November is an exciting month in automotive history. It is a month with the first British Ford got marketed to Americans. Being the month of Thanksgiving, this is also the month that the first Macy’s Day Parade was held in New York City in 1924, significant because of their use of automobile floats.
Ford Model A Begins Production
In 1927, Ford began production on their Model A vehicle. The car was produced quickly, with its announcement following 26 days later. Ford’s Model A vehicle was the first Ford vehicle introduced since Ford’s Model T was introduced in 1908. It remained in production for 19 years, during which time is sold over 15 million cars.
America’s First Car Show
In November 1900, America held its first car show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was a weeklong event organized by the Automobile Club of America. At the show, 31 vehicles were displayed and the show was called the “Horseless Carriage Show.”
The First Car to Get Air Conditioning
At the 40th National Automobile Show in America, held in Chicago, Illinois, a prototype for the first car receiving air conditioning was unveiled. It used heating coils in a day and age where people still used ice blocks to condition the air. Due to price constrictions, air conditioning did not become available to most car owners until several decades later, where many Americans discovered that it was a necessary luxury.
The First Dodge Is Completed “Old Betsy”
John and Horace Dodge, the people who founded the Dodge Motor Company, completed their first vehicle in November 1914. Nicknamed “Old Betsy,” they drove their car through the streets of Detroit where was later shipped to a buyer in Tennessee. After the brothers had died, Chrysler Motor Company bought all the rights to the company. They continue to this day to market their vehicles – true to their root – as sturdy and rugged.
The 100,000,000th U.S.-built Ford
In 1977, Ford built its 1 millionth vehicle – the 1978 Ford Fairmount four-door sedan. The car was designed to replace the Ford Maverick, which discontinued production 1977. Unfortunately, the car only had a six-year life span and was discontinued in 1983.
The First Ever Automated Toll Machine Goes into Service
In 1954, the first automatic toll machine opened at the Union Toll Plaza in New Jersey. Motorists would drop in a $.25 coin into a wire mesh basket. In turn, a green light permitted the vehicle to continue on his route. This is not the first toll road to appear in America – it is the first toll road to have an automatic machine installed to collect the fee.
There are many more events that happened in the month of November. However, we picked the six most significant events to highlight. Spread the word and enjoy.
