Origins of REO Speedwagon Band Name 

Neal Doughty the founding member was studying at the University of Illinios in Champaigne, Il. Neal walked into the class room and his professor had written "REO SPEEDWAGON" on the black board. they were learning about the truck that was invented by Ransom Eli Olds. The first REO automobile was introduced in 1904. Trucks and fire engines followed. The band had just formed in 1966 and was looking for a name. Neal saw that written on the black board and as they say, "The Rest Is History"

KEVIN said they were named after a fire truck