This Week in Automotive History: Jan. 21-Jan. 27

Jan. 21, 1899

Introducing the Opel: Opel manufactures its first automobile..

Jan. 22, 1950

Preston Tucker is Acquitted: American automobile designer and entrepreneur Preston Tucker is acquitted of charges of mail fraud, SEC violations, and conspiracy to defraud.

Jan. 23, 1988

Nonstop, round-the-world flight: The experimental plane Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completes the first nonstop, round-the-world flight without refueling.

Jan. 24, 1954

Gartner is Born: Austrian Formula One racer Jo Gartner is born in Vienna.

Jan. 25, 1890

Around the World in 72 Days: American journalist Nellie Bly completes a journey around the world in 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes and 14 seconds via steamships and trains for a story for the “New York World” newspaper.

Jan. 26, 1979

America Meets the General Lee: Dukes of Hazzard TV series debuts, and along with it, America gets its first
look at the orange Dodge Charger known as “General Lee.”

Jan. 27, 1965

Shelby GT350 is Launched: The Shelby GT350, featuring a 306 hp V-8 engine and developed
by Carroll Shelby, debuts.