When you’re working on your car, you may not realize that many of its essential components were named after the men who either invented or perfected them. These individuals made a lasting impact on the automotive industry, and their names are still part of the language mechanics and enthusiasts use today.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable car parts named after real people, and the stories behind them.
MacPherson Strut – Earle S. MacPherson
The MacPherson strut is one of the most widely used suspension components in modern cars. Named after Earle S. MacPherson, who invented the strut in the 1940s while working for General Motors, this suspension design combined a coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit. It became popular because it offered a simple, space-saving solution for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Before the MacPherson strut, suspensions were bulkier and more complex. MacPherson’s design helped reduce weight and improve handling, making it a go-to suspension setup for many car manufacturers around the world. To this day, it remains one of the most popular suspension designs.
Panhard Rod – René Panhard
The Panhard rod, also known as a Panhard bar, is used in the suspension systems of vehicles with solid rear axles. It was named after the Panhard company, a French automobile manufacturer founded in 1887 by René Panhard and Émile Levassor. The company played a pioneering role in the early automotive industry, and the Panhard rod became one of its most enduring legacies.
The Panhard rod prevents lateral movement of the axle while allowing the up-and-down motion needed for proper suspension travel. It’s particularly useful in high-performance and off-road vehicles, where stability is crucial. The Panhard rod is still commonly used in off-roaders and race cars today.
De Dion Axle – Comte Jules-Albert de Dion
Named after Comte Jules-Albert de Dion, the De Dion axle was a significant innovation in early car design. Comte Jules-Albert de Dion was one of the founders of De Dion-Bouton, a French automobile manufacturer known for its engineering prowess in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The De Dion axle provided a way to separate the drive wheels from the suspension, improving vehicle handling and ride comfort.
Unlike traditional live axles, the De Dion design allowed for better independent suspension while maintaining the benefits of a solid axle for driving power. Though it’s not as common in modern cars, the De Dion axle was an important step in the evolution of automotive suspensions, especially for high-performance and luxury vehicles.
Hotchkiss Drive – Albert Hotchkiss
The Hotchkiss drive is a type of rear-wheel-drive system developed by the Hotchkiss company, a French manufacturer that also specialized in armaments. The company was founded by Albert Hotchkiss, and ultimately the system he created was named after him. This system uses universal joints and a rigid rear axle to transmit power from the engine to the wheels. It became the standard for rear-wheel-drive vehicles for much of the 20th century.
The Hotchkiss drive offered a simple, robust, and effective way to deliver power to the rear wheels while allowing for the suspension to work independently of the drivetrain. It was used in a wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars to trucks, and is still seen in some modern heavy-duty vehicles today.
Watts Linkage – James Watt
The Watts linkage, named after James Watt, was originally designed for use in steam engines but found its way into the automotive industry as a way to control the movement of a car’s rear axle. It prevents the axle from shifting side to side, improving handling and stability, especially when cornering.
Watt, better known for his contributions to the development of the steam engine, probably didn’t expect his linkage system to find a home in car suspensions. However, the design has proven its worth in performance and off-road vehicles where precise control of axle movement is essential.
Rzeppa Joint – Alfred Hans Rzeppa
The Rzeppa joint, named after its inventor Alfred H. Rzeppa, is a type of constant velocity (CV) joint. These joints are critical in front-wheel-drive vehicles, allowing power to be transmitted through a variable angle while maintaining a constant rotational speed. Without them, front-wheel-drive systems wouldn’t be as smooth or efficient.
Alfred Rzeppa’s work on the CV joint revolutionized drivetrain technology. His design allowed for tighter turns and more reliable performance in vehicles with independent suspension systems. The Rzeppa joint is still used today in millions of cars, ensuring smooth operation even at high speeds.
Phillips Screw – Henry Frank Phillips
The Phillips screw, named after Henry F. Phillips, became a game-changer in the automotive and manufacturing industries. Introduced in the 1930s, Phillips patented the cross-shaped design, which allowed screws to self-center in their slots, making them easier to install with power tools. The Phillips screw quickly became the standard, especially in automotive assembly.
Before Phillips’ invention, screws were often difficult to insert and prone to stripping. His design made mass production more efficient and reliable, leading to its widespread adoption in the automotive industry. Today, you’ll find Phillips screws in practically every car, from the engine bay to the interior.
Bendix Drive – Vincent Hugo Bendix
The Bendix drive is a crucial component in modern starter motors, allowing the engine to start smoothly. Named after Vincent Bendix, this invention engages the starter motor with the engine’s flywheel and disengages it once the engine is running. It replaced the need for hand-cranking, making starting a car much more convenient.
Vincent Bendix was a major figure in both the automotive and aviation industries, founding the Bendix Corporation, which produced everything from starters to brakes. His Bendix drive is one of the reasons we can start our cars with a simple turn of the key (or push of a button) today.
Schrader Valve – August Schrader
The Schrader valve, invented by August Schrader in the late 1800s, is the valve you’ve used every time you’ve inflated a tire. It’s a simple yet effective design that allows air to be pumped into a tire without letting any escape. The Schrader valve is now the industry standard for car tires, as well as for many other applications.
August Schrader’s invention revolutionized tire maintenance, making it easier to keep tires properly inflated and improving safety on the roads. Whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or even using certain air conditioning systems, you’ve likely encountered a Schrader valve.
Dzus Fastener – William Dzus
The Dzus fastener, named after William Dzus, is a quick-release fastener that allows panels to be easily attached and removed. It’s widely used in the automotive and aviation industries, especially in race cars and airplanes where fast access to components is essential.
Dzus’s invention made it possible to perform quick repairs or maintenance without fumbling with complex screws or bolts. The fastener is known for its strength, simplicity, and reliability, making it a go-to choice in many high-performance applications.
Hardy Spicer Universal Joint – H.H. Hardy
The Hardy Spicer universal joint, named after H.H. Hardy, was developed by Hardy Spicer, a company renowned for its work in automotive engineering. The universal joint allows for the transmission of power through variable angles, essential for connecting the drive shaft to the wheels in rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
Hardy’s contribution to drivetrain technology made it possible for cars to handle rough terrain and varying road conditions without losing power or control. His universal joint design is still used in countless vehicles today, proving its durability and effectiveness over time.
Rudge-Whitworth Wire Wheel – Daniel Rudge
The Rudge-Whitworth wire wheel, named after Daniel Rudge, was a significant innovation in the early days of motoring. Rudge, a British bicycle manufacturer, partnered with Whitworth to create a detachable wire wheel that could be easily removed and replaced. This design became popular in both the bicycle and automotive industries.
The Rudge-Whitworth wheel was especially favored by early race car drivers due to its lightweight and quick-change capabilities. Today, the Rudge-Whitworth name is still associated with quality and performance in vintage cars and motorcycles.
Hooker Headers – Gary Hooker
Hooker Headers were introduced by Gary Hooker, who started his company in 1962. The company quickly became known for its high-performance exhaust headers, which helped increase engine power by improving the flow of exhaust gases. Hooker Headers are a staple in the hot-rodding community and are often found in muscle cars and race vehicles.
Gary Hooker’s headers are celebrated for their ability to increase horsepower while also providing that distinctive muscle car growl. They’re a must-have for performance enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their engines.
Edelbrock Intakes – Vic Edelbrock
Vic Edelbrock Sr. is a legend in the world of automotive performance, and his company, Edelbrock, is synonymous with high-quality aftermarket parts. Edelbrock intake manifolds are designed to improve engine breathing, allowing more air and fuel to mix in the combustion chamber, which results in increased power.
Vic Edelbrock’s commitment to performance started in the 1930s, and his name is still a go-to for car enthusiasts looking to boost their engine’s performance. Edelbrock intakes are often the first upgrade for anyone serious about getting more power under the hood.
Crane Cams – Harvey Crane
Crane Cams, founded by Harvey Crane in 1953, is a leader in camshaft technology. Camshafts control the opening and closing of engine valves, and Crane Cams are designed to improve this process, allowing for better engine performance and efficiency. Harvey Crane’s innovations have made him a revered name among gearheads and racers alike.
With a focus on quality and precision, Crane Cams have been used in countless high-performance engines, from drag racing to NASCAR. Harvey Crane’s work has become a cornerstone of the performance aftermarket industry.
Wankel Engine – Felix Wankel
The Wankel engine is a rotary internal combustion engine invented by German engineer Felix Wankel in 1954. Instead of pistons, it uses a triangular rotor spinning inside an oval-like housing to create power.
Mazda became the most successful manufacturer of Wankel-powered vehicles, despite the engine being originally developed at NSU Motorenwerke AG. The design offers incredible smoothness and compact size, though it trades these benefits for slightly lower efficiency.
Gurney Flap – Dan Gurney
The Gurney flap is a small vertical tab on the trailing edge of a wing, invented by racing legend Dan Gurney in 1971. Bobby Unser’s challenge to improve his race car’s performance led Gurney to create this simple yet effective device that typically extends just 1-2% of the wing’s chord length.
The flap works by increasing pressure on one side of the wing while decreasing it on the other, creating additional downforce with minimal drag penalty. When tested on a Formula 1 car from the early 2000s, the Gurney flap demonstrated an impressive 24% increase in downforce.
Chapman Strut – Colin Chapman
The Chapman strut is an innovative rear suspension design created by Lotus founder Colin Chapman in 1957. The system combines a coil spring and shock absorber in a single upright strut, with the driveshaft cleverly serving as the lower suspension link. While similar to the MacPherson strut, Chapman’s design was specifically engineered for rear-wheel drive applications and was first popularized in Lotus race cars and later road vehicles.
The design proved particularly effective for lightweight sports cars, offering excellent handling characteristics while maintaining a simple, space-efficient package. Later versions, like those used in the Lotus Elan, evolved to use a wishbone instead of the driveshaft for lateral location, further improving handling dynamics.
Hewland Gearbox
Mike Hewland revolutionized motorsport in 1959 when he transformed his small gear-cutting business into a racing gearbox empire. His breakthrough came with the Mk4 gearbox in 1963, which used a modified VW transmission case and became the go-to choice for racing teams, selling over 10,000 units.
The company’s success was built on designing easily serviceable gearboxes that allowed quick ratio changes, perfect for fine-tuning race cars. Hewland’s dominance continued through the 1960s-90s with various models, from the popular FT200 Formula Two gearbox to specialized Formula One transmissions, and today they remain a leading force in racing transmissions, including modern electric racing applications.
Mickey Thompson Tires – Mickey Thompson
Mickey Thompson was a racing legend, and his innovations extended beyond the track. Known for his record-breaking speed attempts and off-road racing, Thompson also founded Mickey Thompson Tires, a company that produces high-performance tires designed for extreme conditions. Whether it’s drag racing, off-roading, or street performance, Mickey Thompson tires are built for enthusiasts who demand the best.
Mickey Thompson’s racing experience allowed him to design tires that could withstand the harshest environments. His tires are a favorite among off-roaders and drag racers who rely on superior traction and durability.
Isky Cams – Ed Iskenderian
Ed Iskenderian, known as “Isky,” is a legendary name in the world of performance camshafts. Isky Cams are known for their precision engineering and ability to maximize an engine’s power output. Ed Iskenderian was one of the pioneers of camshaft technology, helping to usher in the hot-rodding era in the mid-20th century.
Isky Cams have been a staple in the performance world for decades. Whether you’re building a drag car or a street machine, Isky Cams are designed to give you the most horsepower possible from your engine.
Woodruff Key – W.N. Woodruff
The Woodruff key, invented by W.N. Woodruff in the late 19th century, is a small semi-circular metal piece that fits into a keyway in rotating machine parts. It’s essential in securing gears or pulleys to a shaft, preventing them from slipping. This tiny component is crucial in ensuring smooth and reliable operation of various automotive systems, from steering to transmissions.
Woodruff’s key design offers greater strength and reliability compared to earlier key systems, and its ability to absorb shock and handle stress makes it invaluable in high-performance applications. While small, the Woodruff key’s role in keeping everything turning smoothly is undeniable.
Hele-Shaw Clutch – H.S. Hele-Shaw
The Hele-Shaw clutch, named after British engineer H.S. Hele-Shaw, was a pioneering design that utilized a series of thin, closely spaced plates to transmit power between engine and gearbox. This clutch offered smoother engagement and was less prone to wear compared to earlier designs, making it particularly useful in early cars and aircraft.
Hele-Shaw’s contribution to clutch technology helped pave the way for more advanced systems that are still used in modern vehicles today. While his name may not be as widely recognized, his work played a vital role in advancing automotive and mechanical engineering.
From exhaust headers to tires, many of the car parts we use today bear the names of the men who created them. These inventors and innovators left a lasting mark on automotive history, and their names are still synonymous with quality and performance.
Next time you’re working on your car, remember the people behind these essential components and the legacy they’ve left on the world of motoring.
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