His pioneering achievements in the automotive industry included taking one of the first long-distance journeys in America by car and developing one of the first commercial diesel engines.

[2] This business was sold to General Motors in 1930 and became the Cleveland Diesel Engine Division.

In July 1897 Winton embarked on one of the first long-distance journeys by car in America, traveling from Cleveland to New York City over the course of nine days.

The purpose of the journey was twofold: Winton wanted to prove the reliability of his automobile, and he also sought to entice investors and enhance publicity.

On March 4, 1898, Winton sold a car to Robert Allison of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, for approximately $1000.

[5] Also in 1898, Henry Ford was recommended by Winton's chief engineer for a position in the company.

[6] Three years later, in 1901, Henry Ford defeated him at a race at Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

When he started manufacturing cars, he wanted to ship them directly to customers without putting mileage on them.

[8] The Winton Motor Carriage Company grew rapidly after the turn of the 20th century.

By 1930 the company was sold to General Motors, and was renamed Cleveland Diesel Engine Division.

[10] Winton was a prolific inventor, with over 100 patents in the fields of motor cars and engines.

It suffered mechanical difficulties and did not complete the race, although after being brought back to the United States Barney Oldfield drove it to a near-record 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) at Daytona.