Chevrolet Archives - The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit

Apr252019 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Retrotisements — 1979 Station Wagons

Retrotisements

For my latest gallery of vintage car ads I'm going to focus on one particular segment, in this case it's station wagons from the 1979 model year. Having never owned one I can't speak to the experience of what it's like, but I always crack a smile whenever I see a classic family truckster still on the road. So in the spirit of old school station wagons, let's take a look from what was hot off the assembly line 40 years ago from a sampling of American and foreign automakers. Chrysler The seventh-generation Town & Country was in its second year as the mid-sized LeBaron wagon. It had formerly been the company's full-size station wagon. Pontiac The 1979 Safaris were available in several trim packages. This ad highlights the mid-size Grand LeMans Safari and the full-size ...

Apr122017 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Retrotisements — A Year in the Life (1967)

Retrotisements

In past ad galleries I've typically stuck with a particular theme or product, such as holiday-themed ads or new car lineups. I'm going to try something new and product an ad gallery from a single year, covering a wide range or products and services. Basically, a sort of visual shorthand to see what someone would've seen in print or TV ads in a particular year. Think of this as a virtual department store of sorts. For the first edition I thought I'd travel back exactly 50 years to 1967. Let's browse! Automobiles Consumer Electronics Entertainment Fashion Food and Beverage Health and Beauty Household Goods Travel

Apr192014 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Kodachrome Memories #1: Easter in Illinois, 1961

Photography

Children in front a cherry red Chevy Bel-Air after an Easter egg hunt in Naperville, Illinois, 1961.

Mar202014 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Spring Has Sprung! (10 Vintage Spring Advertisements)

Retrotisements

It sure doesn't feel much like it here in the northeast, but according to my calendar it is actually the first day of spring 2014. Since opening my windows isn't an option yet, I can at least look at some vintage spring advertisements showing other people enjoying blue skies, crisp air, and green grass. Ah, and what better way to enjoy a fine spring morning than by inhaling a deep lungful of that rich, tobacco aroma only Chesterfield can offer! Hey, buy me a radio like that and I'll swoon too. After about the sixth beer this is pretty much what everything looks like to me too. Screw the Easter egg hunt, I want one of these beauties! Now this illustration can be viewed one of two ways. I choose to think the best.

Aug142013 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Concept Car Capsule: 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne

Capsules

Three years before Chevrolet introduced the Biscayne model to its new car lineup, it debuted as a rather interesting concept car design at the 1955 General Motors Motorama car show. It's fascinating for a few reasons. First, it stood in clear contrast to the growing trend of making American cars bigger and flashier. Secondly, it was a curious mix of styles, incorporating aspects of the then-current Corvette with a glimpse of the Corvair to come. Of course, as with the Edsel, your eyes are immediately drawn to the front of the Biscayne. The odd headlamp placement and Jaws-like grill styling were bold, to say the least. The '55 certainly bore precious little resemblance to the production model that rolled off the assembly line in 1958, as you will see in the final image in this gallery. ...

Apr102013 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Vintage Photo Wednesday, Vol. 31: Classic American Cars (1930s – 1970s) Part 1

Vintage Photo Wednesday

One of my favorite past-times is combing the vast archive of press wire photos on eBay. I've found all sorts of neat things there, but one of my current obsessions is old automobile press photography. So here is the first of what I hope will be many galleries featuring ten classic American cars, mainly from the mid-century period. Apologies in advance if I get some of the years or models wrong -- I can only go off what the original auction listed. Also, those marks you see on some of the photos are original editorial markings, so you know these are 100% real! For much more detailed looks at classic American cars, check out my ad galleries for the 1970 Dodge, 1975 Chevrolet, and 1982 AMC lineups. (Click on any picture for the full size.) If anyone can tell me what the model is

Jan22013 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

Time Capsule: Vintage Detroit Car Maker World War II Production Photos

Capsules, History

As part of a larger story in its August 17, 1942 issue on strife within between Detroit's car makers and their labor union member workers, Life magazine captured some excellent photographs of Motor City manufacturers in the midst of wartime production. The pictures, taken by staff photographer William Vandivert, captured a rare moment in modern American history -- when the nation's vast commercial manufacturing muscle was flexed to produce machinery (planes and bombers) for World War II. Seen here are images from Ford, Chrysler, and Chevrolet plants in Detroit, Michigan. Click on any photo for a larger version. (more…)

Oct162012 by Chris Holmes2 Comments

Retrotisements — 1975 Chevrolet New Car and Truck Lineup

May102012 by Chris HolmesNo Comments

A Gallery of Classic Car Hood Ornaments

Capsules, Photography

Along with real bumpers on cars, decorative hood ornaments seem to be a thing of the past. 'Tis a shame too, as they really added that extra bit of personality to a car. Here's a collection of photos showing some of my favorite hood ornaments, via Flickr.

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