The Firestone Legacy
This is the story of how one man helped inspire society and revolutionized transportation forever. To this day, Firestone continues to be a leader and driving force in the tire industry and beyond.
Firestone Heritage
Venturing off the Road
For more than a century, Firestone has helped to fill the needs of society and created ways to make life easier. Take a look at some of the unique contributions that have occurred outside of the tire.
Legendary Speed
Since its inception, Firestone has led a legacy on the racetrack. From using the track as testing grounds, to success at the Indy 500, Firestone is no stranger to victory lane.
Building A Better World
From steering the “Ship by Truck” movement to delivering key supplies during both World Wars, Firestone has played a pivotal role in shaping society. Today, Firestone continues its commitment to excellence through exceptional service and innovation.
Camping with Greatness
Harvey Firestone (left) often went on road trips to test his tires and make auto touring more popular. His trips became highly publicized as he traveled with some of the greatest minds of his time including motorcar creator Henry Ford (middle left), inventor Thomas Edison (middle right), and environmentalist John Burroughs (right).
Enhancing Rural Tradition
In 1934, Firestone supported its rural roots by converting outdated steel tractor wheels to new Firestone pneumatic tires. This served as an incredible benefit to farmers as it made their machines more productive and their ride much smoother.
The Early Days
The smooth tread of early tires made controlling a vehicle very difficult. Firestone soon introduced the Non-Skid tread which overcame the tendency of skidding at higher speeds. In this early Firestone advertisement, the Non-skid tread is promoted as giving the “Most Miles per Dollar”.
Versatility in the Field
A specialty tire, produced by Firestone, enabled a normal car to operate on existing railroad tracks.
Harvey S. Firestone
As a businessman and innovator, Harvey S. Firestone had an aptitude for recognizing the needs of society and bringing products to market that served those needs. Harvey created an industrial empire that crafted and marketed quality rubber products, revolutionizing the transportation industry among others.
Famous Friends
In 1931, Harvey Firestone Sr. (Right) stands with two of his close friends Henry Ford (Left) and Thomas Edison (Middle). These great minds were highly revered, and are still recognized as leaders in innovation, technology, and business.
Tire Changes Made Easy
Firestone created the mechanically fastened sidewire tire, which made changing a tire much easier than outdated “clincher” tires pictured here, which required a crowbar. This patent propelled the company into business and began its reputation of innovation. This technology is reflected in modern tires.
Gum Dipping and Balloon Tires
Pictured here, a group of Firestone engineers pose with gum-dipped balloon tires. The gum-dipping method better insulated tires and resisted heat buildup and ply separation, increasing the life of the tire. This allowed for an industry first – the balloon, or low-pressure tire, which provided more cushion and less shock to a vehicle and its passengers.
Firestone Brings Its Expertise To Other Industries
Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, Firestone explored new retail territory – including clothing, household and recreational items – to become a trusted American name.
Firestone Becomes A Household Name
Innovations came early and often as the tire business continued to grow. This vacuum cleaner was sold in a one-stop retailer, which had expanded to household items during the ‘30s and ‘40s.
Firestone Legendary Air Spring System
The Firestone air spring system was pioneered right after World War II and was an immediate success by providing more comfort and stability for buses and trucks. Today, Firestone Air Springs are sold around the world and are recognized as a leader in the industry.
Firestone From Floor To Ceiling
In the late ‘70s, Firestone introduced a single-ply rubber roofing that became so successful that it was spun off into another division called the Firestone Building Products Company. Millions of square feet of Firestone roofing systems have been installed on commercial facilities worldwide.
Popular One-Stop Shop
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, Firestone transformed its tire dealers into one-stop retailers offering vehicle needs as well as household items. Firestone soon became synonymous with car care and convenience.
A Famous First
Firestone became the first to telecast a commercially sponsored musical program and the first to sponsor a commercial simulcast on AM, FM, television, and short wave radio. These broadcasts further connected the Firestone brand with society.
Firestone Roller Skate, 1937
As a pioneer in marketing, Firestone realized that developing other types of products was about building its brand as much as it was meeting consumer demand. If Firestone could associate its name with something beloved – a roller skate, for instance – then it’s name would be thought of in a positive light.
First Broadcast of Voice of Firestone, 1928
It was the most successful entertainment broadcast of its time, a marketing milestone – and demonstrated that culture and commerce could travel comfortably together.
A Winning Team
Louis Meyer posing for a victory photo with his copilot Lawson Harris shortly after becoming the first ever race driver to win the Indianapolis 500 three times, all on Firestone tires.
Long Standing Tradition
Watch this video clip as racing driver Jim Clark drinks the traditional glass of milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1965, a ritual first started by fellow Firestone tire user Louis Meyer.
A History of Champions
Floyd Roberts preparing for his win at the 1938 Indianapolis 500, where he set a record speed of 117.2 miles per hour using Firestone tires.
On the Winner’s Stand
This video clip shows four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 A.J. Foyt celebrating his win at Indianapolis in 1964, the first of only three racers to ever win four times.
Endorsed by a Legend
This segment of a classic Firestone commercial shows the races that legendary racing driver Mario Andretti has won while using Firestone tires.
Setting Records with Firestone
Racecar driver and future mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, David “Ab” Jenkins poses for a picture one year after setting a land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Racing in the Golden Era
This film outlines Firestone’s involvement in the 1934 Indianapolis 500. Watch how Firestone tires became an integral part of racing and pushed the sport further than ever before.
The Glory Days
Take a glimpse back into one of the most exciting periods of racing history. In this brief documentary, experience what it was like to race the Indianapolis 500 in 1968, featuring Mario Andretti and many other racers using Firestone tires.
Victory Tire Sale
The first Indianapolis 500 winner drove on Firestone tires in 1911 and since then, 62 other winners have taken the checkered flag on Firestone tires. As this clip shows, Firestone brought this racing heritage to the masses through a promotion known as the “Victory Tire Sale." Immediately held following the Indy 500 race, the sale was promoted throughout the country.
Improving American Roads
Harvey S. Firestone was an advocate for improving the state of poor road conditions in the United States. Here he poses for a photograph with Colonel McClure to promote his gift of Firestone tires for military transport vehicles to bring attention to the cause.
Wherever the Wheels are Rolling
In this classic commercial, Firestone advertises the multitude of applications of Firestone rubber products, from airplanes and farm tractors to children’s bicycles.
Leading The “World of Tomorrow”
Firestone made a splash at the 1933 Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago. The Firestone exhibition dazzled audiences with a demonstration of its famous gum-dipping process and delighted them with the Firestone Singing Color Fountain. At the time, the colorful fountain was the only type of installation of its kind in the world.
A Perfect Match
In 1988, Firestone merged with Bridgestone Corporation, a company that shared similar values and tradition of innovative excellence. This merge created what is now the largest tire manufacturer in the world. Pictured here, Firestone Chairman John Nevin and Bridgestone’s Akira Yeiri, greet one another during a welcome party in Tokyo in June 1988, three months after the two companies came together.
The “Ship by Truck” Movement
Firestone led the “Ship by Truck” movement, which bolstered the fledging trucking industry, and ultimately led to a heightened demand for better roads and interstate highway systems.
Global Urge To Merge
In 1983, a Firestone plant in La Vergne, Tennessee was acquired by leading Japanese tire maker, Bridgestone, in hopes of further penetrating the U.S. market. This acquisition ultimately led to the merger of the two companies.
