🚗 Discover the untold story of Augusts Krastiņš — the Latvian-born genius who challenged Henry Ford with his revolutionary 1902 KRASTIN automobile! In this episode:
✅ How Krastiņš built America’s first patented car with innovations like self-cleaning spark plugs, a steering-mounted gearshift, and a groundbreaking carburetor.
✅ The rise and fall of his $200K-funded company (outpacing Ford’s early investments) and the tragic fire that ended his legacy.
✅ Exclusive details about the 1903 KRASTIN car — the only surviving model, now a crown jewel of Riga Motor Museum’s collection, winner of the "Most Elegant Car" at London’s historic 2016 Bonhams rally.

Timestamps:
00:00  Intro – From Crazy Idea to Everyday Cars  
01:00  Pioneer Spotlight: Augusts Krastens  
02:00  From Latvia to Cleveland – Early Career & First DIY Car  
03:00  Founding the Krastens Automobile Co.  
04:00  Big Funding & Breakthrough Patents  
05:00  Innovations: Self-Cleaning Spark Plugs, Wheel-Shift & More  
06:00  The 1903 Cren Car – Design & Technical Specs  
07:00  Disaster Strikes: 1904 Factory Fire  
08:00  Reinvention – Life & Inventions After Cars  
09:00  Krastens’ Place in Automotive History  
10:00  Riga’s Industrial Roots & Motor Museum Connection  
11:00  Krastens vs. Carl Benz – Different Paths, Same Era  
12:00  The Cren Car’s Journey Home & London-to-Brighton Award  
13:00  Why Preserving Vintage Cars Matters  
14:00  Key Takeaways of Riga Motor Museum

 
🎧 A must-listen for car history buffs, Latvian heritage enthusiasts, and fans of forgotten engineering geniuses!

See you in the next episode about Riga Motor Museum!