Overview

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. In addition, dozens of backyard enthusiasts such as Cunningham, Fitch, Darrin, Williams, etc, were trying to design the perfect American sports car. 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 consumer's 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text combine with the use of contemporary brochures, period literature, factory photos, and over 90 new, previously unpublished colour photos of restored examples to relate the importance of these historic vehicles.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.

Full Product Details

9781845842390

Table of Contents

Reviews

Packed with factory photos and ads from the author's own collection. This is a worthwhile book even for those with a knowledge of American indies. - Autonet.ca Packed with little-known facts, detailed captions and supportive text that combines with brochures, period literature, factory photos and almost 100 examples of previously unseen colour photos and restorations, this is both an enjoyable and informative read. - Classic Car Buyer With a super selection of original brochures, 90+ photos of restored cars, enough text to be informative and interesting, and a final section on some great sporty-looking, limited run, vehicles from Cunningham, Edwards and Flajole, this makes a good value look at some interesting model developments. - Classic Driver, New Zealand If you bookshelf is small but your interest expansive, you'll find this book a treat. - Hemmings Classic Car

The text gives a good overview of model development and prevailing design trends, but what really catches your eyes are the book's many period ads. Entertaining and informative, whatever classics you're into. - Classic Cars Packed with factory photos and ads from the author's own collection. This is a worthwhile book even for those with a knowledge of American indies. - Autonet.ca Packed with little-known facts, detailed captions and supportive text that combines with brochures, period literature, factory photos and almost 100 examples of previously unseen colour photos and restorations, this is both an enjoyable and informative read. - Classic Car Buyer With a super selection of original brochures, 90+ photos of restored cars, enough text to be informative and interesting, and a final section on some great sporty-looking, limited run, vehicles from Cunningham, Edwards and Flajole, this makes a good value look at some interesting model developments. - Classic Driver, New Zealand If you bookshelf is small but your interest expansive, you'll find this book a treat. - Hemmings Classic Car The snappy period press quotes and plethora of photos are fascinating. - Classic Cars The entire book makes an entertaining and educational read for anybody even vaguely interested in the subject. - Jaguar Magazine, Australia The presentation of the wealth of material in the book is extremely well done. The layout is logical, taking each year covered and then treating the reaches chronologically. This book is a must for your library. Congratulations to the author for his fine research and attention to detail. - The Sacred Octagon, New England MG-T Register Any car buff interested in autos made from 1945 to 1960 MUST have this review of the old-timers, which includes model history and complete ranges. Unique, rare models, production data, and issue dates accompany over a hundred color photos, original ads and brochure images to make for an outstanding story told through text and auto maker advertising. - Bookwatch

Packed with factory photos and ads from the author's own collection. This is a worthwhile book even for those with a knowledge of American indies. - Autonet.ca<br> Packed with little-known facts, detailed captions and supportive text that combines with brochures, period literature, factory photos and almost 100 examples of previously unseen colour photos and restorations, this is both an enjoyable and informative read. - Classic Car Buyer<br> With a super selection of original brochures, 90+ photos of restored cars, enough text to be informative and interesting, and a final section on some great sporty-looking, limited run, vehicles from Cunningham, Edwards and Flajole, this makes a good value look at some interesting model developments. - Classic Driver, New Zealand<br> If you bookshelf is small but your interest expansive, you'll find this book a treat. - Hemmings Classic Car<br>

Author Information

Canadian Norm Mort has had a lifelong interest in historic vehicles, and by the age of 10 was photographing old vehicles parked by the side of the road; by the age of 12 he was the youngest member on the executive of the Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada. After graduating from the University of Toronto, Norm became a teacher and librarian in the public school system. However, it was not long before his love of old cars and trucks led him to become a freelance automotive writer for magazines and newspapers in the field of transport, which he has now done for over 30 years. Norm has written over a dozen books about historic vehicles, and has become Canada's most prolific writer on old cars and trucks. Norm is also an animal lover, and has written books about travelling with pets (combining both of his passions) and about living with a pet menagerie. Norm lives in Canada with Scottish wife, Sandy, and a variety of pets. Their son Andrew has been the photographer for all of Norm's books.

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