1937 – Raymond Mays Wins the JCC International Trophy
British racing driver Raymond Mays won the Junior Car Club International Trophy at Brooklands on August 2, 1937, driving a 2-liter ERA. The race was held on Brooklands’ Campbell circuit and became one of the major British motorsport events of the season. Mays, one of the leading figures behind English Racing Automobiles, helped prove that ERA could compete successfully against strong international entries. His victory came during an important period for British racing, as teams and drivers worked to establish a more competitive national presence in Grand Prix and voiturette competition. Mays later became a central figure in the creation of BRM, but his ERA success at Brooklands remained a key chapter in prewar British motorsport.
1966 – Saab Introduces the V4
Saab introduced the V4-powered version of its 96 on August 2, 1966, marking a major turning point for the Swedish automaker. Earlier Saab passenger cars had been closely associated with two-stroke engines, which gave the brand a distinctive character but were becoming harder to justify in an increasingly modern market. The new Saab 96 V4 used a Ford-sourced four-stroke V4 engine, giving the car improved refinement, drivability and long-term appeal. The change helped extend the life of the 96 well into the 1970s and strengthened Saab’s reputation for building unconventional but durable cars suited to difficult climates and serious rally competition.
1985 – Rolls-Royce Builds Its 100,000th Motorcar
Rolls-Royce built its 100,000th motorcar at Crewe on August 2, 1985. The milestone car was a royal blue Silver Spur saloon, destined for permanent display at the factory alongside an early 1904 Rolls-Royce. Reaching 100,000 cars underscored the unusual position Rolls-Royce occupied in the automotive world. Unlike mass-market manufacturers, the company built its reputation around low-volume production, luxury craftsmanship and the idea that each car represented exceptional refinement. The Silver Spur itself reflected the brand’s 1980s identity: formal, imposing and deeply traditional, yet still connected to decades of British engineering and coachbuilt prestige.
1987 – Michael Andretti Sets a 500-Mile Indy Car Speed Record
Michael Andretti won the Marlboro 500 at Michigan International Speedway on August 2, 1987, setting a record for the fastest 500-mile Indy car race at an average speed of 171.490 mph. Driving for Kraco Racing, Andretti completed the race in record time after years of being regarded as fast but unlucky in longer events. The performance was aided by Michigan’s high-speed oval layout and a race slowed by only two caution periods. His victory also added another layer to the Andretti family’s complex racing story, as father Mario Andretti had led much of the race before mechanical problems intervened. The result helped establish Michael as one of the premier American open-wheel drivers of his generation.
2000 – BMW Announces the New Mini Cooper
BMW officially announced the new Mini Cooper on August 2, 2000, setting the stage for the rebirth of one of Britain’s most beloved small cars. The modern Mini was scheduled for its world debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 28, 2000, before going on sale in the early 2000s. Although much larger and more modern than the original Alec Issigonis-designed Mini, the new car borrowed heavily from the classic’s visual identity, including its round headlights, short overhangs and playful personality. The revival proved that retro design could become a major commercial force when paired with modern safety, performance and comfort. It also helped turn Mini from a historic model name into a full premium small-car brand.
