April 2, 1956 – Alfred P. Sloan, GM chairman, retires
Alfred P. Sloan proved that even MIT graduates have a hard time finding work. After receiving his diploma in 1895, Sloan entered what he described as the most discouraging period of his life. That era ended with a job as a draftsman at Hyatt Roller Bearing Company. In 1899,
April 1, 1932 – Franklin introduces its V12
This post is brought co-authored by Hyman Ltd., a classic car company currently offering a 1909 Franklin Model H for sale, highlighted in this article. Founded in Syracuse, New York, at the turn of the 20th Century, Franklin is best known for its unwavering commitment to the air-cooled engine.
March 31, 1998 – NASCAR pionner and champ Tim Flock dies
Julius Timothy (Tim) Flock, a pioneering NASCAR driver, passed away at the age of 73 on this day in 1998. Flock was part of a flock of Flocks that flocked to the early NASCAR tracks. His brothers Bob and Flonty Flock, as well as his sister Ethel Mobley, all
March 30, 1998 – Porsche delivers its final air-cooled car to Seinfeld
Since its founding in 1948, Porsche had been a stalwart supporter of air-cooled engines. That all came to an end on this day in 1998, when the German automaker delivered the final air-cooled Porsche to company loyalist Jerry Seinfeld. He got the keys to the 1998 Porsche 911, internally
March 29, 1927 – Henry Segrave becomes the first person to go 200 MPH on land
On this day in 1927, residents of Daytona Beach, Florida, rose to clear, sunny skies. The early spring sun pushed temperatures to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Perfect conditions for setting a new land speed record, which is just what British race car driver Henry Segrave intended to do on the
March 28, 1941 – Construction begins at Ford’s Willow Run
Construction of Ford Motor Company’s WIllow Run manufacturing plant began on this day in 1941. Ford built it to manufacture aircraft for Allies involved in WWII, which the United States would join the following December. The plant, located between Ypsilanti and Belleville, Michigan, primarily produced B-24 Liberator bombers. Once
March 27, 2002 – Scion debuts
After an attempt to attract younger buyers directly to the Toyota marque failed, the Japanese automaker aimed to launch a new brand that would do the job. What began as Project Exodus, resulted in Scion, which made its public debut at the New York Auto Show on March 27,
March 26, 1879 – Othmar Ammann, NYC bridge designer, is born
Othmar Ammann may not be a familiar name to most, but if you live in the greater NYC area, you’ve likely been affected by his engineering and design skills. Born in Switzerland on this day in 1879, Ammann went on to study engineering in Zurich. By 1904 he had
