1959 FORD GALAXIE SKYLINER

In the 1950s the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a race into space that had the potential for military application. It was however the science and idea of space exploration that held the public's interest and inspired Ford to introduce the Galaxie in 1959. The Galaxie Skyliner was a convertible with a retractable hard top.

1949 MERCURY CLUB COUPE

The 1949 Mercury was the first Mercury based on a Lincoln body shell rather than a Ford and sales tripled over its previous yearly high. The smooth streamlined "bathtub" styling set off a customizing craze led by Sam Barris. For many however it is best remembered as James Dean's car from the movie "Rebel Without A Cause."

RUXTON WHEEL STUDY

New Era Motors was formed to build the Ruxton but the depression and poor management soon brought the company's hopes of success to an end. Best remembered for its cat's-eye lens headlamps, the low-slung Ruxton was a pioneer of front wheel drive technology. 

AMERICAN AUSTIN

 

The American Austin was based on the engine and chassis design of Sir Herbert Austin's English Austin Seven. Beginning in 1930 these tiny cars were built in Butler, Pennsylvania. Although interest was high they never archived the hoped for sales forcing the company into receivership. Reorganized as the American Bantam Car Company in 1936 production resumed until working capital ran out in 1940. The last automobiles built by American Bantam were of their design for the first U.S. Army Jeeps.

1937 STUDEBAKER DICTATOR

The Dictator model line was produced from 1927-1937. The name was meant to suggest that it "dictated the standard" that others would follow but once Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany the name implied something all together different and was soon dropped. 

1936 CORD 810 SPORTSMAN

 

Styled by Gordon Buehrig, the Cord 810 is one of the most revolutionary cars ever built. Construction was done at Auburn's Connersville, Indiana plant. The Cord featured unit construction, front wheel drive, a Lycoming V8 engine, "coffin-nose" hood, "Venetian blind" grille, and concealed headlamps.