29th April 2002
Bob Akin, American industrialist and race car driver died. On April 25, 2002, he was gravely injured in a violent crash while testing a powerful 1988 Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo for the Walter Mitty Challenge. His injuries included a broken neck, left leg, left shoulder and right arm, along with third-degree burns over 15 percent of his body. He was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital after the accident. After briefly rallying, the 66 year old succumbed due to complications from his injuries on April 29, 2002.
29th April 2004
Oldsmobile shut shops after producing cars for 107 years, Bravada SUV being its last model. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, When it was shut, Oldsmobile was the oldest surviving American automobile marque, and third oldest in the world, after Diamler and Peugeot.
The final 500 cars that came out of assembly line were Aleros, Auroras, Bravadas and Intrigues, which received special Oldsmobile heritage emblems and markings which signified 'Final 500'. All featured a unique Dark Cherry Metallic paint scheme. Auroras and Intrigues would be accompanied by special Final 500 literature.
The last car built was an Alero GLS 4-door sedan, which was signed by all of the Olds assembly line workers. It is on display at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing, Michigan.
Source:
Darkhorse Racing
NY Times
Wikipedia