Automobilia

From the end of the Second World War through the 1950s, Detroit automakers built cars that dramatically captured the whimsical and optimistic feeling of the day. Brilliant chrome details-from flamboyant fins to embellished fenders to outrageous grilles-quickly became the calling card of American postwar automotive design. This book reveals the beauty, glamor, and charm of the 1950s American cars.

In 1934 car design altered radically Beginning with the 14 Chrysler Airflow, the automobile developed from a functional means of transportation to a symbol of advanced design, an arbiter of taste. The face of the car became the focus of the new style and originality: people began to recognize and differentiate cars primarily by their grilles. As automobile manufacturers observed this interest, they responded appropriately and called upon specialized, non-factory designers to display their virtuoso talents in this area. This in turn inspired the market, as the public awaited and discussed each design innovation: it was also an opportunity for participation by the public as custom grilles began to make their appearance. Through the '30s and '40s and into the '50s, grilles became each new year's new face of the automobile industry. Eventually, however, ecological and economic considerations began to take precedence: by the end of the '50s the designs of cars had progressed from individualized back to uniform. And their faces became one. Over a period of two years we selected and photographed hundreds of car grilles while traveling intermittently throughout the United States. At first we sought out car shows and auctions: soon collectors began to come to us to ask if we would take personal portraits of their cars. We couldn't use every car we photographed. Here are the 101 best.

Part of a series of price guides on 20th century antiques written by experts from the world famous auction house, Phillips. They are published in a pocket-size format, designed to be convenient for use on buying trips.

Bob Lee (ISBN 10 – 0963822004) Hardcover 175 pages Out of Print. New old stock.

Antique gas pumps are enjoying increasing popularity among gas and oil memorabilia collectors. Here Benjamin and Henderson offer today's collectors tips on how to collect pumps and where to find them, plus authenticity information and details on restoring and displaying them. Directory listings include a brief history of each known manufacturer, plus a listing of models produced, dates, rarity ratings and price ranges.

Gas Pump Globes includes a history of US gas pump globes from the 1920s through the 1950s, descriptions of the various styles of globes, tips on how to get involved as a collector, plus descriptions of reproduction globes. Lists over 3,000 globes.

Once upon a time, before all cars began to resemble each other, every model had distinguishing marks that made it stand out. A "smiling" grille or a pointed nose shouted a car's make to all it passed by; similarly, the aviation-inspired fins of the 1950s and the stealth, sharklike back ends of the first Sting Rays made a lasting impression on the minds of drivers they left in the proverbial dust. These features announced for what and for whom a particular vehicle was designed. Now, they are mostly gone--except here, where the infinite variety of imaginatively styled grilles and tails of yesteryear return in a plethora of photos by top photographers. They range from beautiful and elegant to obnoxious and even bizarre...but they are always something amazing to see.Among the top showpieces: the dazzling chrome grin of the 1955 De Soto; the unmistakable front end of the 1958 Edsel; the flamboyant fins of the 1960 Cadillac Eldorado; and the unique engine-containing rear end of a vintage 1950 Beetle.

Mascots, also known as hood ornaments, are highly collectible. This fascinating book, a collection of original mascot catalogs, includes photos and detailed descriptions of each mascot.

Scott Benjamin & Wayne Henderson Softcover 224 pages Out of Print. New old stock.

How to read and decode plates from all 50 states. County of origin, occupation of owner, use and weight of vehicle, special plates and their meaning, how to trace an owner by his plate number, how to get personalized plates, games, over 1,000 plates illustrated.

John Mahoney (ISBN 10 – 0879382961) Softcover 72 pages Out of Print. New old stock.