This Week in Automotive History: Nov. 12-Nov. 18

Nov. 12, 1998

Daimler-Chrysler Formed: Characterized as a “merger of equals,” the Daimler-Chrysler merger brought new platforms to Highland Park, but also a new culture — a German one.

Nov. 13, 1940

Willys Jeep Prototype Presented: When the American military wanted a new utility vehicle, multiple companies were encouraged to bid. Prototypes from Bantam, Ford and Willys were ultimately shown to the Army’s representatives.

Nov. 14, 1945

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sold: Tony Hulman buys the IMS from World War I Ace Captain Eddie Rickenbacker.

Nov. 15, 1895

Ford Sets Production Record: The 100,000,000th Ford to be built in America rolls off of the assembly line at Ford’s Mahwah, N.J., plant.

Nov. 16, 1929

Scuderia Ferrari Founded: Racing driver and automobile dealer Enzo Ferrari establishes his private racing team, which eventually grew to run the Alfa Romeo factory racing efforts and served as the root of his postwar automobile companies.

Nov. 17, 1998

Daimler-Chrysler listed on NYSE: For the first time, the newly created company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Nov. 18, 1960

Desoto to be Discontinued: Chrysler Corporation announces that it will drop the DeSoto nameplate from its lineup.