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Not surprisingly, it's been turning heads for more than 40 years as one of the nation's
most recognizable roadside icons.
 The Uniroyal® Giant Tire
was originally created as a Ferris wheel attraction at the
1964/1965 New York World's Fair. The wheel held 96 fairgoers and was powered by a 100-horsepower
motor. More than two million people rode the Giant Tire Ferris wheel during the fair, including
Jacqueline Kennedy and her children, John Jr. and Caroline.
After the 1965 World's Fair festivities ended, the Giant Tire was relocated to a Uniroyal sales
office in Allen Park, Michigan, and has towered alongside I-94 near the Metro Airport ever since. Over
the decades it has become an important symbol of Uniroyal's 111-year heritage and a cultural icon for
the city of Detroit known the world over.
 In 1994, the Giant Tire received a
facelift to give it a sleeker, more modern look. Neon lighting and a new hubcap were added.
 In August of 1998, the Giant Tire was
modified again -- this time to resemble a NailGard® tire. A giant nail was placed in the tread
to demonstrate the product's ability to seal 90% of tread punctures up to 3/16" in diameter.
In 2003, Uniroyal invested close
to $1 million to renovate the Giant Tire as its contribution to Detroit's I-94 corridor revitalization effort. The renovation, which
included structural repairs and an update to the exterior, will ensure that the Giant Tire is enjoyed for many years to come.
Download a fact sheet on the renovation (pdf) or
read more about the Uniroyal® Giant Tire (pdf).
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