This Month In Automotive History: August

The automobile has gone many changes in its relatively short evolution to the modern vehicles we see on the road today. This month, Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions celebrates notable achievements in automotive history that have taken place during the month of August.

Aug. 6, 1959

corvair

GM officially registers the Corvair name for its brand new compact car. The Corvair was the only mass produced American automobile at the time with a rear mounted engine.

Aug. 7, 1938

Italian automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro is born in Garessio Italy. In 2002, Giugario was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame

Aug. 8, 1975

Alejandro de Tomaso purchases Maserati from Citroen. Tomaso was a world renowned Argintinean race car driver.

Aug. 9, 1918

Due to increasing involvement in World War I, the U.S. Government mandates the cessation of civilian automobile production, beginning on January 1st 1919.

Aug. 10, 1897

The first Auto Club was formed by C. Harrington Moore and Frederick R. Simms. It was called the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland. It would later be renamed the Royal Automobile Club, which today is proud to be the world’s oldest auto club.

Aug. 11, 1966

camaro

Chevrolet manufactures the very first Camaro in its Norwood, Ohio plant.

Aug. 12, 1908

1910-fordT

The now legendary Model T was first manufactured on August 12th, although it remained at the factory until nearly October.

Aug. 13, 1902

Felix Wankel is born in Germany. Wankel was a 20th century engineer that invented the rotary engine.

Aug. 14, 1892 and 1893

In 1892, Paris passed the Paris Police Ordinance. In 1893, the first license plates for automobiles were issued.

Aug. 15, 1899

Arguably one of the most influential decisions in automotive history, Henry Ford quits his job with Edison Illuminating company to build his first automobile.

Aug. 16, 1984

John Z. Delorean, founder of the DeLorean Motor Company successfully defends himself in court against drug trafficking charges. His accusations that the FBI had entrapped him were enough to result in an acquittal.

Aug. 18, 1940

walter-chrysler

Walter P. Chrysler, founder of Chrysler Corporation dies after leaving his mark on many American auto companies, including Buick.

Aug. 21, 1897

Ransom Eli Olds forms the Olds Motor Vehicle Company in Lansing, Michigan. This company was purchased by 1908 by GM and renamed to Oldsmobile.

Aug. 22, 1950

Ralph R. Teetor invents the first known automated speed controller, which would evolve into the cruise control features we know and love today.

Aug. 23, 1913

Automobiles are allowed to drive in Yosemite National Park for the first time. It was previously illegal.

Aug. 24, 1958

Maria Teresa de Filippis becomes the first female Formula 1 driver, while racing a Maserati 250F in the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Aug. 25, 1910

John Hertz and Walden Shaw form what would later be known as the Yellow Cab Company. Hertz would later found the Hertz rental car company.

Aug. 27, 1904

Judge Darius Baker of Rhode Island sends a man to jail for five days for driving over the speed limit, the first known jail sentence for speeding.

Aug. 30, 1899

Henry Ford’s young company patents their proprietary carburetor designed for use in gas / vapor engines.

Did we miss any notable moments in automotive history? Let us know and we will be happy to add them!

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