Category Archives: Auto Factoids

Auto Factoids for Week of July 5, 2015 – Hudson, Post WWII and New Expanded #AutoFactoids

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This is a light week for car history and perfect for introduction the new Expanded Auto Factoids!!!! #AutoFactoids

Same auto history factoids but with C.N.N (Car News Now) and the new Auto Factoids Trivia – (can’t win – if you don’t play).

Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids)

Jul 5 1946 – US resumes auto production after WWII -The first new car design after the war was the 1947 Packard, but cars were still being sold (even during the war) but were all warmed over 1942 models.   There are varied sources that have different dates for the first cars produced after the war.  For instance GM had cars/trucks ready by Aug 1945 (trucks) and new cars Oct of 1946 (really ’42 models with new grills).  Ford got the first postwar car into production, and the very first one — a white Super DeLuxe Tudor sedan assembled on July 3, 1945 — went to President Harry Truman.

1946 Gill

1946 Gill

1942 Grill

1942 Grill

Jul 8, 1909 – First Hudson built – The first car “Hudson Twenty” rolled off the assembly line on Jul 3, 1909.   Joseph Hudson was a department store owner and offered of financial backing and offered up his name for the car company to  a consortium of business men with two of those being Roy Chapin and his son Roy junior.  Hudson continued producing cars until 1954 when they merged with Nash-Kalvinator to form AMC.  Some models carried the Hudson name until 1957.

1909 Hudson Roadster

1909 Hudson Roadster

 

 C.N.N. – Car News Now!!

Audi – The car make has developed cars that run on synthetic natural gas (WHAT?) and synthetic diesel and now e-benzin or synthetic gas.

Android Auto and Apples CarPlay – Chevrolet is allowing cars in 2016 to use both apps!!!

Lambo Aventador SV – Now is available if you have a spare $500k laying around.   Sporting a 6.5 liter  V12 engine that knocks out 740 HP and gives excellent gas mileage of 10, 18 and 12 (City/Highway/Combined) – who cares when you can go from 0-60 in 2.7 seconds.2016-lamborghini-aventador-sv-photos-and-info-news-car-and-driver-photo-656905-s-original

Auto Factoid Trivia*

What was the first model to where the name Maserati?

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

*Trivia – Submit the correct answer via email, Facebook, Twitter or a comment to this post and you’ll be entered to win a monthly give away.  It’s that easy!!

 

Auto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789E – AACA …

Auto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789EAuto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789E Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing1957 – 1958 saw the use of the New 283 engine in Chevy’s including …
Auto Factoids for the Week of June 7, 2015 – Plymouth and …

Busy week this week this week for #AutoFactoids…. So here we go! June 7, 1928 – First Plymouth is produced. Some research suggest that it was actually built on.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 5/10/2015 – GM and Corvair

Here is this weeks AutoFactoids (#AutoFactoids). May 10, 1923 – GM names Alfred P. Sloan as president. They didn’t just pick from the streets. He was actually, a draftsman for a bearing company, Hyatt Roller Bearing.

 

 

Auto Factoids for the Week of June 7, 2015 – Plymouth and Racing Tragedy

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Busy week this week this week for #AutoFactoids…. So here we go!

June 7, 1928 – First Plymouth is produced.   Some research suggest that it was actually  built on June 11, 1928.

1928 Q Code Plymouth

1928 Q Code Plymouth

It had  engineering code (or model) Q and had a 4 cylinder engine.  Check out the video on YouTube:

June 10, 1927 The Graham boys purchased what was Paige_Detroit Motor Cars.  The Grahams started out as farmers and glass bottle makers.  One of  the brothers invented a rear axle that would allow converting Ford car platforms in to light duty trucks.  Oh they are still in business – owning/running Madison Square Gardens and hosting sporting events.

Graham Page

Graham Page

June 10, 1951 Jaguar won it’s first Le Mans.  It was a C-type version of XK120

C-type XK120

C-type XK120

June 11, 1955 Tragic day in racing history –  over 80 spectators were killed.

Here are the details from History.com

Prior to the race, Levegh complained that the course was too narrow near the pit-stop area and the grandstand. This observation proved prescient. As Levegh was racing for the lead near the pit-stop area, he swerved to avoid fellow racer Mike Hawthorn s Jaguar as it moved toward the pits. Levegh s car, going about 150 miles per hour, came up too fast on Lance Macklin s Austin-Healey and was catapulted upward. The car crashed into the grandstand and its exploding parts went straight into the crowd. Levegh and more than 80 spectators, packed into the grandstand, lost their lives in the fiery crash.

 

June 12, 1954 Packard cars are sporting tubeless tires.

1954 Packard

1954 Packard

June 12, 1975 Chrysler stops producing the Imperial.

1975 Chrysler Imperial - yes it's on the drag strip.

1975 Chrysler Imperial – yes it’s on the drag strip.

Jun 14, 1832 Nikolaus Otto is born in Holzhausen, Germany.  Famous for his patent for his 4 cycle combustion engine.

From the ZweiRad Museum Otto's 4 cycle engine.

From the ZweiRad Museum Otto’s 4 cycle engine.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#AutoFactoids

 

Auto Factoids – Week of May 31, 2015 – Ford, Olds, Model T

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Here are your Auto Factoids #AutoFactoids for the beginning of June, 2015.

May 31, 1927 – Ford produced the last Model T.    There is some debate as to actual date and it’s said that the 15th million Model T rolled off the production line on May 26th, 1927 and the Henry and Edsel drove it off the line.    The Model T was one of the major factors for governments push for the develop of our road system.  And did you know that Henry Ford was green?  Yes, he recycled the scrap wood from the production of the Model T and turned it into charcoal.  It was originally call Fords Charcoal.  It was later renamed for Henry’s brother-in-law who selected the charcoal plant – his last name was Kingsford – as in Kingsford Charcoal.

The 15 Millionth Model T!!!

The 15 Millionth Model T!!!

 

June 2, 1899 – Locomobile Co. was founded.   The company was formed by the editor of Cosmopolitan John Walker, after he purchase a design plan for a steam car from the Stanley brothers ( who didn’t being production of their Stanley Steamer until 1902).   Their plant was first located in Watertown,  Mass and moved to Bridgeport, Conn in 1900.   The first car bodies were just runabouts with steam engines. Loc-SteamThe company was the first to have their automobiles used in a war – The Boer War.  It was used as the tractor and chuck wagon of sorts.  The production of steam cars continued until Locomobile began R&D with internal combustion engines.  By 1902 they had seven body styles and had sold over 4000 cars.   Production of gas powered engined in 1904.  Their honors included the first U.S. built car to win an international race.

Vanderbilt Cup Winner

Vanderbilt Cup Winner

Powered by a 60hp, straight 4 cylinder engine it won the Vanderbilt Cup in 1908.

 

In 1919 they produced their most enduring car, the Model 48.  The 48 was a large car and powered by a side valve straight 6 cylinder with 525 cubic inch displacement and producing  48.6-hp.

Company was purchased by Durant Motor (Billy Durant of GM fame) and continued to operate as Locomobile, selling cars under that name until 1929.

Model 48

Model 48

 

June 3, 1864 – Ransom Olds was born in Genvea, Ohio – Founder of the now defunct Oldsmobile car manufacturer.  Although Henry Ford often get credit for inventing the assembly line production – Ransom was the first to use the assembly line.  (Ford gets credit for improving it and adding universal parts.)

1905 Olds

1905 Olds

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#AutoFactoids.

 

See Photos of the Ford Model T During Its Decades of Dominance

For years, Henry and Edsel Ford had been denying that the day was approaching. Asked whether they were working on a new model of car, after nearly two decades of producing the famous Model T, they kept mum. But, as TIME noted back then, “in the U. S. …
Bothell Park gets Ford Model T sculpture, dedication Saturday

Bothell Park gets Ford Model T sculpture, dedication Saturday. This Ford Model T Sculpture at Red Brick Road Park in Bothell was created by local high school students. — image credit: Contributed photo. 0 …

ransom olds assembly line

 

Locomobiles Logo

Locomobiles Logo

Auto Factoids for Week of May 24 2015 – Mauri Rose

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Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the last full week of May 2015.

 May 26, 1906 Mauri Rose was born in Columbus, Ohio.   Rose still holds the 2nd spot for the most Indiana 500 wins.  His first win was in 1941 but he didn’t finish in the car he left the starting line in. The first car was a Maserati and developed mechanical issues and he moved to a Wetteroth/Offenhauser car.   He managed two back-to-back wins in 1947 and 1948, driving one of a Deidt/Offenhauser  Blue Crown Spark Plug Specials.

RoseMas

Mauri in the Maserati were he started in pole position in his first win.

Wetteroth-rose

Muari in Wetteroth/Offenhauser car

Mauri in the Blue Spark car!

Mauri in the Blue Spark car!

May 29, 1946 Kaiser-Frazer produced its first vehicles.  Kaiser-Frazer’s plant was located in Willow Run Ypsilanti, Michigan.  The company was formed when the two purchased the defunct Graham-Paige (of which Frazer was once Present, prior to WWII).  There first cars were called the Frazer and Kaiser, one a mid-level luxury car and the other an innovative front wheel drive model.

kaiser-frazer

The two parted ways in 1951 and the company name was changed to Kaiser.  They went on to design some fantastic cars like the Darrin (named after one of the designer – Dutch Darrin.  Bill Tritt was the other part of the team.) and on to the Jeep fame with Willys-Overland.

1953 Kaiser Darrin

1953 Kaiser Darrin

Thanks for reading.

Tim

mauri rose

Indianapolis 500 Winners

1950 — Johnnie Parsons. 1949 — Bill Holland. 1948 — Mauri Rose. 1947 — Mauri Rose. 1946 — George Robson. 1942-45 — No races, World War II. 1941 — Floyd Davis and Mauri Rose. 1940 — Wilbur Shaw. 1939 — Wilbur Shaw. 1938 — Floyd Roberts.

1954 Kaiser Manhattan – Dare To Be Different

The Manhattan has been honored by the community and is the first hot rod to win the people’s choice award two years in a row at the annual Kaiser Frazer Club National Convention. Share This Article. Facebook Twitter Google+ Email. Author: Christopher …

From city leader to classic cars, Founder’s Day Celebration kicks off host of …

Members of the Binghamton Kaiser Frazer Club will bring vehicles, Reilley said. The Seward House Museum, at 33 South St., will showcase several cars, including the Seward family’s own Packard. There will be automotive memorabilia for sale and, if you …

 

Auto Factoids for the Week of May 17 2015 – Dodge, Buick and Goodyear!

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Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids)for middle week in May 2015!

 

May 17,  1868 – Happy Birthday Horace Dodge (Niles, Michigan)

Horace was one of the original Dodge brothers.  He was born into a working family, with Dad owning as machine shop.  In 1903, he and his brother John won a contract to produce transmissions for Oldsmobile and the following took a contract building engine for Henry Ford.  They build their own plant in 1910 and John eventually became a vice president at Ford.  By 1913 they ended their relationship with Ford and began producing their own vehicles – trucks and ambulances mainly for military use and most found service in WWI.

Horace

Horace

Dodge Half Ton Truck

Dodge Half Ton Truck

 

May 19, 1903 – Buick Incorporates – Buick is the oldest (longest running) active car manufacturer in North America – well brand name is the oldest, still active.  Buick started out as Auto-VIM and power company in 1899 as an engine manufacturer and produced  two prototype.   In 1903 it was incorporated by David Dunbar Buick and produced their first car in 1904.

First Buick

First Buick

 

May 22, 1929   – Goodyear Blimp took its maiden flight.   Still provides some of the best auto racing coverage!!!

Goodyear Blimp.

Goodyear Blimp.

 

May 23, 1875  – Alfred Sloan was born in New Heaven Conn.   He headed up GM as President and guided it through some iconic car designs.

Alfred P. Sloan

Alfred P. Sloan

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#AutoFactoids

 

autofactoids

Auto Factoids for the Week of 5/10/2015

Here is this weeks AutoFactoids (#AutoFactoids). May 10, 1923 – GM names Alfred P. Sloan as president. They didn’t just pick from the streets. He was actually, a draftsman for a bearing company, Hyatt Roller Bearing.
Auto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789E – AACA …

Auto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789EAuto Factoids 2011-1 Corvette Fuelies RPO 5789E Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing1957 – 1958 saw the use of the New 283 engine in Chevy’s including …

Auto Factoids for the Week of 5/10/2015 – GM and Corvair

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Here is this weeks AutoFactoids (#AutoFactoids).

May 10, 1923 – GM names Alfred P. Sloan as president.

They didn’t just pick from the streets.  He was actually, a draftsman for a bearing company, Hyatt Roller Bearing.  That company eventually merged with a few other companies with United Motor Corporation.  Sloan became the president of that and shortly after that they were purchased by GM.

He served GM from 1923 to 1956 in some manner including board chairman.

Imagine the innovations he saw during his tenure!!!   The corporate mergers, the V8, the Corvette, lucky guy!!

Alfred P. Sloan

Alfred P. Sloan

 

May 12, 1969 (or 14th) – The last Chevy Corvair was produced.

Last Corvair build.  If you know only a little about automotive history or maybe politics or the consumer safety revolution of the 60’s and 70’s you’ll know the name Ralph Nader.  With a little Google’in you’ll find various search results linking him to the demise of the Chevy Corvair (and apple pie and America) – most are not flattering to Mr. Nader.   According to most accounts the last Corvair carried 6000 as the last 4 digits of it’s serial number.  The car was blanketed by the press when it rolled off the assemble, but then disappeared.   There are various stories as to the actual disposition of car #6000  but it remains a mystery.  We do know it was a two door, hard top,  Monza, Olympic Gold was the color and it likely had a Service 140 replacement engine.

I'm seeing the Corvair but can't help notice the Nova's on the rail car.

I’m seeing the Corvair but can’t help notice the Nova’s on the rail car.

The last Corvair convertible was #5997 which was a Forest Green Monza that has come up for sale a few times.

If you are a Corvair fan you’ll enjoy this read:  1969 Corvair: Finger Tip Facts by Corvair historian Dave Newell.

 

Thanks for reading

Tim

#Autofactoids

 

Auto Factoids for the Week of 3/29/2015

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) to finish out March and kick off April 2015. March 29, 1980 – Audi introduced their all wheel drive 1980.
Auto Factoids for the Week of Feb 8, 2015 – NY To Pairs 1908

As we run through the middle of the 2nd month of the year, here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids). A light week this week. Feb 10, 1942 – Pontiac stops car production for WWII. – As you know WWII took a lot of sacrifice …
Auto Factoids for the Week of April 5, 2015 – Lotus and Tires

It’s a light week for the automotive history. April 5, 1923 Firestone introduces balloon tires. Everything we’ve accomplished with our rides has greatly.
Auto Factoids for Week of April 26, 2015 – Lamborghini and …

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the last week of April 2015! Light week for Auto Factoids unless you are Lamborghini or Ford fan. Ferruccio Lamborghini was born on April 28, 1916 in Renazzo di Cento, Italy.
 '69 Corvair Monza.jpg

It’s always a treat to see a Chevy Corvair

Bob and Carol Marsh, of Chesterfield, are the owners of the 1966 Corvair Corsa convertible shown on this page. And, believe it or not, this is the actual car Bob owned when he was in high school. He told me he “hot rodded” the car as a teenager. (Can …

Auto Factoids for the week of May 3rd 2015 – Willys, Packard and Le Mans

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Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the first full week in May 2015.

 

Dateline May 3rd, 1948 – Willys Jeepster Phaeton debuts.

The production was only a 3 year run with a total units produced was  19,132.  The engines ranged from a  134.1 cu in (2.2 L) I4 and two I6, a 148.5 cu in (2.4 L) I6 and 161 cu in (2.6 L) I6.

1948 Jeepster Phatheon

1948 Jeepster Phatheon

 

Same day one year later (May 3rd, 1949 )  – Packard has its 50th Anniversary and to commemorate it they offered up 2,000 Gold Packard’s from Utica Proving Grounds. Yes that did happen.  They were painted in a special paint code of Gold.  Each were powered with 327 c.i.d., 150 hp engine.  Only 600 were convertibles.

This isn't, of course Gold, but only 600 Gold Convertibles were made.

This isn’t, of course, Gold, but only 600 Gold Convertibles were made with that special paint code.

 

Packard's Utica Proving Grounds.

Packard’s Utica Proving Grounds.

 

 May 4th 1923 – The first Le Mans 24 Hour race was held just outside Le Mans, France.  Initial the race was limited to ‘production’ cars  and  two drivers, now they require 3 drivers per car and the of course these cars aren’t in your dealers show rooms.  The race was won by one of the French teams  – André Lagache and Léonard driving a Chenard et Walcker  with  3.0L I4 engine.

This is an awesome looking car!!!

This is an awesome looking car!!!

 

May 6th and 7th, 1928– Chrysler debuts the De Soto for the 1929 model year and completes the purchase of Dodge, in part for its dealerships to sell the new De Soto.  In the course of the marque’s run (1929-1961) it set several sales records for Chrysler and the auto industry.  It’s first year (1929) saw 81,065 unit sold and it held the record unit 1960 when Ford beat it with the Falcon.

1928 Chrysler De Soto

1928-29 Chrysler De Soto

Thanks for reading.

Tim

(#AutoFactoids)

AGCarRestore

Auto Factoids for Week of April 26, 2015 – Lamborghini and Willys http://t.co/WYzhUBDaxE #AutoFactoids http://t.co/ajOpYWuAdW
Auto Factoids for Week of April 26, 2015 – Lamborghini and …

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the last week of April 2015! Light week for Auto Factoids unless you are Lamborghini or Ford fan. Ferruccio Lamborghini was born on April 28, 1916 in Renazzo di Cento, Italy.

 

 

 

Auto Factoids for Week of April 26, 2015 – Lamborghini and Willys

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Here are your Auto Factoids  (#AutoFactoids) for the last week of April 2015!

Light week for Auto Factoids unless you are Lamborghini or Ford fan.

Ferruccio Lamborghini was born on April 28,  1916 in Renazzo di Cento, Italy.

From humble beginnings

From humble beginnings

to

the Legacy

The legacy continues

 

April 29, 1953 – Willys is purchased by Kaiser-Frasier

Willy (Willys-Overland) was purchased by Kaiser and the name was changed to Willys Motor Company and moved the plant from Michigan to Ohio.  That same year Willys established an assembly plant in Brazil and imported the cars back to the U.S.  When the U.S. curtailed the import of assembled cars, Willys shipped all the tooling for the Aero to Brazil and produce and sold the cars there and they were built from 1960 to 1962.  After a redesign in 1963 Ford bought the Willys factory and produced the Aero until the early 1970’s.

1955 Willys Aero

1955 Willys Aero

1971 Aero (Ford made)

1971 Aero (Ford made)

 

April 29, 1959 – Ford Motor Company produces it 50 millionth car!!!

That car was a 1959 Ford Galaxie that came out of the Dearborn factory.  It was a white 4 door sedan with the 292, engine.  It was actually a Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie and the first time Galaxie was used on a Ford car.  Fast forward – but not too far – and the Fairlanes, Fairlanes 500, and the Galaxies were to become monster muscle machines in the mid to late 60’s!!!

Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie - 50 Millionth Ford

Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie – 50 Millionth Ford

The 50 millionth looks a like the 1959 Mercury Montclair

The 50 millionth looks a lot like the 1959 Mercury Montclair

 

Thanks for reading #autofactoids.

Tim

lamborghini factory

willys factory toledo

Auto Factoids for the Week of 4/19/15

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Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for last full week of April 2015.

April 22, 1954 – Nash and Hudson merge to from AMC

When does this:

NashRambler

Nash Rambler

PLUS THIS:

'53 Hudson Hornet

’53 Hudson Hornet

EQUAL THIS?  :

Javlin

Javlin

Well that’s the equation formed when Nash merged with Hudson and produced AMC.   AMC (American Motor Corp) produced some of the most memorable cars of the ’60’s-’70’s.  Although they often used components from other makers, they did have some unique sheet metal.

Gremlin X

Gremlin X

1975 Pacer

1975 Pacer

April 23, 1987  – Chrysler buys Lamborghini.

Lamborghini was founded in 1963 and sold in 1974.  It changed hands in 1980, 1984, 1987, 1994 and 1998 and now sits under Volkswagen Group ownership and managed by their Audi division.

Interesting how once buying Italian car companies, Chrysler is now owned by one!!!  I guess you need to be careful who you buy, some day they might help you out by returning the favor!!!  Chrysler is now owned by Fiat and Lamborghini is now owned by the Volkswagen Group via Audi.

chrysler buys lamborghini

 

April 25, 1970 – Mazda began importing cars to the U.S. for the first time.

1970 Cosmo

1970 Cosmo

They’ve come a long ways in the eyes of the American buyer.  Not sure if it was the “zoom..zoom” commercials or the cute little “girls” car Miata or dominating a lot of local SCCA racing meets – drat!!!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

1975 AMC Gremlin “Tested” on Ignition (W/Video)

On this week’s episode of Ignition, we celebrate the 45th anniversary of an iconic piece of American automotive history, the AMC Gremlin. Despite its peculiar design and strange proportions, owners of the Gremlin seemed to really love this car, and …

 

Auto Factoids for Week of April 12, 2015

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Just got this out for the week!!   Here is your Auto Factoids (#autofactoids) for April 12, 2015.

April 13 1965  Pontiac 10-millionth

The car was a 1965 Catalina.

1965 4 door Catalina the 10th Millionth Pontiac

1965 4 door Catalina the 10th Millionth Pontiac

 

April 13 1904  Caddy assembly plant burned to the ground.  More info on this site:   http://www.car-nection.com/yann/dbas_txt/Factq-s.htm

 

April 14, 1927  First Volvo is produced

1927 Volvo "Jakob"

1927 Volvo “Jakob”

It had wooden (ash and copper beech) underpinnings, sheet steel panels, leather upholstery, live axles and long leaf springs – loosely based on an American design.  It had a 4 cylinder engine that produced 28 hp.

 

April 16, 1908  Oakland motors sells its first car.

I believe they actually began producing cars in 1907.

I believe they actually began producing cars in 1907.

 

April 17, 1964 Ford Mustang debuts

1964 2+2 Mustang

1964 2+2 – My favorite of the under 1968 Mustangs.

 

 

4/17/1969 Ford began selling the Maverick.  <cricket…..cricket…>  Come on..it was a good car and getting more and more collectible!!!

 

1964 Maverick

1964 Maverick – Proper mods and you’ll have a monster street car!!

 

April 18, 1955  Lincoln becomes a separate division of Ford.   Lincoln started out as a separate brand in 1917 with its plant at 6200 West Warren Avenue in Detroit, Michigan and was name after Abe Lincoln. They began business by producing Liberty aircraft engine with pistons purchased from Ford for WWI.  After the war the re-fitted the plant and produced luxury  Ford bought the company in 1922.
April 18, 1964  Sunbeam Tiger Debuts

 

Shelby Cobra was the inspiration for the Tiger.

Shelby Cobra was the inspiration for the Tiger.

 

 

 Thanks for reading

Tim

#autofactoids

 

Auto Factoids for the Week of April 5, 2015 – Lotus and Tires

It’s a light week for the automotive history. April 5, 1923 Firestone introduces balloon tires. Everything we’ve accomplished with our rides has greatly depend and relied on Mr. Firestone’s improvement. It was a combination of …
Auto Factoids for the Week of 3/29/2015

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) to finish out March and kick off April 2015. March 29, 1980 – Audi introduced their all wheel drive 1980.