Did you know that 42% of Americans have given their cars a name? Whether you're nodding along or rolling your eyes, it's true! In fact, this quirky tradition even has its own holiday — National Name Your Car Day, celebrated on October 2. It’s a day that honors the special bond between drivers and their beloved rides.
There are even Lehigh alumni who named some of the most iconic cars of their era. Below are a few of them.
James Ward Packard 1884, co-founder of the Packard Motor Car Company, donated his personal automobile, a 1899 Ohio Model A that he lovingly dubbed “Old Number One.” You can see it in Lehigh’s Packard Laboratory, home to Lehigh's mechanical engineering department. Packard donated the car in the early 20th century as a symbol of his connection to the university and his commitment to advancing engineering education.
Alfred R. Glancy 1903, general manager of the Oakland Motor Company of Pontiac, Michigan, christened the first Pontiac in 1926. The true story of its naming is lost to history, but lore says Glancy either named it for Chief Pontiac, leader of a powerful mid-eighteenth century Indian federation — or because, when he first arrived at the plant, he saw designs for the car hanging on the wall and someone had written “Pontiac” across them. Fun fact: Glancy was great friends with Edsel Ford, for whom the Edsel was named!
Lee Iacocca ‘45 began his career at Ford Motor Company, where he played a key role in the development of one of the most iconic cars of all time — the Ford Mustang. He understood that the Mustang needed a name that would evoke power and adventure, drawing inspiration from the spirit of the American frontier. The name was a perfect fit for the sleek sports car, which became an instant classic upon its release in 1964.
Later, as CEO of Chrysler, Iacocca famously spearheaded the launch of the Chrysler K-cars, compact vehicles that helped pull the company out of financial ruin. Under his leadership, the company also introduced the Dodge Caravan, the first modern minivan, which revolutionized family transportation in America.
Naming cars may seem like a quirky pastime, but as these stories show, it’s a tradition deeply intertwined with the history of American automotive innovation — and Lehigh alumni have left their mark on some of the most iconic vehicles ever created. Whether we name our cars out of affection or for fun, it’s clear that these machines often become more than just transportation — they become companions on the road of life. So, the next time you hop behind the wheel, consider giving your car a name, and join in the tradition that honors the connection between drivers and their rides.
