Automotive History

Documentary recalls Chrysler’s role in Roosevelt’s 'Arsenal of Democracy'

(December 28, 2015) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — In recognition of the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s historic “Arsenal of Democracy” radio broadcast (Dec. 29, 1940), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has released "Automakers and the Arsenal of Democracy," a short documentary that chronicles the role of the Chrysler Corporation as one of the primary military suppliers for the Allied war effort.

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The evolution of the Mustang steering wheel — 1964 to 2015

(September 9, 2015) DEARBORN, Mich. — When Mustang first debuted in 1964 it singlehandedly defined the Pony Car segment and has been setting the standard for design ever since. It has influenced trends in every aspect of vehicle styling including the steering wheel. The all-new Mustang carries on that leadership trend. From bare aluminum and resin, to Alcantara-wrapped with drive-mode and steering-effort control, Ford is reinventing the wheel.

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Cars of the future — A look forward from 1948

(July 26, 2015) Popular Science produced some short films in the ’40s and ’50s that looked into the future. This two-minute film highlights the Davis three-wheeler that employed a "tri-cycle landing gear principle." As shown in the film, it also featured built-in jacks to make tire changing an "exhilarating experience."

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Chevy Corvette horsepower quadruples over 50 years

(July 25, 2015) DENVER, Col. — While the Corvette is a power-churning machine today, its horsepower history is pretty rocky. To celebrate America’s favorite sports car and keep up with Corvette fever, NewGMParts.com has created a chart to illustrate the changes in Corvette horsepower over the years. From the Corvette's debut with a slight inline 6 to the 2015 Z06, the chart shows how Corvette horsepower has quadrupled from 1953 to 2015.

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First parking meter appeared 80 years ago in Oklahoma City

(July 16, 2015) On this date in 1935, drivers in Oklahoma City were confronted with America's first parking meter, collecting rent for a space on the corner of First Street and Robinson Avenue.

While local drivers could avoid that single space, they couldn't escape for long. That meter was just the first of many to sprout up in Oklahoma City and across the nation, as millions of ticketed motorists will attest.

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From Canopy to City: Since 1936 Chevrolet means small business

(April 7, 2015) DETROIT — Ever since vendors have peddled produce to passers-by on the streets of busy cities, Chevrolet has provided vehicles that allows them to reach their customers. Beginning in 1936, Chevrolet sold the Chevrolet Canopy Pickup — a vehicle based on the popular FB-series half-ton pickup truck. Owners could upfit these vehicles with an optional canvas canopy top and side-drop curtains. During its first model year, Chevrolet saw truck registrations top 200,000 units for the first time in company history.

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2015 marks 80 years of Chevrolet Suburban, the original SUV

(March 29, 2015) DALLAS — In 1935, the Hoover Dam was completed, Elvis Presley was born, and canned beer first graced backyard barbecues across America. It was also the year the Chevrolet Suburban was introduced.

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Production of cult Volkswagen van began 65 years ago

(March 11, 2015) WOLFSBURG, Germany — Some retire at the age of 65 — but this one is just getting started! Production of the first Volkswagen Transporter began 65 years ago and the ‘Bulli’ is still going strong today.

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A generational thing: Camaro design through the years

(March 2, 2015) DETROIT — As the Camaro rolls through the final year of its fifth generation, Chevrolet asked five designers who have contributed to the sporty car’s design to reflect on the styling legacy that helped create an icon.

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Subaru Boxer engine production hits 15 million

(February 19, 2015) Production of Subaru’s horizontally-opposed  "Boxer" engine has reached 15 million units since the engine was first developed 49 years ago. The Boxer engine has become synonymous with Subaru vehicles all over the world, and remains one the hallmarks of a brand which continues to tread its own path when it comes to engineering.

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