April 12

Born in 1910, Sydney Allard rose to prominence as a racing driver in the UK. He competed in hill climbs and sports car events, earning acclaim for his driving skill. In 1945, he founded the Allard Motor Company, creating innovative performance cars that paired American V8 engines with British chassis. Models like the Allard J2 achieved success in international competitions and influenced postwar sports car design. Under his leadership, Allard produced vehicles praised for their power and handling. Allard continued racing into the 1950s and remained active in motorsports throughout his life. His dual legacy as both a driver and automotive entrepreneur cements his place in motoring history.

Born in 1899 in Hombruch, Germany, Heinrich Nordhoff studied engineering and began his career at Ford and Opel. In 1948, he became Managing Director of Volkswagen, tasked with rebuilding the company after WWII. Under his leadership, the Volkswagen Beetle evolved into a global bestseller, and production soared. Nordhoff emphasized quality, affordability, and international expansion, opening plants in South Africa, Australia, and Mexico. He guided VW to become one of the world's largest automakers by the late 1960s. Nordhoff's management style combined technical expertise with marketing innovation, forging a strong dealer network and consumer loyalty. He remained at the helm until his death in 1968, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

Born in 1894 in Chicago, Illinois, Philip Knight Wrigley inherited the Wrigley chewing gum empire from his father. He served as president of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company from 1932 and modernized production and marketing. A passionate sportsman, he purchased the Chicago Cubs in 1932 and owned the team until his death. In 1937, he co-founded the Lincoln Park Gun Club to promote recreational shooting. Wrigley also championed community initiatives and philanthropic efforts in Chicago. His tenure at both the gum company and the baseball franchise showcased his diverse interests. He died in 1977, leaving a lasting mark on American business and sports.

Born in 1911, Ilario Bandini began his racing career in the 1930s and soon turned to building his own vehicles. In 1946, he established Bandini Automobili in Parma, producing lightweight sports cars powered by Fiat engines. His handcrafted models achieved success in events like the Mille Miglia and European hill climbs. Bandini's innovative engineering and artisanal approach influenced small-scale sports car production across Italy. He balanced his roles as driver and manufacturer until retiring from competition, leaving a lasting mark on automotive history.

Jerry Zucker (1949–2008) was a businessman of Israeli origin who co-founded the InterTech Group, building a global portfolio in industries ranging from aerospace to construction. Under his leadership, companies such as Great Lakes Dredge & Dock and Gulfstream Aerospace flourished. Beyond business, he was a generous philanthropist, funding educational institutions, medical research, and cultural initiatives both in the United States and Israel. He served on multiple university boards and received honors for his civic contributions. His legacy endures in the enterprises he built and the charitable foundations he supported.