This Week in Automotive History: Aug. 20-Aug. 26

Aug. 20, 2004

Tow Jam Sets Record: A record-setting 83 tow trucks parade through the streets of Wenatchee, Wash., to set a Guiness World record.

Aug. 21, 1897

Oldsmobile Founded: Ransom Eli Olds forms Olds Motor Vehicle Company in Lansing, Mich.  It would become part of General Motors in 1908 and the division closed in 2004.

Aug. 22, 1950

Speed Control Patented: Ralph R. Teetor of Hagertown, Ind., patents a speed-
control device that would be developed into what we now know as cruise control. 

Aug. 23, 1913

Yosemite Motor Vehicle Ban Lifted: For the first time automobiles are allowed into Yosemite National Park.

Aug. 24, 1958

First Woman to Race in Formula 1: Maria Teresa de Filippis races a Maserati 250F in the Portuguese Grand Prix to become the first woman to race in the Formula 1 Championship.

Aug. 25, 1910

Shaw Livery Company Founded: Walden W. Shaw and John D. Hertz form the Walden W. Shaw Livery Company, which would later become the Yellow Cab Company. Hertz would go on to become a household name for the eponymous rental car company.

Aug. 26, 1940

LaSalle Discontinued: After 14 years, Cadillac ceases production of the LaSalle.