This Week in Automotive History: Dec. 24-Dec. 30

Dec. 24, 1801

Trevithick Steam Carriage Is First Seen: Richard Tevithick introduces his “Puffing Devil” steam-powered vehicle.

Dec. 25, 1985

Electric Vehicle Distance Record Set: David Turner and Tim Pickhard set a record for the longest drive of an electric vehicle on a single charge when they complete a journey from Lands End in England to John O’Groats in Scotland.

Dec. 26, 1985

Taurus Takes Over: The Ford Taurus is introduced for the 1986 Model Year, and quickly becomes incredibly popular, selling 7 million.

Dec. 27, 1951

Government Work for Crosley: In right-hand-drive configuration, the diminutive Crosley car is put into service delivering mail for the United States Postal Service.

Dec. 28, 1942

Ford Packs a Punch: The first B-24 bomber rolls out of Ford’s Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Mich. Ford would go on to build 9,000 of the 18,000 production of the highest-volume heavy bomber ever.

Dec. 29, 2005

GM Stock Plummets: GM stock trades at a 20-year low of $18.33/share. 

Dec. 30, 1940

The Fabulous Freeway: California’s first freeway opens between Los Angeles and Pasadena.