1903 – London Launches Its First Electric Tram Service
In 1903, London’s first electric tram service officially opened, operating a route between Tooting and Westminster Bridge. The new electric-powered transit system represented a major advancement over horse-drawn and steam-powered transportation, helping modernize urban mobility in one of the world’s largest cities. Electric trams would soon become a defining feature of early 20th century urban transportation networks across Europe and North America, shaping how cities expanded during the automobile age.
1922 – Construction Begins on Monza Raceway
In 1922, construction officially began on Autodromo Nazionale Monza, one of the most legendary race tracks in motorsports history. Built near Milan, Italy, Monza quickly became synonymous with speed thanks to its long straights and high-speed layout. The circuit would eventually host countless iconic races, including Formula One’s Italian Grand Prix, and earned the nickname “The Temple of Speed.” Nearly a century later, Monza remains one of the most historic and recognizable tracks in the racing world.
1942 – Gas Rationing Begins in USA during WWII
On this day in 1942, 17 states in the eastern United States began gas rationing at the order of the Office of Price Administration, as the effort to preserve materials for World War II ramped up. Gasoline was not the only commodity being rationed. Rubber was the first material to have a rationing program initiated by the OPA, in part due to the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies, which cut off major rubber supplies to the US. Tires for wartime vehicles were a necessity, which meant non essential drivers had limited access to new or used tires for their personal vehicles. READ FULL STORY.
1962 – Chrysler Introduces the Turbine Car
In 1962, Chrysler unveiled the futuristic Chrysler Turbine Car at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Powered by a jet-inspired turbine engine rather than a traditional piston engine, the bronze-colored coupe looked and sounded unlike almost anything else on the road. The turbine engine could run on a wide variety of fuels, including diesel, kerosene, and even tequila in some demonstrations. Though the program never reached mass production, the Chrysler Turbine Car became one of the most fascinating experimental vehicles of the 20th century and symbolized America’s obsession with futuristic automotive technology during the Jet Age.
1981 – Volkswagen Builds Its 20 Millionth Beetle
In 1981, Volkswagen produced its 20 millionth Volkswagen Beetle, cementing the Beetle’s place as one of the most successful automobiles ever built. Originally conceived during the 1930s, the Beetle evolved into a global cultural icon over the following decades, becoming associated with everything from postwar economic recovery to 1960s counterculture. Its simple engineering, affordability, and unmistakable shape helped make it one of the most recognizable vehicles in automotive history.
1997 – Nissan Announces Skyline GT-R Sales in the UK
In 1997, Nissan announced plans to officially sell the Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 outside Japan for the first time, bringing the legendary performance car to the United Kingdom. The British-market GT-R retained much of the same hardware that made the Japanese version famous, including the twin-turbocharged RB26 inline-six engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system.
At the time, Nissan planned to sell only around 100 examples by the end of 1998, with prices near £50,000—a staggering figure for the era. Despite the high cost, the Skyline GT-R’s arrival in Europe further cemented its reputation as one of the most advanced and desirable Japanese performance cars ever created, helping fuel the global legend that still surrounds the GT-R name today.
