NORM MORT
Features
Comprehensive guide to the complete model ranges
Deeply researched history reveals many little known facts
Unique and rare models
Production data and main features on individual models
Issue dates, codes and packing for individual models and variations
120 high quality colour photographs, original ads, factory photos and brochure images
Engine and detail photos
Index allows for quick access to specific makes and models
Description
The independent automakers who had survived the depression of the 1930s had flexibility and enough capital from the war to be the first to launch all-new models for a car-starved nation. So lucrative was the American post-war car market that new automobile companies were also formed to cash in on the pent-up demand for new cars. This is their story told through text and the use of contemporary brochures, period literature, factory photos, road test info, and over 90 new, previously unpublished colour photos of restored examples to relate the importance of these historic vehicles.
Synopsis
American Independent Automakers 1945-1960 covers the attempts by major makes such as Kaiser-Frazer, Willys, Packard, Studebaker, Tucker, Nash and Hudson to compete with the Big Three in America. The Independents were the first to introduce all-new models in an attempt to increase their market share and ensure the future.
Also, there were dozens of backyard enthusiasts trying to design the perfect American sports car, such as Cunningham, Fitch, Darrin, Williams, etc.
A similar number endeavoured to build small, economical cars such as Davis, Allstate, Playboy, Crosley and the diminutive King Midget, yet all were ultimately doomed to fail.
There were steam cars, microcars, three-wheel cars and flying cars, all competing to capture the consumers fancy and become significant builders in the years following World War II. Detailed captions and supportive text combine with the use of contemporary brochures, period literature, factory photos, and over 90 new, unpublished colour photos of restored examples to relate the importance of these historic vehicles. This book looks at all the major makers, focusing on the innovations, unique styling and features, and why, ultimately, all failed.
Additional Information
Models covered: AMC/American Motors Corporation Frazer Hudson Kaiser Nash Packard Studebaker Tucker Willys
as well as
Checker (1958-1982) Crosley (1946-1952) Cunningham (1951-1955) Darrin (1955-1958) Davis (1947-1949) Dual-Ghia (1956-1962) Excalibur (1952-1975) Fitch (1949-1951) King Midget (1947-1969) Kurtis (1949-1955) Muntz (1951-1954) Playboy (1947-1951) Ears Allstate (1952-1953) Williams (1957-1969)
