This Week in Automotive History: Mar 10-Mar 16

March 10, 1948

Tigers pitcher injured in auto accident: Detroit Tigers pitcher Art Houtteman is critically injured in an auto accident, but recovers to win 15 games in 1949.

March 11, 1927

First armored car robbery: The Flatheads Gang is responsible for the first armored car robbery near Pittsburgh, Pa. It was reported that $104,250 was taken in the heist.

March 12, 1912

First parachute jump: Capt. Albert Berry performs the first parachute jump from an airplane, landing successfully at Jefferson Barracks, Ms.

March 13, 1935

New driving tests: Driving tests are introduced for the first time in Great Britain.

March 14, 1938

OPEC cuts prices: The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agrees to cut oil prices for the first time in the group’s 23-year history, to $29 a barrel from $34.

March 15, 1961

E-Type first introduced: Jaguar introduces the KL-E, or E-Type, at the Geneva Auto Show. It was the successor to the C- and D-Type Jaguars that earned the company’s reputation for racing excellence.

March 16, 2003

Closest NASCAR finish: Ricky Craven wins the Darlington 500, crossing the finish line .002 seconds ahead of Kurt Busch.