The second of a four-book Cars of series displays a wee bit more editorial sophistication than the other three (which cover the 1940s, 1960s and 1970s).
The basic format is the same — an oversized hard-cover book with large color pictures and fairly minimal narrative — but editor James Flammang includes slightly more background in annual overviews and auxiliary quotes. This book does not display the proofing problems with its sister book, Cars of the Sizzling ’60s (2002).
Cars of the Fabulous ’50s: A Decade of High Style and Good Times
- James M. Flammang and the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, 1995
- Publications International, Lincolnwood, Ill
(1951) “As the Korean War intensified, production cutbacks were ordered by the National Production Authority — despite insistence by the National Automobile Dealers Association that cars were necessities. Chrome trim became thinner, curtailment of nickel limited stainless-steel brightwork, and output of steel itself was slashed by 35 percent at midyear. Whitewall-tire production was halted in order to conserve natural rubber.” (p. 49)
(1954) “Biggest losers were independent makes, facing the opening salvo of a shakeout that was destined to thin their ranks sharply. . . . A U.S. congressman even charged that Ford and GM were trying to monopolize the industry and called for a full-scale investigation.” (p. 175)
(1958) “John Keats published The Insolent Chariots, a devastating but comic critique of the auto trade and car culture, featuring Tom Wretch doing battle with dealers.” (p. 335)
OTHER REVIEWS:
RE:SOURCES
- Auto editors of Consumer Guide; 2002a. Cars of the Sizzling ’60s: A Decade of Great Rides and Good Vibrations. Publications International, Lincolnwood, IL.
A photo of my 1956 Studebaker Power Hawk was taken by a pro auto photographer friend and submitted to the publishers of this book. The blue-on-blue car appears on page 291 of the first edition.
l sold the car in 1989 to a club member and while delivery was being made, my 10 year old son was upstairs i his bedroom crying! Thirteen years later, the car came up for sale and the owner gave my son first chance to buy it back. He did, and has now owned it for 22 years!
The car has consistently been licenced and driven each year for the last 46 years so far that l know of.
That’s a nice-looking car; beautiful condition.