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USA Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
Before Henry Ford: The forgotten Detroit pioneer who drove the first gas-powered car
Before Henry Ford: The forgotten Detroit pioneer who drove the first gas-powered car Show Caption Hide Caption The impact and history of autos in Detroit, The Motor City Here are some facts about Detroit's auto industry. Charles Brady King was a "mechanical genius" inspired by what he'd seen at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. King caused a stir when he drove his own car on the streets of Detroit on March 6, 1896. For most people, the name Henry Ford probably springs to mind when they consider Motor City automotive pioneers. But Ford, who certainly stands out among those pioneers, wasn't the first person to drive a gas-powered car "of his own making," as it's been described, on the streets of Detroit. Ford's trip almost three months later in his Quadricycle was certainly notable, but Charles Brady King is the man recognized by the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Detroit Historical Society and other sources as the man who took that first drive in Detroit. In fact, the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, according to a Hall of Fame article, described 'the first horseless carriage seen in this city' as 'the invention of Charles B. King, a Detroiter.' King, a 'mechanical genius and one of the most technically knowledgeable of the early automotive pioneers,' had caused quite a stir on the night of March 6, 1896, driving from his machine shop on St. Antoine onto Jefferson Avenue before heading up Woodward Avenue, according to the article. The Henry Ford Museum seeks rare talent: Antique vehicle mechanic wanted. Is it the right job for you? 'A crowd soon gathered, and became large enough that it halted King's progress in front of the Russell House Hotel at Cadillac Square [in Downtown Detroit]. King eventually drove his vehicle back to the machine shop, only to be greeted by a policeman who threatened to ticket him for disturbing the peace,' the article said. King, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, was inspired to design his car by what he'd seen at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, although there seems to be disagreement in a couple of sources about which vehicle or engine gave him the nudge. King, who died in 1957, gets credit, too, from several sources for helping Ford with his Quadricycle. "Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State" called King "one of the most interesting and likable of all the automotive pioneers." Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@ Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
F1 Great Ayrton Senna Heads Automotive Hall of Fame Class of Inductees
The Automotive Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 Class, and it's a fast class to be sure. The class includes Formula 1 great Ayrton Senna, land-speed pioneer Betty Skelton, industry executive Dieter Zetsche and former Car and Driver automotive journalist David E. Davis. The Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Mich., recognizes individuals whose efforts helped shape the automotive and mobility marketplace. 'The 2025 class of inductees showcases the remarkable impact individuals have made on the automotive industry and its far-reaching influence,' said Sarah Cook, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame. 'This distinguished group of trailblazers and visionaries has shaped our industry in extraordinary ways, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements as they take their rightful place in the Hall of Fame.' The announcement was made in Naples, Florida, on Wednesday. This year's class: Davis, a ground-breaking writer for Car and Driver, founded Automobile magazine in 1985. He helped redefine automotive journalism by blending technical insights with cultural and emotional perspectives on driving. With more than 50 years in the industry, Davis became a mentor to young writers and set the standard for automotive journalism today. He died in 2011 at the age of 80. With three F1 World Championships, 41 wins and 65 pole positions, Senna is one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all-time. The Brazilian great died at the age of 34 in a crash at the San Marina Grand Prix at the famed Imola circuit in Italy. His legacy carries on through the Ayrton Senna Institute, which has been working for 30 years to improve public education and create opportunities for underprivileged children in Brazil. Skelton, who died in 2011, was a pioneer in both the fields of aviation and in automobiles and came to be known as the "First Lady of Firsts. And for good reason. Skelton was an acrobatic airplane pilot, Chevrolet Corvette test driver and daredevil speed racer. In 1954, NASCAR head Bill France Sr. invited Skelton to drive a pace car on Daytona Beach, where she set a women's record of 105 mph for stock-car speed on the beach. In 1956, Skelton joined General Motors' advertising partner, Campbell-Ewald, and became the first woman technical narrator at major auto shows. She soon began test-driving Corvettes. She also helped launch the magazine Corvette News (later called Corvette Quarterly). The first woman to drive an Indy car, Skelton also set land-speed marks at Bonneville Salt Flats and set a transcontinental speed record in 1956 from New York to Los Angeles when she covered the 2,913 miles in 56 hours and 58 minutes. Industry exectutive Dieter Zetsche is renowned for his transformative leadership that emphasized innovation, sustainability, and global expansion. Under his guidance, Daimler launched initiatives, including the Smart car and the EQ electric vehicle brand, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable mobility. Zetsche's strategic focus on digitalization, connectivity, and autonomous driving propelled Daimler into the future. His visionary approach and charismatic leadership left a lasting impact on Daimler and the broader automotive industry.
