The automotive community lost a legend this week with the passing of Mike Valentine, the creator of the famous Valentine One (V1) radar detector. At the age of 74, Valentine left an indelible mark on the world of performance cars and speed enthusiasts alike. 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.
Valentine’s journey in radar detection began long before the introduction of the V1. In 1974, Valentine co-founded Cincinnati Microwave, Inc., which would go on to produce Escort radar detectors, another well-known name in the industry. However, in the early 1990s, Valentine parted ways with Escort due to differing visions for the company’s future. This split led him to embark on his own path, where he would redefine radar detection with his creation—the Valentine One.
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When the Valentine One was introduced in 1992, it didn’t just enter the market; it revolutionized it. Its standout feature, arrows that indicated the direction of incoming radar signals, was a game-changer for drivers who wanted more than just 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. He allowed users to send their devices back to the factory for upgrades as law enforcement technology evolved. This ensured that Valentine One detectors remained effective, maintaining their status as one of the most reliable tools for evading tickets over the decades. 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.
Valentine’s influence on the car community was vast. Many enthusiasts credit his radar detector as the reason they first became interested in radar detection technology. The Vortex Radar YouTube channel, a popular voice in the industry, expressed their gratitude in a tribute post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Your V1 is a big reason why I got hooked on radar detectors in the first place. 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.
In January 2023, Valentine’s contributions were formally recognized when he received a lifetime achievement award from the University of Cincinnati, his alma mater. Despite his passing, his legacy in the radar detector world remains strong, and the Valentine One continues to be a trusted companion for those who seek to outsmart the law on the open road.
Mike Valentine is survived by his wife, Margaret, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage, and his two daughters, Martha and Anna. While the cause of his passing has not been disclosed, his unexpected death marks the end of an era in the world of radar detection.
As we say goodbye to Mike Valentine, we remember the man whose vision helped countless drivers avoid tickets, and who pushed the limits of radar detection technology for decades. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions to the automotive world will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Mike, and thank you for all the miles you saved us.
