On October 13, 1983, Illinois Bell (later Ameritech) in Chicago hosted a unique car race to test the first-ever cellular telephone in real-world conditions (nicknamed “The Great Cellular Race”). The race involved 14 cars equipped with new cellular phones, which were groundbreaking technology at the time. The goal was to demonstrate the reliability and practicality of cellular communication while showcasing its potential for future use in cars. The race's winner would be determined not just by speed, but by how effectively the drivers could use the new cellular phones during the race. The race was won by Elmhurst insurance agent, David Meilahn who made the first ever commercial call to his wife. In 1997, he donated this original mobile phone to the Museum. The race was a significant moment in both the history of telecommunications and the auto industry, as it marked the early integration of mobile communication into everyday life, setting the stage for the widespread use of cellular phones in cars.