History of Lee Iacocca in Timeline

Lee Iacocca was a prominent American automobile executive renowned for his contributions to the Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation. At Ford, he played a pivotal role in developing iconic cars like the Mustang, Continental Mark III, and Pinto. Later, as CEO of Chrysler, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround of the struggling company in the 1980s. His leadership spanned both Ford and Chrysler, making him a rare figure in the American automotive industry.

October 15, 1924: Lido Anthony Iacocca is born

On October 15, 1924, Lido Anthony "Lee" Iacocca was born. He would go on to become a prominent figure in the American automobile industry.

1942: Iacocca graduates from Allentown High School

In 1942, Lee Iacocca graduated with honors from Allentown High School, marking the beginning of his academic journey.

August 1946: Iacocca embarks on his career at Ford

Lee Iacocca's journey in the automobile industry began in August 1946 when he joined Ford Motor Company.

1946: Iacocca Earns Master's Degree from Princeton

Furthering his education, Lee Iacocca earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Princeton University in 1946.

September 29, 1956: Marriage to Mary McCleary

Iacocca married Mary McCleary on September 29, 1956.

1956: Iacocca's Innovative "56 for '56" Campaign

In 1956, Lee Iacocca launched his groundbreaking "56 for '56" campaign, a significant milestone that propelled his rise in the industry.

November 10, 1960: Iacocca's Ascent at Ford

Lee Iacocca's career at Ford reached new heights on November 10, 1960, when he was appointed vice-president and general manager of the Ford Division.

January 1965: Iacocca's Rise at Ford Continues

In January 1965, Lee Iacocca's responsibilities at Ford expanded as he was named vice-president of the car and truck group.

1967: Iacocca Appointed Executive Vice-President at Ford

Lee Iacocca's ascent at Ford continued in 1967 when he was appointed executive vice-president.

1968: Iacocca's Vision for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

In 1968, Lee Iacocca demonstrated his foresight by recognizing the need for fuel-efficient vehicles in the American market and proposed the development of the Ford Pinto.

December 10, 1970: Iacocca Becomes President of Ford Motor Company

On December 10, 1970, Lee Iacocca's career at Ford culminated in his appointment as president of the company.

1971: The Ford Pinto Enters Production

Lee Iacocca's vision for a fuel-efficient car came to fruition in 1971 with the Ford Pinto entering production.

1977: Allegations of Safety Issues with the Ford Pinto

Concerns about the safety of the Ford Pinto arose in 1977, with allegations that its design made it susceptible to fuel tank punctures and fires in rear-end collisions.

July 13, 1978: Iacocca's Dismissal from Ford

Despite the company's profitability, Lee Iacocca's time at Ford came to an abrupt end on July 13, 1978, when he was fired.

1978: Ford Pinto Recall

In 1978, Ford issued a recall for all 1971–76 Pintos to address safety concerns, a decision that had significant financial and reputational implications.

1978: Iacocca takes the helm at Chrysler

In 1978, Lee Iacocca became the president of Chrysler, marking the beginning of his endeavor to revive the struggling automaker.

September 17, 1979: Chrysler Seeks Government Loan Guarantee

On September 17, 1979, Chrysler, facing dire financial straits, appealed to the United States Congress for a loan guarantee to avoid bankruptcy.

1979: Iacocca becomes chairman and CEO of Chrysler

Lee Iacocca's leadership at Chrysler expanded in 1979 as he assumed the roles of chairman and CEO, solidifying his control over the company's revival efforts.

1980: The 1980–1982 Recession Impacts the Auto Industry

The American auto industry, including Chrysler, faced significant challenges during the major recession from 1980 to 1982.

1981: Chrysler Introduces the K-Car Line

In 1981, Chrysler launched the K-Car line, featuring the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. These compact, fuel-efficient cars proved popular during the recession.

May 1982: Appointment to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation

In May 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed Iacocca to head the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, which was created to raise funds for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and the renovation of Ellis Island. Iacocca continued to serve on the board of the foundation until his death.

1982: End of the 1980–1982 Recession

The major recession of 1980-1982 came to an end in 1982, bringing relief and opportunities for the automobile industry.

May 15, 1983: Death of Mary Iacocca

Mary Iacocca died from type 1 diabetes on May 15, 1983.

1983: Chrysler Introduces the Minivan

Chrysler revolutionized the automotive market in late 1983 with the introduction of the minivan, a vehicle that would dominate sales for years to come.

1983: The Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager Debut

Under Iacocca's leadership, Chrysler released the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1983. The minivan became a resounding success.

1984: Iacocca Publishes His Autobiography

Lee Iacocca's autobiography, "Iacocca: An Autobiography," co-authored with William Novak, was released in 1984 and became an instant bestseller, solidifying his public image.

1985: Iacocca Receives the S. Roger Horchow Award

In 1985, Lee Iacocca was honored with the prestigious S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen. This award, presented by Jefferson Awards, recognized Iacocca's significant contributions to society.

1985: Iacocca's Rise to Fame

Lee Iacocca's successful turnaround of Chrysler in the early 1980s propelled him to celebrity status. In 1985, his appearances on shows like "Good Morning America" and "Late Night With David Letterman," along with his role in "Miami Vice," solidified his presence in popular culture.

1985: Iacocca's Autobiography Remains a Bestseller

The success of "Iacocca: An Autobiography" continued into 1985, remaining a top-selling non-fiction book and further cementing Lee Iacocca's status as a cultural figure.

April 17, 1986: Second Marriage to Peggy Johnson

Iacocca's second marriage was to Peggy Johnson. They married on April 17, 1986.

May 9, 1986: Guest Appearance on "Miami Vice"

Iacocca played Park Commissioner Lido in "Sons and Lovers", the 44th episode of Miami Vice, which premiered on May 9, 1986.

1987: Chrysler Acquires AMC

In 1987, Chrysler, under Lee Iacocca's leadership, acquired American Motors Corporation (AMC), gaining the profitable Jeep division.

1987: Annulment of Second Marriage

In 1987, after nineteen months, Iacocca had his marriage to Peggy Johnson annulled.

1988: Consideration of Presidential Run

Iacocca considered running for president in 1988 and was in the planning stages of a campaign before ultimately being talked out of it by his friend Tip O'Neill.

1988: Iacocca Co-Authors "Talking Straight"

In 1988, Lee Iacocca, in collaboration with Sonny Kleinfeld, published "Talking Straight," a book that emphasized American innovation and served as a counterpoint to narratives praising Japanese work culture.

1988: Iacocca as Inspiration

In a 1988 episode of the sitcom "Full House," Joey Gladstone, played by Dave Coulier, puts up a poster of Lee Iacocca as inspiration after deciding to quit comedy. This cameo highlighted Iacocca's status as a symbol of resilience and success in the late 1980s.

1991: Third Marriage to Darrien Earle

Iacocca married for the third time in 1991 to Darrien Earle.

1991: Iacocca steps down as president of Chrysler

In 1991, Lee Iacocca stepped down from his role as president of Chrysler but remained chairman and CEO.

1991: Declining Appointment to the U.S. Senate

Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey discussed with Iacocca an appointment to the U.S. Senate in 1991 after the death of Senator John Heinz, but Iacocca declined.

1992: Iacocca retires from Chrysler

After leading Chrysler through a period of significant transformation, Lee Iacocca retired from the company in 1992.

1992: Jeep Grand Cherokee Released

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, a project initiated under AMC, was finally launched in 1992, showcasing the long-term impact of the acquisition.

1993: Iacocca's Influence on Advertising

By 1993, Iacocca's impact on advertising was undeniable. His successful stint as Chrysler's pitchman led other companies to feature their executives in marketing campaigns, as seen with Dave Thomas and Wendy's. Ironically, even rival automaker Ford used an Iacocca-like figure in their ad campaign for the Mercury Villager minivan.

1993: Founding of Olivio Premium Products

Iacocca founded Olivio Premium Products in 1993. The company's signature product was an olive oil-based margarine product, and Iacocca appeared in commercials for Olivio.

1993: Venture into the Gaming Industry

Iacocca joined the board of MGM Grand, led by his friend Kirk Kerkorian, in 1993. He started a merchant bank to fund ventures in the gaming industry.

1993: Iacocca's Legacy Continues

The release of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 1993, after Iacocca's retirement, highlighted the lasting influence of his decisions on Chrysler's product lineup.

1994: Investment in Branson, Missouri

In 1994, Iacocca partnered with producer Pierre Cossette to bring a production of "The Will Rogers Follies" to Branson, Missouri. He also invested in Branson Hills, a 1,400-acre housing development.

1995: Joining the Board of Koo Koo Roo

Iacocca joined the board of restaurant chain Koo Koo Roo in 1995.

1995: Investment in Full House Resorts

In 1995, Iacocca sold his interests in several Indian gaming projects to Full House Resorts, a casino operator, becoming a major shareholder and later a member of the board of directors.

1995: Iacocca's Involvement in Attempted Chrysler Takeover

Lee Iacocca's connection to Chrysler continued after his retirement. In 1995, he played a role in billionaire Kirk Kerkorian's unsuccessful attempt to take over the company.

1997: Founding of Iacocca Electric Bikes

In 1997, Iacocca founded Iacocca, a company formed to develop and market electric bikes. They produced E-Bike SX, which became popular in the US.

1998: Leading Koo Koo Roo through a Merger

In 1998, Iacocca became acting chairman of the troubled Koo Koo Roo and led it through a merger with Family Restaurants.

1999: Stepping Down from the Board of the Merged Company

Iacocca sat on the board of the merged company (Koo Koo Roo and Family Restaurants) until stepping down in 1999.

1999: Leading EV Global Motors

In 1999, Iacocca became the head of EV Global Motors.

2000: Endorsement of George W. Bush

Iacocca supported the Republican Party candidate George W. Bush in the 2000 U.S. presidential election.

2000: Founding of Olivio Premium Products for Diabetes Research

In 2000, Iacocca founded Olivio Premium Products, which manufactures food products made from olive oil. He donated all profits from the company to type 1 diabetes research.

2002: Advocacy for "Nourish the Children"

Iacocca became an advocate of "Nourish the Children", an initiative of Nu Skin Enterprises, since its inception in 2002, and served as its chairman. He helped donate a generator for the Malawi VitaMeal plant.

2004: Endorsement of John Kerry

Iacocca endorsed Bush's Democratic Party opponent, John Kerry, in the 2004 U.S. presidential election.

2004: Launch of the "Join Lee Now" Campaign

Iacocca launched "Join Lee Now", a national grassroots campaign, in 2004 to bring Faustman's research to human clinical trials in 2006.

July 2005: Iacocca Returns as Chrysler Pitchman

Lee Iacocca's return to the spotlight in July 2005 as Chrysler's pitchman, alongside celebrities, underscored his enduring connection with the company.

December 31, 2005: Iacocca's Philanthropic Support for Diabetes Research

Lee Iacocca's agreement with DaimlerChrysler to donate a portion of his fees and $1 per vehicle sold until December 31, 2005, demonstrated his commitment to supporting type 1 diabetes research through the Iacocca Foundation.

2006: Target Date for Faustman's Research Clinical Trials

Iacocca aimed to bring Faustman's research to human clinical trials in 2006 through his "Join Lee Now" campaign.

2006: Endorsement of Dick DeVos

In the 2006 Michigan gubernatorial election, Iacocca appeared in televised political ads endorsing Republican candidate Dick DeVos, who lost.

April 17, 2007: Publication of "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?"

On April 17, 2007, Simon & Schuster published Iacocca's book, "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?", co-written with Catherine Whitney.

December 3, 2007: Launch of Website for Societal Dialogue

On December 3, 2007, Iacocca launched a website to encourage open dialogue about the challenges of contemporary society. He introduced topics such as health care costs and the United States' lag in developing alternative energy sources and hybrid vehicles. The site also promotes his book "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?".

2007: Disclosure of Potential Presidential Run

In his 2007 book, "Where Have All the Leaders Gone?", Iacocca described how he considered running for president in 1988.

2008: Endorsement of Bill Richardson

Iacocca endorsed New Mexico governor Bill Richardson for President in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

April 2009: Iacocca Reflects on Chrysler's Situation

In an interview in April 2009, Lee Iacocca shared his insights and opinions on Chrysler's current state, offering a glimpse into his perspective on the company he helped revive.

2009: Iacocca in Popular Culture

Even decades later, Iacocca's influence continued. The 2009 film "Watchmen," set in an alternate 1985, featured a controversial scene depicting Iacocca's assassination. This cemented his status as a cultural icon of the 1980s.

2012: Endorsement of Mitt Romney

Iacocca endorsed Mitt Romney for president in the 2012 U.S. presidential election.

July 2, 2019: Lee Iacocca passes away

On July 2, 2019, Lee Iacocca, renowned American automobile executive, passed away.

July 10, 2019: Funeral of Lee Iacocca

His funeral mass was held on July 10, 2019, at St. Hugo of the Hills Roman Catholic Church and he was buried at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.

2019: Iacocca on the Silver Screen

In 2019, shortly after Iacocca's passing, the film "Ford v Ferrari" was released, featuring Jon Bernthal as Iacocca. The film, a dramatization of the Ford GT40 program in the 1960s, solidified Iacocca's lasting impact on both the automotive industry and popular culture.