1870 – Mitsubishi Is Founded, Beginning as a Shipping Company
The roots of Mitsubishi trace back to this day in 1870, when Yatarō Iwasaki founded a steamship company that would eventually grow into one of Japan’s largest industrial groups. While far removed from automobiles at the time, Mitsubishi would expand into numerous industries, including heavy manufacturing and engineering, before entering the automotive world in the early 20th century. Its first car, the Mitsubishi Model A, appeared in 1917.
1956 – Carroll Shelby Wins at Pebble Beach in a Ferrari
Before becoming a legend for his work with Ford, Carroll Shelby was making a name for himself behind the wheel. On this day in 1956, Shelby won the Del Monte Trophy 100-mile race at the Pebble Beach road circuit, driving a Ferrari. The race was held on public roads before Laguna Seca became the area’s permanent racing venue. Shelby’s victory was another step in a racing career that would eventually lead to Le Mans glory—and later, his transformation into one of the most influential performance car builders in American history.
1970 – The First Earth Day Highlights the Environmental Impact of Cars
On April 22, 1970, the United States observed its first Earth Day, an event spearheaded by Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness about environmental issues. At the time, automobile emissions were a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in urban areas. The movement helped spark sweeping changes in regulation, including stricter emissions standards that would dramatically reshape the automotive industry in the years that followed. For muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, this marked the beginning of a new era—one where power would increasingly be balanced with environmental responsibility.
1996 – Mercedes-Benz SLK Debuts at the Turin Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz introduced the SLK-Class to the world at the 1996 Turin Motor Show, signaling a new direction for the brand. The compact roadster featured a retractable hardtop—an innovative design at the time—that combined open-air driving with coupe-like comfort and security. Positioned below the larger SL models, the SLK broadened Mercedes’ appeal to a younger audience and helped popularize the modern luxury roadster segment. Its blend of style, technology, and everyday usability made it an instant success and influenced competitors for years to come.
