Time Capsule: Vintage Detroit Car Maker World War II Production Photos
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.
The exterior of the Chevrolet Gear and Axle plant, the union car on the street.
Ford aviation plant workers constructing a B-24 heavy bomber.
The assembly line at the Chrysler tank arsenal changing over from M3 to M4 while the line continues moving.
Ford aviation plant workers constructing a B-24 heavy bomber.
Ford aviation plant workers constructing a B-24 heavy bomber.
The exterior of the Ford aviation plant at night during a thunderstorm.
Workers on the assembly line at the Chrysler tank arsenal.
The assembly line at the Chrysler tank arsenal.
Workers on the assembly line at the Chrysler tank arsenal gathering to be paid and told that the line is going down, and they’re being temporarily laid off.
Ford aviation plant workers constructing a B-24 heavy bomber.
Ford aviation plant workers constructing a B-24 heavy bomber.