to establish an electric vehicle and posited a controversial theory of a conspiracy involving oil companies, automakers, and the government to suppress the electric car.

The same day in 2006, Ford made a significant announcement, revealing plans to cut up to 30,000 jobs and idle 14 plants by the year 2012. This decision echoed the challenges faced by the automotive industry during that period and signaled a shift in the landscape of automotive manufacturing.

Brian Corey

Recent Posts

November 20, 2011 – Famed Ferrari designer Sergio Scaglietti dies

Scaglietti, left, in his body shop Sergio Scaglietti opened Carrozzeria Scaglietti, an auto repair and…

2 days ago

November 19, 1959 – Ford announces the end of Edsel

Too much money. Too much hype. Too much of the same old thing. Designed to…

2 days ago

Rare 1955 Mercedes Truck for Sale

This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 170 S-D Diesel pickup truck appears to be an exceptionally rare find,…

2 days ago

November 18, 1960 – End of the line for DeSoto

1961 DeSoto Less than a week after Chrysler acquired Dodge Brothers, it debuted its new…

4 days ago

November 17, 1986 – The Assassination of Renault CEO Georges Besse

Georges Besse (Renault) On this day in 1986 Georges Besse, the 58-year-old CEO of French…

4 days ago

November 16, 1904 – The history of auto theft in Los Angeles begins with first recorded stolen car in the city

1905 White steam car. Not the first stolen car, but similar. This one is known…

6 days ago