I probably use this 1,000-page reference guide more frequently than any other book in my automotive library. This is the second in a three-part series on American cars (see 1805-1942 and 1976-1999).
As with most other Standard catalogs, this is an unpretentious source of data on products and manufacturer news. Non-glossy paper and small black-and-white photographs are livened up by a center insert of larger color photographs.
The book has some gaps, e.g., it inexplicably doesn’t list body width for many models. I’ve also found production data that is clearly erroneous. This is why I’ll often cross-check with data in the Encyclopedia of American Cars (auto editors of Consumer Guide, 2006). However, the flip side may also be true, e.g. the Standard Catalog appears to have more accurate production data for the 1955 Plymouth than Consumer Guide books (for further discussion go here; see Notes section).
Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1946-1975
- John Gunnell, 2002; Revised Fourth Ed.
- Krause Publications, Iola, WI
“This revised fourth edition brings us closer to our original goal of creating a ‘perfect’ automotive book — a target that we shoot for and constantly strive to achieve. In reality, this target will always remain challenging, but we feel that this revised fouth (sic) edition marks a major contribution toward enhancing general knowledge about the exciting automobiles built during the early postwar era.” (p. 3)
(1955 Plymouth) “The 1955 Plymouths were introduced Nov. 17, 1954, and the Suburbans appeared in dealer showrooms Dec. 22, 1954. Model year production peaked at 672,100 units. Calendar year sales of 742,991 cars were recorded.” (p. 651)
(1972 Oldsmobile) “Oldsmobile observed its 75th year as an automaker. Sales for the year totaled 758,711, good enough for a third place ranking in the industry.” (p. 616)
OTHER REVIEWS:
RE:SOURCES
- Auto Editors of Consumer Guide; 2006. Encyclopedia of American Cars. Publications International, Lincolnwood, Ill.
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