We're beginning the new year by celebrating the moments that defined automotive history, one day at a time. Today, we present the first Day in Automotive History.

The chain of succession in the automotive industry is rarely tied to nepotistic connections, but if you worked at the Ford Motor Company in the early 20th century, it didn't hurt to be part of the family.

That's what happened 86 years ago today, when Edsel Ford succeeded his father, Henry, as company president.

Edsel's name would go on to become synonymous with product flops, despite the fact that his own son, Henry II, was already head honcho at the time.

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