This Week in Automotive History: Dec. 10-Dec. 16

Dec. 10, 1915

Model T Milestone: The 1,000,000th Model T Ford rolls off the assembly line. 

Dec. 11, 1941

Hold that Spare: To preserve valuable resources in deference to the war effort, the sale of spare tires for new cars is prohibited in the United States.

Dec. 12, 2000

Exit Olds: General Motors announces that its Oldsmobile Division will cease operations.

Dec. 13, 1957

Bye-Bye, Baby Bird: The last of the two-seat Thunderbirds is completed as production gives way to the larger four-seat “Square Birds.”

Dec. 14, 1947

NASCAR Founded: Big Bill France establishes the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Dec. 15, 1896

Rotary Engine Car Patented: Stephen M. Balzer is granted a patent for a rotary engine automobile six years before rotary engine proponent Felix Wankel was to be born.

Dec. 16, 1949

First SAAB Produced: Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget produces its first car; the company would later change its name to SAAB.