Few companies can boast a history that goes back more than a century and a half, but that’s the case of the famous tire manufacturer BFGoodrich, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Founded in 1870 by Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich, who of course gave the company its name, the firm was the first in the United States to produce rubber car tires. Later, it was also the first to use synthetic rubber in the creation of its tires. Always at the forefront of innovation, it’s even credited for the invention of the modern golf balls and the first pressurized space suits. For their impact on technology, motor racing and even off-road tyres, you will surely be surprised by BFGoodrich’s inspiring story.
A revolution
Throughout its history, BFGoodrich has more than once revolutionized the world of tires and sometimes even the entire automobile industry. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, the superior quality of their products was already noticed, notably by Henry Ford himself, who fitted his famous Model A with Goodrich tires. It was the use of this model on the first automobile crossing of the United States that propelled the brand to fame.
It must be said that the company was already focused on innovation and relied on the scientific approach to improve the longevity and durability of its tires. In 1909, it once again demonstrated its futuristic vision by entering the world of aeronautics. At the first international air race, for example, the tires on the winner’s plane were Goodrich tires. This was also the case with the famous Spirit of St. Louis, the mythical monoplane flown by Charles Lindbergh on the first Atlantic crossing.
Motorsport too!
In the world of motor sport, Goodrich tires were also an instant success. From their first use in 1914 during the 24 Heures du Mans, they demonstrated their performance and their ability to win. Even today, their appearances on (or off) the track have not ceased to be rewarded, leaving their mark in rallyes and off-road competition for over a century.
After these rather successful publicity stunts, the company no longer had to prove itself. All across North America and even around the world, people appreciated the reliability and durability of Goodrich tires. As early as the 1940s, the company began to build on its technological successes. In 1947, for example, they were the first to market tubeless tires. However, it was the introduction of the radial tire in the United States in 1965 that cemented BFGoodrich’s reputation forever. It was probably this reputation that motivated the giant Michelin to buy the company in the late 1980s.
Since then, the company has continued its impressive track record, remaining at the forefront of technical innovation and championship success in both racing and off-road. These include the six titles won between 2002 and 2007 in the Dakar Rally and the five World Rally Cross titles won consecutively between 2006 and 2011. A bastion of automobile tradition and a big name of the American tire industry, even after 150 years BFGoodrich remains synonymous with victory and technology.
