Motoring through time

Motor,  Jul 2003  

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100 Years Ago: July 1905

MoToR has grown to nearly 80 pages of information "Devoted to Motoring of All Kinds." The ownership and use of motor cars, motor boats and even motor "aeroplanes" are covered frequently. "The Battle Of The Master Forces" records the challenge race between automobilist Tom Compton and fellow American Lucien Lancaster, with his motorized balloon airship. During a conversation in Paris over the future of airship travel, a $1000 wager is made as to who could reach South Africa first. Astoundingly, the race ends in a tie, leaving the question of superiority unanswered, but noting the accomplishment of Lancaster's airship, the Ariel.

50 Years Ago: July 1953

Editor Edward Ford pens "What's Wrong with Being a Mechanic'?" In the article he states, "Repairing today's complex vehicles is an undertaking that calls for a high degree of theoretical knowledge, expert training and mechanical skill. Its demands exceed those of many other trades. Skilled mechanics are scarce and unless something construc-tive is done, they'll get scarcer. Prospective trainees must be persuaded that the repair held offers exceptional working conditions and opportunities. They must be convinced that servicing and repairing automotive vehicles is a satisfying and rewarding career." This, he says, is a task for group action.

90 Years Ago: July 1916

Arthur Brisbane, editor of the New York Journal newspaper, discovers a way of adding two hours to his work day. "The Month in Motordom" tells of his installing an Edison Phonograph recording device in his Owen Magnetic car. While riding to and from his Long Island home, he dictates letters, articles and editorials into the device, which are later transcribed at the office. A photograph shows Brisbane demonstrating how the device operates to its inventor, Thomas A. Edison. Fortunately, a chauffeur drives while Brisbane dictates, as it would be too dangerous to use the machine and still drive with proper care.

40 Years Ago: July 1963

It's a time of rapidly advancing technology. President John F. Kennedy has challenged America to reach the moon by the end of the decade, and the quest has begun. "Vehicles For New Kinds of Worlds" explores the possibilities for vehicular travel on the moon, as well as on this planet. While a lunar landing may be years away, both GM and Chrysler are devel-oping vehicles based on the moon's expected gravity, extreme temperature range and surface conditions. The article also peeks into automated systems of future highway travel here on Earth, and ponders the safety, convenience, speed and environmental value of such technology.

80 Years Ago: July 1925

The automotive industry begins to look at aviation as a commercial venture. Many automakers join forces with airplane builders to launch a national air transportation system to fly goods and passengers. Congress applauds the idea, thinking such a program will provide a ready-made fleet of planes and experienced pilots in time of war. Separately, Henry Ford and his son Edsel pursue their dream of building an inexpensive airplane to put the common man in the air, just as they had done with the Model T on the roads. Ford purchases the Stout All-Metal Airplane Company and begins making planes to deliver Ford paits to factories across the continent.

30 Years Ago: July 1973

MOTOR looks ahead to the 21st century with "Service Station of the Future." The article says many changes will come about because of new government regulations concerning the safe handling of gasoline and the harmful effects of gasoline fumes on people and the environment. The service aspect of stations will take on a drastically different look in the next century. The once familiar sight of a "Mechanic on Duty" sign in front will be only a memory. Customers requiring anything more than gas or oil will go to service centers for repair and maintenance needs. Self-service will be adopted, and credit cards will become the preferred way of paying.

70 Years Ago: July 1932

The Great Depression is decimating the ranks of automobile manufacturers. The fortunate few who still own a car are finding it difficult to afford even fuel. MoToR Editor Ray W. Sherman, in his editorial "Forget the 'Depression,' Let's Sell Some Automobiles," says government and the banking industry have failed to stop the downward finan-cial spiral and urges the industry to take the lead. "There is money enough lying around this country to buy cars enough to put this industry on its feet," he writes. "And when this industry is on its feet, America is on its feet. And when America is on its feet, the rest of the world will get up and begin to walk."

20 Years Ago: July 1982

MOTOR begins what will be a long tradition of presenting an annual Mechanic of the Year Award. The first ones go to Dallas Haner of Amarillo, TX; Don White of Ashland, KS; and Richard Williams of Westbury, NY. The award is given to the technicians who score highest on the Certified General Automobile Mechanic's tests administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Haner received the award as the top scorer of all independent repair garage employees, White outscored all other dealership mechanics and Williams' scores topped those of all other service station mechanics.