Description
Don Spiro
Hardcover
96 pages
Out of Print.
New old stock.
Back to Automobilia
Grilles & Tails
$34.00
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.
In stock
Additional information
| Weight | 0.810 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 23.5 × 28.5 × 1.30 cm |
Related products
The Automotive Mascot Purpose Form & Function Volume One
The first of four fascinating volumes presenting automotive mascots that serve a purpose beyond ornamentation. Artistically photographed and with expert narrative, the presentation is both informative and entertaining. 91 mascots are shown, most in life size. 10 French, 11 English, 64 American and 6 of other countries trace a chronology of design from 1900 to 1923. Many mascots do not appear in any other reference book.
American Grilles (Softcover)
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.
License Plates of America: The Official Guide to the License Plates of the United States, Canada and Mexico
In this colorful and entertaining spotter's guide, John Northrup identifies and captions more than 3,000 current styles of license plate from every state and province of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Here you can find out which state hasn't required motorists to change plates since 1942; the maximum number of characters available for vanity plates in a particular state; which state could theoretically have 100 motorists with the same plate number at the same time; and where in North America the plates are cut in the shape of a polar bear.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.