February was truly a month of innovations, designs and patents that forever changed automotive history.
Here are just some of the highlights:
February 1, 1898
Travelers Insurance Company headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, was the first insurance company to issue an automobile insurance policy to an individual in Buffalo, New York. The auto policy covered $5,000-$10,000 of liability coverage only for a premium of $11.25.
February 1, 1969
John Z. DeLorean was honored as top executive while employed at the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors, the youngest person to achieve such a prestigious accomplishment. In 1973, DeLorean, now General Manager of Chevrolet, sold a record-breaking 3 million cars and trucks.
That same year while being considered as a top candidate for President of General Motors, left to start his own company. The DeLorean Motor Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in October 1975.
February 2, 1922
Morris Markin of Kalamazoo, Michigan established Checker Motors Corporation. Markin sub-contracted the manufacture of the iconic American Checker taxi cabs.
February 3, 1881
Joseph A. Galamb was born in Mako, Hungary. A gifted engineer, Galamb was part of the team that developed the Model T.
February 7, 1938
Harvey Firestone, founder of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, died in Miami Beach, Florida, at age 69. Firestone received a patent for the pneumatic rubber tires, which proved to be an industry game changer for the Ford Motor Company.
February 9, 1846
Wilhelm Maybach was born in Heilbronn, Württemberg, Germany. Maybach was an engineer and chief designer for the first Mercedes automobiles. Interestingly, Maybach was the right-hand man, collaborator and dear friend to fellow automaker Gottlieb Daimler, another pioneer in the automotive industry.
February 12, 1900
James Ward Packard was awarded his first automotive patent.
A mechanical engineer by trade, Packard and his brother opened the Packard Electric Company in 1890, manufacturing electric lamps, bulbs, fuse boxes and electrical transformers.
A disappointing auto purchase from industry pioneer Alexander Winton launched his next career. Intent on manufacturing a better car and after much research and experimentation with engines, transmissions, carburetors, brakes, and ignitions, formed the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan, in 1903.
February 18, 2001
A mere half mile from the finish line, one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, Dale Earnhardt, succumbed to head injuries sustained in a final lap crash. He was only 49 years old.
February 22, 1923
This day marked production of the one-millionth Chevrolet.
