100 Years of Worlds Automobiles 1862-1962

A memorable look at a decade that sums up all that is exciting about the American spirit. A lively, full-color celebration of an automotive era that began with '30s-fashion cars and ended with recognizably modern vehicles. It's also the story of how America's automakers helped the Allies win World War II. Uses the proven picture-caption format, with over 1,400 photos of every major make of 1940s American car, plus classic independents, such as Hudson and Studebaker. Also includes period "lifestyle" photos, contemporary auto ads, and compelling war-production art. Shows how carmakers emerged from the Great Depression, turning out guns and fighting aircraft before basking in a postwar seller's market.

The 1930s might have been the greatest 10-year period in the history of the American automobile. Even in the face of a suffocating Depression, American cars continued to evolve with beautiful, streamlined designs that had never been seen before. General Motors began "face lifting" its vehicles with new styles for every model year. Hard-rubber rides were softened by balloon tires, impressive 16-cylinder engines began showing up under massive hoods and hydraulic brakes became the norm. The synchromesh transmission, independent suspension, heaters and radios made automotive journeys more comfortable than ever. It was truly a decade of advancement and achievement for U.S. car makers. In Just '30s, the publisher of Old Cars Weekly and OldCarsReport.com Price Guide celebrates this fabulous decade with a look back at the cars, and car companies, that gave us such great memories.