Cadillac Series 60 Special, Luxury Abounds

When looking at old pictures from this decade, most if not all of Hollywood rode in a Cadillac. Movie stars, politicians, in general anyone who was in the public eye was seen in a Cadillac. Cadillac has always set the bench mark for luxury and sophistication, so it was a natural choice for the young up and commers. Even the successful in business set the status quo and purchased a Cadillac to show that they had "made it".

The mid to late fifties saw the emergence of the Cadillac Series 60 line. Hard tops, convertibles, and even a station wagon was available under the Series 60 and 62 line up. Continiung to elvolve over the years, the line up got better and more luxurious over time. Innovation abounded from the 331 cubic inch overhead valve V-8 engine to nifty little features never seen before on an automobile. Imagine this scenerio from 1952, back when there used to be a type of business named a full service station. With this type of business an attendant pumped your gas, checked your oil, and aired up a low tire. After a thourough cleaning of your windshield, you simply drove off after paying for your service and gasoline. The 1952 Cadillac had a secret waiting for the gas attendant at the local station. After scratching his and looking at the Cadillac for many minutes you have to tell him that the gas cap is hidded under the left tail light assembly. Imagine the fun with that one.

Presidents chaose the Cadillac Series 60 for outings for it's reliabilty, comfort, and status. Does anyone remember the famous photo of Dwight D. Eisenhower at the inagural parade after his election in 1953? If alive, you have surely seen it. A convertable, the new President is shown standing behind the driver waving at his public. My, how the times have changed.

The Cadillac Series 60 line is still alive today, and some fine examples are for sale at specialty dealers. With an additin of this car to your collection, you cannot go wrong.

The Fabulous Hudson Hornet

How can we visit the 1950's and not mention The Fabulous Hudson Hornet? What makes this car so special that even a recent movie featured it? If not fimiliar with this piece of American history, the reasons are surprising. In all, three Hornets were used in the newly formed NASCAR series. The car literally dominated the events for three years.

What powered this auto that all the others chased? The answer will knock your socks off. A six cylinder engine, tuned for makimum output was under the hood. This high revving powerplant coupled with a low center of gravity was like a rail car on tracks. You don't have to have the biggest, most powerful engine to be the fastest competitor. Handling will make up for the rest. Piloted by legendary drivers Marshall Teague and Herb Thomas, the little Hornet won the largest portions of races from 1951 to 1954. Makes you wonder what the other drivers were thinking knowing there was only a straight six under the hood.

The car resurfaced recently with a leading role in a major motion picture production. Doc Hudson was the wise older doctor and judge who through the film slowly reveals himself as the original Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Humility is learned form the hot shot Corvette, Lighting McQueen, and all is well in the town of Radiator Springs at the end of the movie.

A NASCAR record that stands to this day, and a major role in a film. Who does'nt just love this car?

Ford Crestliner, Fresh Styling For For Others To Follow

The 1950's were by far the best decade that our country has experienced. Unemployment was at an all time low, production was up, and America wanted for nothing. The envy of the rest of the world, our nation had it all. Sharp minds were in full overdrive in this decade, and some really stunning cars were produced. One that stands above the crowd is the Ford Crestliner. Could this car have been ahead of it's time?

In 1950, the Blue Oval saw it's sales drop behind the Bow-Tie company and decided to start from scratch on a whole new model. The Crestliner was thus born, but with some never before seen features. More on those later. The power plants available for the Crestliner were the overhead valve 226 cubic inch L-head straight six or the 239 cubic inch flat head V-8. Bothe were mated to the industry standard column shift 3-speed transmission. The "three on the tree" was a reliable piece, but nothing to brag about. The six cylinder version was touted as a "Mileage Maker", but with gasoline at all time lows, no one really cared.

The unique features on the car are what really set it apart from the crowd. Two and three tone paint schemes, hard top, and even an industry first vinyl top. Couple this with aircraft styling and body lines, the car was an instant hit. Two tone dash boards matched and complimented the exterior, and was again the first of it's kind.

The Crestliner only lived a short few years, but is still one of the most sought after car for collectors. The original base price in 1950 was 1,711.00, and finding one for that same amount will not ever happen again. If lucky enough to own one, share your automotive history with the rest of the world!!

The Kaiser Darrin Roadster - Ahead Of It's Time?

As the 1950's roll along, more and more people were throwing their hat into the mass production ring of automobiles. One such individual was named Henry Kaiser. Originally a ship builder, Kaiser earned himself a respectable living building ships for the war effort. Kaiser sought out, and teamed up with, Joseph Frazer from the legendary Jeep-Willys company. Their union together produced the Kaiser car company.

The first models to roll of the assembly line was a four door sedan version. The new autos were well recieved, and by the end of the decade, a full 5% of all autos produced were from the Kaiser company. In the early 1950's a two door model named the Henry J was introduced and from there the idea and eventual birth of the Kaiser Darrin was formed. Other roadsters were being introduced at the same time, but what made the Darrin stand apart from the crowd was the doors. Instead of having two doors on a convential upper and lower hinge set up, the doors on the Darrin actually slid on rollers into the long front fenders.

Aimed at a more upper scale affluent crowd, the Darrin most certainly made a splash when first taken to the country club. Not a model known for it's performance, style was the main focus of the auto. Engine choices were quite simple, as the tried and true 161 cubic inch Willys straight six was your only option. Coupled to a manual 3-speed gear box, the car had plenty of pep to get the otherwise fiberglass auto down the road at a brisk pace. Those looking for more punch under the hood had to wait a couple of years. Henry Darrin, known among his friends as "Dutch", paired the unique auto with a Cadillac engine and an optional supercharger. Now that is one hot rod convertible!!

Sadly, the Darrin Roadster only lived for a short 435 examples. The line was dropped due to a lofty price tag and unconventional styling. Shortly after, the entire Kaiser Car Company was also shut down. If wanting to see this auto in person, keep a sharp eye out. Not too many of them around, you know.

1957 Ford Battlebird

As the 1950's rolled along, the need for speed was becoming ever more present. Daytona, Florida was a major stop on the circuit for all manufacturers to showcase and test their latest creation. Chevrolet had already visited Daytona many times before with their Mighty Corvette, and Ford, not wanting to rest on their laurels, answered back with a project car based on the hugely successful Thunderbird. Labeled the Battlebird, the car was built with just one purpose - to do battle with other competitors.

Actually, there were two Battlebirds created in 1957, and both went on display with credible performance figures, although the powerplants were drastically different. One Battlebird showed up with a big block Lincoln engine that displaced a whopping 430 cubic inches. The other 'Bird was fitted with a 312 cubic inch Ford powerplant. With no 4-speed gearbox at hand, Jaguar stepped up to the plate and donated two such units to back the heavily modified engines. Other modifications included stronger brakes, and the Thunderbird went on a strict diet. Anything not essential for performance on the car was totally stripped off. After adding fuel injection and supercharging to the engines, they found their new home six inches further back in the engine compartment.

Along with the stripping of non essential materials, critical items needed were replaced with lighter aluminum pieces. Jim Travers and Frank Coons, who both had a long history with performance Fords, were also brought on board to complete the cars and get them in race ready competition mode. Although that competition was limited, the smaller Ford engine was said to have the better numbers. Rumor has it that the Lincoln powered car went a full 200 M.P.H. at Daytona, but was unable to back it up with a second run to make it official. With over 400 horsepower under the hoods of both 'Birds, the numbers are easy to understand.

Unfortunately, after retiring the Battlebirds from official competition, the Lincoln powered car was destroyed in a fire. The Ford powered car has been restored and lives on to this day and still makes the show circuit. If lucky enough to see this sole surviving Battlebird, take plenty of photos. A piece of history will be yours for the taking.