Driverless Car Appeared Here in 1937

In August 1937 a Safety Parade was held in downtown Brevard.  The feature attraction was a driverless car.  The “magic” car was actually piloted by remote control by Capt. J.J. Lynch, who was riding in a second car several feet behind.

Close inspection of this photograph shows Capt. Lynch with a remote control in the second car.
A line runs from the control to the driverless car leading the parade.

The driverless car followed all traffic laws, made left and right turns and U-turns, while driving through the downtown area.  The car also sounded its horn when necessary for safety. Local businesses and organizations entered vehicles and floats decorated with safety banners in the parade.  The state highway motorcycle patrolmen, the Brevard Fire Department and Brevard Boy Scouts participated as well.

Participants lined up west of City Hall on Main St., proceeded to the Courthouse, turned right onto Broad St. and left onto Jordan St. as they circled the block.  They then returned down Main St., passed the Courthouse to City Hall.

At the end of the parade was a wrecker pulling a smashed car and an ambulance.  The main object of the parade was to show that the automobile itself is safe when properly handled.   Safe driving and traffic rules were stressed.

While a driverless car may not seem extraordinary in today’s high-tech world, the remote controlled car travelling through the streets of town in 1937 drew a large crowd.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.