History of the Big Nail and Giant Tire
For nearly a half century, visitors and locals driving into Detroit, Michigan, from the Metro Airport have been welcomed by one of Motor City's most recognized symbols: the 80-foot-tall Uniroyal® tire. First created as a Ferris wheel attraction for the 1964/1965 New York's World's Fair, the landmark's appearance has evolved to reflect over 40 years worth of changes in tire technology and style, as well as an important symbol of Uniroyal's long heritage in the metro-Detroit area
- The Giant Tire has towered alongside Interstate 94 since 1965.
- In 1998, to demonstrate how their NailGard® self-sealing passenger tire worked, Uniroyal placed an 11-foot high, 500-pound nail into the tread of the Giant Tire.
- In the fall of 2003, as part of a $1,000,000 renovation to the 80-foot tire, Michelin, Uniroyal's parent company, donated the Big Nail to the city of Allen Park, Michigan.
- The City of Allen Park put the Big Nail up for auction on eBay, and a short time later, Ralph Roberts of Ralph Roberts Realty placed the winning bid of $3,000, which ultimately helped the Allen Park Historical Society's programs and facilities.
- Today, the Big Nail is provided as a public service of Ralph Roberts Realty for the benefit of the Warren/metro-Detroit community and its charitable organizations.
The Giant Tire
The Giant Tire remains an important cultural icon for the city of Detroit. As the major landmark on the I-94 corridor, the Tire is one of the first sights visitors see when coming into the city.
Uniroyal's Giant Tire was originally created by the U.S. Rubber company (now Uniroyal Tire) as a Ferris wheel attraction for the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair, where more than two million fairgoers rode the tire, including Jacqueline Kennedy and her children. When the World's Fair ended in 1965, the company decided to set up the tire at its Allen Park, Michigan, sales office. The Ferris wheel was taken apart in 188 sections and transported by train to Detroit. Since then, the tire has become one of the nation's most recognizable roadside icons and is featured in items ranging from maps and artwork to town Christmas ornaments.
Booking the Big Nail
If you would like to inquire about booking the Big Nail for your next charity or community event, please click here or call 586-751-0000.