GM’s one hundred millionth car built. Photos from www.curbsideclassic.com

We happened to catch a tweet this morning concerning the one hundred millionth GM car built in the US, and the date that the happy occurrence took place. In searching for the details of this historic event, we discovered a small mystery about the millionth car in an article published by www.curbsideclassic.com.

The article referenced a Chevrolet Caprice two-door hardtop made on April 21, 1967 as the hundred millionth GM car built. Which is true, and noteworthy because today is the 21st of April, which makes today the anniversary of this historic event. The article also pointed out that an Oldsmobile Toronado built on March 16 of 1966 was the one hundred millionth GM car built –  which was also true – leading to some confusion and a small mystery.

GM’s other one hundred millionth car built.

Enter the crew of Mystery Incorporated to solve this less-than-elaborate hoax about the mystery machine and get down to the bottom of this debacle.

On March 16, 1966, the GM crew celebrated an Oldsmobile Toronado (Style code #9487) hardtop coupe as the 100 millionth GM car built in North America (this includes Canadian built vehicles). This feet was incredible on its own right, but the innovative Toronado was also Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” for 1966. There were 6,333 of the Toronado hardtop coupes with style code #9487 built for that model year.

The confusion came a year later when the 100 millionth US built General Motors car was celebrated on April 21, 1967 when a Chevrolet Caprice Custom Coupe two-door hardtop rolled off the assembly line at the plant in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Both cars represent the 100 millionth GM car built in their respective locations. End of story.