This Week in Automotive History: June 18-24
June 18, 1923
First Checker Cab Produced in Kalamazoo: The first Checker Cab rolls off the line at the Checker
Cab Manufacturing Company in Kalamazoo, Mich., after the company moved into the old Dort Body
Plant.
June 19, 1966
Ford Beats Ferrari at LeMans: Ford Wins LeMans for the first time. The winning Ford GT40
Mk II was driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon.
June 20, 1941
UAW-CIO Finally gets contract with Ford: Ford signs its first contract with UAW-CIO after years of bitter strife against all attempts to organize the labor force.
June 21, 1947
First Post-War Mille Miglia Begins: After an interval of seven years, the Mille Miglia returns. The 1947 race was won by Clemente Biondetti in a pre-war Alfa Romeo 8C 2900.
June 22, 1979
Louis Chiron Dies: Pre-war racing legend Louis Chiron was born in Monaco, won the famous race there and also died in his native country on this day.
June 23, 1903
Mercedes Trademark first registered: The company founded by Gottlieb Daimle, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, registers the Mercedes name for use on its vehicles, following the success of the high-powered models prompted by Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek, who promoted the use of his young daughter’s name.
June 24, 1911
Juan Manuel Fangio Born: On this day, the inspired Argentine racing driver was born in the town of Balcarce. He dominated Grand Prix Racing in the 1950s, winning five world championships driving for Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Maserati.
