Mike Valentine: The Visionary Behind V1 Radar Detectors – Automotive Addicts
Automotive
The automotive community lost a legend this week with the passing of Mike Valentine, the creator of the famous Valentine One (V1) radar detector. Valentine, who died at the age of 72, left an indelible impression on the worlds of speed enthusiasts and performance cars. If you’ve spent any time around high-performance vehicles or have a penchant for evading speeding tickets, chances are you’re familiar with the Valentine name.
A Legacy of Innovation From Escort to Valentine One
Valentine’s journey in radar detection began long before the introduction of the V1. Valentine founded Cincinnati Microwave, Inc. in 1974, which later became Escort, another name well known in the radar detection industry. Valentine split with Escort in the early 90s due to different visions of the company’s direction. The Valentine One is a product that redefined radar detection. The V1’s most notable feature was the arrows that showed the direction of radar signals. This made it a game changer for drivers who wanted something more than a simple alert. It gave enthusiasts the upper hand in dodging speed traps, providing valuable information about where the threat was coming from.
Valentine’s commitment to his customers set him apart in the competitive world of radar detection. Users could send back their devices to the factory to be upgraded as technology improved. Valentine One detectors were able to remain effective and reliable over the years. The V1 underwent eight revisions before Valentine unveiled the V1 Gen Two in 2020, continuing his legacy of product innovation even later in his career.
Enduring Impact on the Enthusiast Community
Valentine’s influence on the car community was vast. Many car enthusiasts attribute their interest in radar technology to Valentine’s radar detector. In a post of gratitude on X, a popular industry voice, the Vortex Radar YouTube Channel said, “Your V1 was a big part of why I became interested in radar detectors.” I loved the arrows, the performance, and the fact that you let third-party developers start to create apps and testers like me help contribute and add features I wanted to see too.”
Valentine’s openness to feedback and third-party development helped foster a loyal following among radar detector users, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer who always put his customers first.
A Lasting Legacy
In January 2023, Valentine’s contributions were formally recognized when he received a lifetime achievement award from the University of Cincinnati, his alma mater. Mike Valentine’s legacy in the world of radar detectors remains strong despite his death. The Valentine One is still a trusted partner for those seeking to outwit the law while driving. He is survived by Margaret, his wife with whom he spent 51 years together, and his daughters Martha and Anna. His sudden death, though the cause hasn’t been revealed, marks the end an era for radar detection. His contributions to the automotive industry will not be forgotten. He will be missed. Thank you for saving us so many miles, Mike. Rest in peace.
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