This Day in Auto History:

5.7.1917 Samuel L. Smith, principal financial backer of the Olds Motor Works, dies at age 86 5.7.1939 The Mercedes-Benz W165 makes its racing debut, with Hermann Lang and Rudolf Caracciola taking the top two places in the Tripoli Grand Prix 5.7.1952 Racer Stanley Dickens is born in Farila, Sweden 5.7.1968 Racer Mike Spence is killed at age 31 when his Lotus crashes during a practice run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Source: Automobile History Day By Day, by Douglas A. Wick