Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Freddy 944
I learned a long time ago that Lucas was a businessman that knew if he developed a wiring system that would "break" down, he could scoop up some coinage.  |
I understand the entertainment value of poking fun at Lucas, but it turns out Joseph Lucas was a very interesting fellow;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Industries
QUOTE:
"In the 1850s, Joseph Lucas, a jobless father of six, sold paraffin oil from a barrow cart around the streets of Hockley. In 1860, he founded the firm that would become Lucas Industries. His 17 year-old son Harry joined the firm around 1872. At first it made general pressed metal merchandise, including plant pot holders, scoops and buckets, and later in 1875 lamps for ships.
Harry Lucas designed a hub lamp for use in a high bicycle in 1879 and named the oil lamp "King of the Road". This name would come to be associated with the manufactured products of Lucas Companies.
In 1902, what had by then become Joseph Lucas Ltd, incorporated in 1898, started making automotive electrical components such as magnetos, alternators, windscreen wipers, horns, lighting, wiring and starter motors. The company started its main growth in 1914 with a contract to supply Morris Motors Limited with electrical equipment. During the First World War Lucas made shells and fuses, as well as electrical equipment for military vehicles. Up until the early 1970s, Lucas was the principal supplier to British manufacturers (such as BSA, Norton and Triumph) of magnetos, dynamos, alternators, switches and other electrical components."
Quite an amazing guy to rise to founder of a major corporation, from of selling paraffin from a hand cart!