November 13, 1971 – “Duel,” featuring a demonic Peterbilt, debuts
Steven Spielberg’s feature length directorial debut, Duel, debuted as a made for TV movie on this day in 1971. The flick starred Dennis Weaver as David Mann, a business commuter driving a Plymouth Valiant through the Mojave Desert on his way to meet a client. After passing a rusty
November 12, 1908 – GM buys Oldsmobile
On this day in 1908 the newly formed General Motors purchased Oldsmobile. At the time, Oldsmobile was losing money after their latest product, a six cylinder, failed to sell in the volume of the popular Curved Dash. The Curved Dash has received recognition as the first mass produced American
November 11, 1978 – The General Lee jumps Rosco’s patrol car
On the campus of Oxford College in Alabama, “The Dukes of Hazzard” crew filmed the iconic General Lee jump that takes place in the opening credits of the show on this day in 1978. The 16 foot high, 82 feet long jump over Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane’s cruiser totaled
November 10, 2020 – BMW releases new flying vehicle footage
This may not be a flying car, but what BMW is doing is for airborne vehicles is incredible. In this video from BMW, “Wingsuit pilot Peter Salzmann does what no other human has ever done before, and sets a new level for flying. After three years of intensive research
November 10, 1885 – The first motorcycle ride
On this day in 1885 the first test ride of what is often considered the first modern motorcycle, the Daimler Reitwagen (“riding car”), occurred. At the controls was 17-year-old Paul Daimler, son of the bike’s inventor, Gottlieb Daimler. This journey effectively made Paul the world’s first biker. Gottlieb and
November 9, 1960 – McNamara becomes president of Ford
When Robert Strange McNamara was serving in the US Air Force during WWII, he made a strong impression on his colonel, Charles “Tex” Thornton. Following the war, Thornton recruited McNamara and eight other military men to form a consulting business. Their goal was to help big business readjust to
November 8, 1909 – The first Hupmobile test drive
On this day in 1908 Bobby Hupp took the first successful test drive of a Hupmobile on the streets of Detroit, Michigan with investors looking on. After the successful run they popped the champagne. The company was incorporated the same month and debuted their Model 20 to the public
November 7, 1980 – The death of Steve McQueen
The “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen. passed away on this day in 1980 due to pleural mesothelioma, a cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Born Terence Stephen McQueen on March 24, 1930, he would go on to make a name for himself in Hollywood and on the racetrack. Starring in
