This Day

December 23, 1923 – A Rolls-Royce for the president

Having a birthday during the holiday season can be difficult for people who fear their special day will be forgotten. Well, nobody forgot former US President Woodrow Wilson on this day in 1923 when he was presented with a Springfield Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Oxford Touring Car for his birthday (which is actually December 28). Left by anonymous supporters, the RR had even been modified with a higher windshield and folding roof so Wilson wouldn’t have to remove his favorite top hat while riding. 

Full length portrait of American President Woodrow Wilson seated outdoors, circa 1920. (Photo by Fotosearch/Getty Images).

Wilson is acknowledged as being the first president to truly understand the appeal of the motor car in the United States. During his presidency he became a champion of national road-building, paving the way for America’s highway system.

Brian Corey

Recent Posts

January 6, 1925 – John DeLorean’s birtheday

Promo shot of DeLorean with his DMC12 in 1977. By Jerry Williamson American automotive engineer…

2 weeks ago

January 5, 1798 – Steam vehicle pioneer James Semple is born

An illustration of Semple's steam car as it appeared in Scientific American While better known…

2 weeks ago

January 4, 1967 – Donald Campbell dies during water speed record attempt

Lake Coniston, Cumberland, UK. Jan 4, 1967. Donald Campbell dies as his jet-powered boat somersaults…

2 weeks ago

January 3, 1914 – Automotive entrepreneur Earl “Madman” Muntz is born

Earl Muntz In the illustrious realm of automotive design, few figures stand out as boldly…

2 weeks ago

January 2, 1975 – Top Gear America host Dax Shepard is born

Dax Shepard with his Lincoln Continental (Instagram) Dax Shepard, born on January 2, 1975, isn't…

2 weeks ago

January 1, 1942 – Ending civilian auto production for WWII

Blackout 1942 Chevrolet (note the painted grille) An order from the US Office of Production…

2 weeks ago