Cool Old Cars
I've often mentioned my love of old cars, even though I can't claim to know much about them. They are beautiful examples of industrial design, and a huge part of American life, especially post-WWII. In my stash of scans, I have 20 (or so) scans to share, but the three I am presenting today are mysteries, in that I have no idea what the cars are. So hopefully you guys can help! All of these are undated, but are likely from the 1950s.
Well start with this portrait of two little girls in front of a blue-gray coupe of some sort. That rear fender is pretty distinctive, and should be a good clue for you experts.
This fellow put on his Sunday best to pose for a photograph with his new (?) automobile, painted in a deep red/maroon. That garage will just barely hold the vehicle!
And finally, one that gives us at least a few clues, thanks to the license plate from California, and the frame that says "San Diego", and "Balboa Olds". I can't quite make out the date (stamped on the plate), it might read "1952".
2 comments:
The first one is kinda weird looking. Also kinda cool and aerodynamic. The rear of the car looks like it could also be the front. The same way modern VWs look like they could be facing either way. I'm getting 1940s vibes from this pic. Little sis is wearing cowboy boots!
I believe the color of the second car is "chocolate syrup". Although I could be wrong. ;-) The roof of the house (garage?) next door looks like it's made of canvas. The car has a stately, well-made appearance. I bet it weighs more than a blue whale.
I can't decide if the third car looks cool... or dorky. The grillwork makes it look like a giant carp. Or maybe an unfortunate kid with 'deluxe' braces in his mouth. Looks like there is a 'wiener dog' trying to escape the photo on the left. Or maybe it's a chihuahua. OH! I see another one at the feet of the people. Still not sure of the breed.
Dang. I was hoping someone with 'knowledge' would comment first so that my clueless comment would have some sort of balance. Oh well. Thanks, Major.
Oh, Major-
I know that [secretly] you already have the answers to the 'mystery cars' question, but I'll tell you anyways...
That first one, sitting behind the sisters-? (special points for the cowboy boots) is a 1947 Studebaker Starlight Coupe. "First by far with a postwar car-!" I don't know which year(s) Studebaker also used the slogan: "Vision produced this car of vision" - for obvious reasons.
The second object of desire is giving me a problem. The hood ornament seems to be an outlier (an upgraded aftermarket perhaps, provided by the nattily attired gentleman standing next to it-?) Otherwise, it appears to be a 1942 thru 1946 Mercury in 'some' shade of maroon - they offered a few.
The final yellow beauty (uh, make that Lotus Cream) is a 1953 Oldsmobile.
Thanks, Major.
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