This Week In Auto History ...
August 11, 1966 -
Chevrolet Introduces the Camaro (August 11, 1966) - On this date, Chevrolet officially announced the production of the Camaro, as Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang – starting the Pony Wars. Designed as a sporty, compact car with a variety of performance options, and was available as a coupe or convertible., the Camaro quickly became an icon of the American muscle car era its high-performance versions like the RS, the SS and Z/28 models. A total of 699,138 first-generation Chevrolet Camaros were built between 1966 and 1969
August 12, 1963 –
Honda’s First Vehicle, the T360 Mini Truck, Goes on Sale (August 12, 1963) - Honda, primarily known for motorcycles at the time, entered the automobile market with the T360 mini truck, which officially went on sale on this date in Japan. A tiny, practical vehicle, the T360 was a kei truck designed primarily for Japan's strict small vehicle regulations. Powered by a 356 cc, 30-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, the T360 was capable of reaching a top speed of 62 mph. It featured a unique mid-engine layout and was offered in several variants, including flatbed and pickup models. Its release represented a bold move by Honda, a company previously known for motorcycles, into the competitive world of automobiles. This marked Honda's first step into the car industry, eventually becoming one of the largest automakers in the world.
August 13, 1968
Release of the Pontiac GTO Judge (August 13, 1968) - Pontiac revealed a special edition of the GTO, known as "The Judge," on August 13, 1968., Named after a popular catchphrase from the TV show "Laugh-In," the Judge was Pontiac's answer to the growing competition in the muscle car market. It featured a distinctive appearance, with bold "The Judge" decals, a rear spoiler, and eye-catching Carousel Red paint. Under the hood, the Judge was powered by a 400 cubic inch Ram Air III V8 engine, delivering 366 horsepower, with an optional Ram Air IV offering even more power.
The GTO Judge was not just about straight-line speed; it also included performance enhancements like a heavy-duty suspension and wide-track stance, which contributed to its superior handling. Although it was originally conceived as a budget muscle car, the Judge quickly gained popularity for its style, power, and exclusivity, becoming one of the most sought-after vehicles of the muscle car era.
August 16, 1927
The Last Ford Model T is Built (August 16, 1927) - On this date, Ford produced the last unit of the Model T, marking the end of an era for what is arguably one of the most influential cars in automotive history. The Model T, also known as the "Tin Lizzie," had been in production since 1908 and was the first car to be mass-produced on an assembly line, a method that drastically reduced costs and increased production speed. Over 15 million units were built during its production run, making it one of the best-selling vehicles of all time
August 19, 1995
First "Woodward Dream Cruise" (August 19, 1995) -The Woodward Dream Cruise is an annual automotive event held on the third Saturday of August along Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. First organized in 1995 as a small fundraiser for a soccer field, the event has grown into the world's largest one-day automotive gathering. It draws over 1.5 million visitors and features more than 40,000 classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s. Spanning 16 miles through several Detroit suburbs, the Dream Cruise is a celebration of car culture, showcasing Detroit’s rich automotive history and the enduring passion for automobiles. Participants and spectators alike revel in the nostalgia of cruising, reliving the era when Woodward Avenue was the heart of Detroit’s car scene.
This Week In Auto History....
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