The sequel to its companion, The Automotive Mascot Worldwide un Objet dÂ’'Art, this book is for both the advanced and novice mascot collector. Art photography studies of 129 mascots/hood ornaments, most in life size. Pictures are accompanied by related text and footnotes following mascot design Worldwide from 1909 to 1980: 15 French, 8 English, 92 American and 6 of other countries. 45 of these mascots do not appear in any other reference book.
This is a limited edition series. Volume II details a chronology of mascot design, through the years 1926 to 1933. Dating of mascots is a priority, with several corrections to the existing literature. 25% of the material presented is new to the mascot literature. Over 200 American, French and English designs are shown. Vol. I, 304 pages and Vol. III, 288 pages, are available to complete the 3 volume set of 880 pages with over 600 mascots detailed in large photos and expert narrative.
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 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.
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