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Classic American Cars
Book by Nichols,Richard
126 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 4, 2017
The automobile has been part of daily life for more than a century. When Henry Ford started producing cars, his dream was that everyone could and should own one. His partner, Henry Leland had another vision. That vision was that a quality car would and should command top dollar. With these two fundamental differences, the two Henrys parted company.
In 1908, Ford’s Model T sold for $850, making it a feasible purchase for many Americans. Each year, with improvements in production, the Model T continued to go down in price and still giving Ford Motor Company an acceptable profit. In 1923, the car reached its bottom line at $360. Henry Ford’s dream was a reality, mobility for the masses.
Henry Leland founded the companies that would produce the Cadillac and the Lincoln. Both cars were (and still are) known for quality and luxury, at a cost. History proved both Henrys right and their legacy is what forms the backbone of the American car industry.
This book takes the reader on a tour through history. This is accompanied with photographs of beautiful automobiles of the past. It exposes a cut throat industry that saw many successes eventually fall into complete failure. On this magical mystery tour you meet the Model T, Stutz, Mercer Raceabout, Packard, Auburn Speedster, Duesenberg SJ, 32 Ford, Cord 810, Buick Y-Job, Lincoln, Kaiser-Darrin, Mercury, Corvette, 57 Chevy, Edsel, Thunderbird, Eldorado, Studebaker, GTO, Mustang, Shelby, and the Superbird.
You are taken from the bare bones of mobility, where headlights and windshields are extras, to luxury cars, fit for royalty, and the stars of the Silver Screen. Through the Great Depression and two World Wars, to a time when bigger is better and speed is the king. These aren’t just mechanical wonders; they are true works of art. The photographs alone are well worth the price. I know this book is a must have for car enthusiasts.
In 1908, Ford’s Model T sold for $850, making it a feasible purchase for many Americans. Each year, with improvements in production, the Model T continued to go down in price and still giving Ford Motor Company an acceptable profit. In 1923, the car reached its bottom line at $360. Henry Ford’s dream was a reality, mobility for the masses.
Henry Leland founded the companies that would produce the Cadillac and the Lincoln. Both cars were (and still are) known for quality and luxury, at a cost. History proved both Henrys right and their legacy is what forms the backbone of the American car industry.
This book takes the reader on a tour through history. This is accompanied with photographs of beautiful automobiles of the past. It exposes a cut throat industry that saw many successes eventually fall into complete failure. On this magical mystery tour you meet the Model T, Stutz, Mercer Raceabout, Packard, Auburn Speedster, Duesenberg SJ, 32 Ford, Cord 810, Buick Y-Job, Lincoln, Kaiser-Darrin, Mercury, Corvette, 57 Chevy, Edsel, Thunderbird, Eldorado, Studebaker, GTO, Mustang, Shelby, and the Superbird.
You are taken from the bare bones of mobility, where headlights and windshields are extras, to luxury cars, fit for royalty, and the stars of the Silver Screen. Through the Great Depression and two World Wars, to a time when bigger is better and speed is the king. These aren’t just mechanical wonders; they are true works of art. The photographs alone are well worth the price. I know this book is a must have for car enthusiasts.
August 3, 2016
I am one of those folks who think an automobile is just a way to get from one place to the other. So, it was nice to get this book and actually see the history of the car and how the consumption of this transporter has changed our society.
Thankfully, the author has chosen to start the trek chronologically, so the reader can see the first autos and their association with each era. There are photographs galore along with the original advertisements, which is rather cool. The cars from the 1960s are incredibly righteous, they seemed to emulate the dress and fashion of that era with the Mustang and the GTO.
This was a really neat surprise and once again taught me to stray where I know little and hope the author and publisher know what they're doing. They certainly do.
Book Season = Year Round
Thankfully, the author has chosen to start the trek chronologically, so the reader can see the first autos and their association with each era. There are photographs galore along with the original advertisements, which is rather cool. The cars from the 1960s are incredibly righteous, they seemed to emulate the dress and fashion of that era with the Mustang and the GTO.
This was a really neat surprise and once again taught me to stray where I know little and hope the author and publisher know what they're doing. They certainly do.
Book Season = Year Round
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews