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.
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