Ad Nauseam
1940s
Readings
Langworth’s Hudson book is dated but still the best
Richard M. Langworth’s book about Hudson was first published in 1977, but it is still the best history of this quirky automaker. As with his other auto histories written during this time period, Hudson 1946-1957: […]
Readings
Patrick Foster shows how International Harvester failed to adapt
International Harvester is the post-war U.S. automaker that has received the least attention from historians. Thus, Patrick Foster’s book, International Harvester: The Complete Story, is a particularly welcome addition. The format is similar to his […]
Readings
Standard Catalog of Imported Cars, 1946-1990
I was inclined to get the more recent edition of the Standard Catalog of Imported Cars: 1946-2002 (Covello, 2001) until I read Amazon.com reader reviews. I don’t tend to take these reviews very seriously but noticed an […]
Data Dive
Was the ‘Ford blitz’ to blame for the collapse of independent automakers?
(EXPANDED 10/28/2022) A few years ago Richard M. Langworth argued that Ford’s aggressive attempt to overtake Chevrolet in 1954 received more blame “than it deserved” in undercutting the viability of independent automakers (2019, p. 16). […]
Bird Chatter
Readings
Studebaker: The Life and Death of an American Corporation
This is one of the better scholarly books about an auto company. Donald T. Critchlow achieves the rare feat of crafting a narrative that is engaging, analytically sophisticated and challenges industry groupthink in key respects. […]
Photo Essay
Mid-1930s-to-70s design evolution shown at LeMay event
As usual, this year’s LeMay annual car show offered an eclectic mix of cars and trucks. In addition to the nonprofit organization’s private collection, owners displayed their own vehicles. And if you timed it right, […]
Gallery
Calendar
LeMay at Marymount hosts 42nd annual show
The LeMay Collections at Marymount are open year-round, but the best time to go is arguably on the day of its annual car show and auction. This year’s all-day event will be held on Saturday, […]