THE FIRST WORD

Bibendum
Michelin, for one, produced a series of cards starring Bibendum (the stacked-tire figure better known as the Michelin man) in a number of countries.

Bibendum was supposedly inspired by a stack of Michelin tires at an 1894 trade show in Lyon, although he didn't take form until he was featured in an advertising poster in 1898, which bore the Latin motto "Nunc est bibendum" ("It's time to drink"). Michelin tires were supposed to "drink up obstacles." Early versions of the Michelin man wore a pince-nez and smoked a cigar, too.