1909 – The Three-Pointed Star Is Born
One of the world’s most recognizable automotive emblems traces its origins to this day in 1909, when Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft registered the now-famous three-pointed star as a trademark. Inspired by a symbol Gottlieb Daimler had once drawn on a postcard to his wife, the three points represented his vision for engines powering transportation on land, sea, and air. The emblem became synonymous with Mercedes after the company’s merger with Benz in 1926 and remains one of the most recognizable logos in the automotive world.
1927 – Racing Begins at the Nürburgring
Germany’s legendary Nürburgring officially welcomed competitors on this day in 1927 with its first race meeting. Built in the Eifel Mountains as both a proving ground for German automakers and a showcase for motorsport, the original Nordschleife stretched more than 14 miles through forests, valleys, and dramatic elevation changes. Nicknamed “The Green Hell” decades later by Jackie Stewart, the Nürburgring has become one of the most demanding and respected race circuits ever constructed.
1964 – The Sunbeam Tiger Enters Production
British styling met American muscle on this day in 1964 when production began on the Sunbeam Tiger. Developed by Rootes Group with help from racing legend Carroll Shelby, the Tiger transformed the mild-mannered Sunbeam Alpine by squeezing a Ford V8 beneath its hood. The result was a compact roadster capable of challenging far more expensive sports cars and one that would later gain pop culture fame as the personal car of secret agent Maxwell Smart in the television series Get Smart.
1985 – Route 66 Is Officially Decertified
An iconic chapter of American highway history came to a close on this day in 1985 when U.S. Route 66 was officially decertified as a U.S. Highway. After nearly six decades connecting Chicago and Santa Monica, much of the Mother Road had been bypassed by the Interstate Highway System. Although the official designation disappeared, Route 66 never faded from public imagination. Today, preserved sections, vintage motels, neon signs, and roadside attractions continue to attract travelers from around the world, making it one of America’s most celebrated historic highways.
2011 – Suzuki and Fiat Expand Their European Partnership
Automotive collaboration took another step forward on this day in 2011 when Suzuki announced an agreement to source Fiat’s 1.6-liter diesel engine for European-built versions of the Suzuki SX4. Production began in Hungary in 2013, giving Suzuki access to a modern, fuel-efficient diesel that helped the SX4 remain competitive in the European market. The agreement reflected a broader industry trend of automakers sharing engines and technology to reduce development costs while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards.
