This day in history.

"cazzyodo" (cazzyodo) 09/05/2013 at 09:34 • Filed to: History

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I did a post earlier this week on the "This Day in History" thing on my whiteboard (cuz it's otherwise blank). Like Tuesday, today's is car related!

1930: Charles Creighton and James Hagris completed the drive from New York City to Los Angeles, and back, all while driving in reverse gear. The trip took 42 days in their 1929 Model A Ford.

Doing some quick Googling provides a little more info. The Model A ran continuously for the duration of the trip, which included a 48 hour rest stop in LA, allowing for quite an impressive endurance run. During the rest stop, crowds gathered to check out the still running Ford while Creighton and Hagris recuperated for the return trip. Their average speed was reportedly about 10mph.

Texaco sponsored the vehicle (as seen in the image) and prior to their departure from New York the other gears were said to have been removed (though I think this is dumb and hopefully not true, I mean, worst case scenarios still need a forward gear).

The interior of the Model A was modified to allow for one of the men to lay down and sleep when it was not their turn at the wheel.

I cannot imagine being able to attempt this during the modern era.

Hope you enjoy these tidbits. I will continue to post any car or vehicle related history facts as they appear on my whiteboard.