Well, at the NY Auto Show the illustrious Automotive Hall of Fame announced their inductees for 2008. Once again, Paul Bracq, nominated by our MBCA section, didn't make the cut. Here's who did.
Paul Galvin (1895-1958)
Galvin returned from service in World War I and, though he met a number of business failures, he would not give up. In 1928, Galvin founded the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation (which would later be changed to 'Motorola') to produce an "eliminator" that would allow previously battery-only radios to run on household current. But it was the stock market crash of 1929 that prompted Galvin, who is said to have come up with the name 'Motorola' while shaving, to eye the then- fledgling automotive market.
Bob Galvin (1922-present)
The son of Motorola founder Paul Galvin, Bob took over the reins of the company in 1958, retiring as CEO in 1986, but retaining the role of chairman until 1990. Galvin provided the leadership necessary for the development of the now-famous Six Sigma quality improvement process, used by thousands of corporations worldwide. In 2004, largely in response to the blackout of August 2003, he launched the Galvin Electricity Initiative, bringing his visionary leadership to the faltering electric power system.
Paul Galvin (1895-1958)
Galvin returned from service in World War I and, though he met a number of business failures, he would not give up. In 1928, Galvin founded the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation (which would later be changed to 'Motorola') to produce an "eliminator" that would allow previously battery-only radios to run on household current. But it was the stock market crash of 1929 that prompted Galvin, who is said to have come up with the name 'Motorola' while shaving, to eye the then- fledgling automotive market.
Phil Hill (1927-present)
The first American to win the Formula 1 World Drivers Championship, Hill, today, shares his record with only one other American, Mario Andretti (AHF Class of 2005). Hill remains the only American-born Formula 1 champion. Hill's racing accomplishments include winning the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, the 12 hours of Sebring three times, the Argentine 1000 Km three times, the Grand Prix of Italy twice and the Belgian Grand Prix.
Bob Irvin (1933-1980)
Legendary automotive journalist with The Detroit News, Automotive News, and AutoWeek, Irvin was known for his extensive and intimate contacts with auto industry officials, and for the outpouring of articles he wrote in incisive style. Irvin's stories were regarded as the authoritative word on the auto industry. He always carried a pocket camera, tape recorder and notebook, and got his material from all levels of the industry, including chairmen, presidents, engineers, designers and factory workers..
William Metzger (1868-1933)
Detroit's first auto dealer, William Metzger attended the world's first auto show in London in 1895, returning to Detroit in 1897 to build its first dealership (which sold Waverly Electric Cars). Two years later, he sold the first Oldsmobile and in 1899, helped organize the first Detroit auto show. One of the original organizers of the Cadillac Motor Car Co., Metzger later helped form E-M-F, which in 1911 was second in sales volume to Ford Motor Co.
Mort Schwartz (1934-present)
Schwartz is retired chairman of several auto supply firms, and past chair of the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association, the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and other aftermarket associations. As founder of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, Schwartz has long been viewed as a veteran and champion of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Jack Telnack (1937-present)
Former head of design at Ford Motor Company, Telnack began his career there in 1958, ultimately becoming global vice president of design until his retirement in 1997. His team of designers created the groundbreaking 1986 Taurus, a vehicle widely acknowledged as being responsible for Ford's turnaround strategy in the late 1980s. He later created the "new edge" style and influenced the design of the 2000 Ford Focus.
John North Willys (1873-1935)
American automotive pioneer and statesman, Willys was a native of New York, and it was in Elmira that he became a dealer for Overland automobiles. Ultimately, Willys would acquire the company as well as another (Marion Motor Car Co. of Ohio), and later shift operations to Toledo. While his highly leveraged businesses would go through various forms of reorganization, the initiatives remain historically significant to the industry. Willys, a strong supporter of the Republican party, was appointed the first U.S. ambassador to Poland in 1930 and served in that post until 1932.
Now for my rants and raves. There are names here you will probably recognize (Phil Hill); others whose names you might not but whose companies you will (Motorola) and others that make you say "Who?" Like, Mort Schwartz? Chairman of "several auto supply firms" they say. Like which ones?
THANKFULLY on Mr. Willys, they didn't make the often made, amateur claim (and 100% dead wrong) that Willys "invented" the Jeep. Those who know automotive history know that this accolade went to the American Bantam Company (formerly American Austin) of Butler, PA. They invented it, but Willys produced it in numbers.
Now, Jack Telnack is a good choice for a stylist. But, he's no Paul Bracq--if the 2000 Ford Focus and the 1986 Taurus are what he's best known for...puleeezee! Are these styling gems or did I miss something?
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
