Today In History

The Chrysler Corporation is proud to introduce the 1939 PLYMOUTH P8 DeLuxe Convertible Coupe. This is a revolutionary advance in convertible models with the first use of a power operated folding top. The gearshift lever is placed on the steering column, giving an unobstructed front compartment. A "rain trap" in the cowl ventilator permits opening the ventilator in rainy weather, providing fresh air and minimizing the "fogging" of windows. Headlights are completely recessed in the fenders and a revolutionary new type safety-signal speedometer is available. "Super-finish," hailed as one of the greatest advances in metal finishing, is adopted for many of the friction surfaces in this model. The body is built by Briggs. The engine is L-Head 6 Cylinder, 82 H. P. The steering gear is insulated from the frame with rubber for less vibration, easier handling and absorption of "road shock." A total of 5,976 of the DeLuxe Plymouth Convertible Coupes, with rumble seats, will be produced this year. Cost of this model is $ 895.

2001: A Space Odyssey premiered in 1968 and is considered to be an epic science fiction movie. It was produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick. It is a story of evolution. Sometime in the distant past, someone or something nudged evolution by placing a monolith on Earth (presumably elsewhere throughout the universe as well). Evolution then enabled humankind to reach the moon's surface, where yet another monolith is found, one that signals the monolith placers that humankind has evolved that far. Now a race begins between computers (HAL) who "seems human" and has full control over their spaceship and two astronauts (Dr. Dave Bowman played by Keir Dullea and Dr. Frank Poole played by Gary Lockwood) to reach the monolith placers. The winner will achieve the next step in evolution, whatever that may be.