This Week in Automotive History: Mar 31-Apr 6

March 31, 1932

V-8 is introduced: Ford publicly unveils its V-8 engine.

April 1, 1967

DOT begins operation: The United States Department of Transportation, which oversees all interstate travel, begins operation under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

April 2, 1953

Cars drummer born: David Robinson, drummer for the American rock band The Cars, is born in Woburn, Mass..

April 3, 1987

Bill Elliott sets record: Bill Elliott sets a NASCAR qualify record of 212.809 mph at Talladega.

April 4, 1933

Dirigible goes down: 73 people are killed when the U.S. Dirigible Akron crashes off the coast of New Jersey.

April 5, 1923

Inflatable tires launched: Firestone Co. begins producing inflatable tires.

April 6, 1912

First electric starter: The first electric starters appear in Cadillacs. These starters also functioned as generators once the engine was running, a concept now being revived in hybrid vehicles.