With automakers scrambling to retool their factories in an effort to produce more fuel-efficient models, they may want to look back for inspiration from the car considered the first compact “the now" defunct Rambler.
During its heyday in the 50s and 60s, the modest, gas stingy Rambler carved a very profitable niche, filling a product vacuum the other big three automakers were slow to respond to. Today there are numerous Rambler clubs in American paying homage to the inverted bathtub-shaped gadabout that was so popular 50 years ago.
While historians often date the arrival of the Rambler to the aftermath of the Second World War, the vehicle actually had much earlier roots. A Chicago native and bicycle maker by the name of Thomas B. Jeffery was the first to use the Rambler name. From 1878 until 1900 he did a brisk business selling two wheelers before switching gears and throwing in his lot (and production facilities) into the untested waters of automobile production.
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November 12, 2010 — June 20, 2011. The Studebaker National Museum, in conjunction with the League of Retired Automobile Designers, presents a look at what a modern-day Studebaker might look like. Over fifty works created by members of the League of Retired Automobile Designers will be shown in the Museum’s AM General Atrium. The League is a group of automotive design veterans from Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, AMC, Studebaker and Packard and are devoting their years of design experience and talents to present their interpretations of what a 21st century Studebaker would be. The exhibit is being coordinated by former Studebaker and Ford designer Virgil Exner, Jr.
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October 22, 2010 — April 10, 2011. See some of the cars that starred on the big and small screens, including The Studebaker National Museum’s own 1951 Commander that was used in The Muppet Movie. Visitors will also be able to see:
The General Lee from the popular series The Dukes of Hazzard.
KISSCAT - A 1998 Plymouth Prowler used by the legendary rock ‘n roll band KISS.
Herbie from The Love Bug films.
A 1949 Delahaye formerly owned by Sir Elton John.
A 1967 Corvette formerly owned by Roy Orbison.
The Shagmobile from Austin Powers II:The Spy Who Shagged Me.
The Honda S2000 from 2 Fast 2 Furious.
The Mongrel T from Elvis Presley’s 1967 film Easy Come, Easy Go.
If you've been seeking a Corvette screensaver that incorporates all generations, we have a super cool one, and best of all it is free! A NCM Volunteer has put together this screensaver with 120 images, including C1-C6, Racing and Prototype and Historical images. Download it for free. Features: 50 hi-resolution images, Special effect transitions, Optional random order, Set your own delay times, Supports dual monitors, Optional screensaver password.
Although hot rodding arguably began and flourished in California, it quickly spread cross-country, coinciding with the explosive growth of Hot Rod Magazine, which started in January 1948. Ten years later, a February 1958 Hot Rod cover story featured prominent East Coast hot rods. “We don’t care how they do it in California,” was the rallying cry.
East Coast rods always had a distinctive look. Because their hop ups weren’t raced at the dry lakes, hot rodders who lived east of the Misssippi often opted for enclosed cars, and they could perform many streamlined alterations without concern about being moved up in competition classes. East Coast guys wanted roadsters, but given the severe winter weather, coupes and sedans were more practical; channeling a car (cutting out the floorboards and lowering the body down over the frame) was cheaper and more expedient than chopping tops and frame Z-ing. Hoods were optional, no matter what the weather. The East Coast even had its own hot rod magazines like Rodding and Re-styling and Rod Builder & Customizer. The mid-50s, aka the “Happy Days,” were the peak...and that’s the period being showcased in Saratoga.
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In the beginning of the auto industry (1900-1920) there were over 600 manufacturers. Most did not survive after the production of one or a few cars. Because it was a risky venture to invest in cars banks were reticent to lend money to new automobile ventures. Plus, most car inventors had great mechanical skill and ideas but lacked business sense and experience. They could get a car built but then wondered – what do I do now to sell it so I can make more cars.
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RM Auctions ‘Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey’ event posts $8.8 million in total sales with 100% of all lots sold
- Top-seller: 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe brings $748,000
- Brass Era automobiles attract strong interest, with many lots well-exceeding pre-sale estimates
HERSHEY, PA (October 10, 2010) – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, achieved a successful 100% sell-through rate at its Hershey, Pennsylvania sale last week, with all 297 lots presented exchanging hands for a total of $8.8 million in sales.
Highlighted by a wonderful series of Brass Era automobiles, the two-day sale saw over 140 vehicles, joined by a selection of vintage motorcycles and automotive-themed memorabilia, cross the auction podium before a packed house, with all lots finding new homes. Bidders in the room were joined by those on the phone and via the Internet, with interest received from 18 countries around the world, including as far away as Argentina, Turkey and Australia.
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One of the world’s premier muscle car collections will cross the auction block in Georgia next month as RM Auctions presents The Milton Robson Collection, a single-vendor sale to be held in Gainesville, November 13.
The result of over 25 years of careful acquisition by lifelong ‘car guy’ Milton Robson, the Robson Collection features a remarkable series of low-production and ultra-high specification Detroit muscle cars, along with a series of iconic fifties and sixties classics, and a superb selection of Henry Ford’s original flathead V8s. A total of 55 vehicles from the collection, along with a range of memorabilia will be offered ‘without reserve’.
“RM is honored to have been entrusted with the presentation of the Milton Robson Collection,” says Ian Kelleher, RM Auctions.
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For anyone who's dreamed of owning and showing off a world-class car collection- without having to wipe up the drips or check the tires- the California Automobile Museum's docent program might just be the answer.
The 26th Docent Training Class will begin on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the Museum. They are seeking men and women interested in automobiles and their history who wish to become docents. Docents are volunteer teachers/tour guides who interpret the museum's story to people from around the globe; they are the Museum's personal outreach to its visitors. The California Automobile Museum's world-recognized docent course is a unique and enjoyable educational experience as well as an opportunity to get involved as a key volunteer in a fascinating Museum. "I decided to take the class because I had been a car buff and in the industry all my life," states Class of 2007 Docent, Ed Fabian. "Meeting new people and being able to impart car knowledge are what I really enjoy about this volunteer opportunity."
New Exhibit Adds Latin Spice at California Automobile Museum. The California Automobile Museum's new exhibit adds a touch of Latin flavor that spices up the traditional hot rod scene.
Lowriders: The Art of Low and Slow, which opened October 9 and is sponsored by All American Logistics, features a variety of award winning and legendary cars from throughout Northern California that show the range of this unique style of customizing from simple and clean lines to full-on customizing.
