February 22, 1959 – The first Daytona 500
February 22, 2023
On this day 1959, the first Daytona 500 was held, marking the beginning of what would become one of the
This Day
February 21, 1948 – NASCAR is founded
February 21, 2023
NASCAR’s roots can be traced to bootleggers and moonshine runners during America’s prohibition era. Drivers who delivered illegal alcohol needed
February 16, 1906 – The (possibly) first use of a checkered flag to end an auto race
February 17, 2023
The Vanderbilt Cup races of the early 20th century were among the most prestigous of events in the early days
February 15, 1998 – Dale Earnhardt Sr. finally wins the Daytona 500
February 15, 2023
Dale Earnhardt Sr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of NASCAR, and for good
February 14, 1867 – The patriarch of Toyota is born, his grandson dies same day in 2023
February 14, 2023
Sakichi Toyoda, the “King of Japanese Inventors” and patriarch of Toyota, was born on this day in 1867 in Kosai,
February 9, 1846 – Automotive pioneer Wilhelm Maybach is born
February 9, 2023
Born on this day in 1846, Wilhelm Maybach, would earn the title “King of Constructors” in the 1890s for his
February 8, 1985 – William Lyons’ death and 5 of the most important postwar Jaguars ever built
February 8, 2023
William Lyons was a visionary and a true pioneer in the automotive industry. Born in Coventry, England in 1901, Lyons
February 5, 1970 – AMC acquires Kaiser Jeep
February 6, 2023
During World War II, Willys-Overland, first formed by John Willys when he purchased Overland Automotive in 1908, became one of
February 1, 1907 – Steam pioneer Léon Serpollet dies
February 1, 2023
French inventor and industrialist Léon Serpollet is said to have done more for the steam automobile than anyone else. While
January 29, 1886 – The automobile is patented
January 29, 2023
On this day in 1886 Karl Benz applied for a German patent for his Benz Patent-Motorwagen. He ultimately received patent
January 25, 2015 – Annual North American International Auto Show closes following Ford GT and Acura NSX debut
January 25, 2023
On this day in 2015, the annual North American International Auto Show closed following more than a week of exciting
January 22, 1950 – Preston Tucker is not guilty
January 22, 2023
Decades of work in the auto industry taught Preston Tucker that change was constant and necessary. His experiences provided the
January 16, 1948 – Ford F-Series trucks go on sale
January 16, 2023
Up until 1948, Ford’s cars and trucks had shared the same platform and styling queues. That all changed when Ford
January 15, 1909 – Jean Bugatti is born
January 15, 2023
Gianroberto Bugatti was born in Germany on this day in 1909, the same year his father Ettore founded Automobiles E.
January 13, 1906 – AMCMA holds first auto show
January 13, 2023
Founded just weeks prior, the American Motor Car Manufacturers’ Association held its first auto show on this day in 1906
January 8, 2016 – Maria Teresa de Filippis, first female F1 driver, passes away
January 8, 2023
Born to a wealthy Italian family in 1926, Maria Teresa de Filippis grew up an avid equestrian. The sport taught
January 3, 1899 – First use of the word Automobile in the New York Times
January 3, 2023
As more and more horseless carriages began to appear in the late 19th century, a variety of terms came to
January 2, 1994 – Introducing the Dodge Neon
January 2, 2023
Chrysler introduced the Neon on this day in 1994. At various times, the name would find itself on Chrysler, Dodge
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This Day in Automotive History - the book!
This Day In Automotive History
By Brian Corey
This book tells fascinating tales, bringing individual days to life with short stories, photographs and illustrations.
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