It turns out that the Cadillac motor company was first set up to build a car produced by one H Ford.  When he didn't produce, Ford even got a second chance...

Finally, the company fired him - again - and ultimately began producing fine autos.  On this day in 1909, the Buik company bought Cadillac on behalf of General Motors. 

Interestingly enough, Leland, the fellow who ran Cadillac and stayed on with GM, later had a falling out and ended up at Ford, establishing the Lincoln line...