My Favorite Vehicles From The 1970s
The idea of slotting a key into an ignition, turning it over, depressing the brake, shifting a gear and opening up the throttle was magical to this child of the 1970s.
Tag: Plymouth
My Favorite Vehicles From The 1960s
The 1960s was a decade of change. Americans were divided, as is today.
My Favorite Vehicles From The 1990s
It began in Marin County, California and ended in Northern Virginia. In-between was a series of discoveries with the automobile as a key factor along the way.
Historiography: The Rise of the Mini-Truck
What we saw were the results of these measures that shaped the automotive industry in North America in 1982. It wasn’t enough to build smaller passenger cars. There was something else that took place that also changed the way we looked at transportation – for both work and play.
My Absolute Favorite Vehicles of All Time
As a writer that focuses on the automobile, this is the question I hate being asked. First of all, it may expose a bias or preference of one brand over another. I’d like to keep biases out of my work as much as possible, unless something rubbed me the wrong way. It also frees up any brand loyalty that would spark major debates with other motorheads as to defend said brand even though I know the arguments against them.
Historiography: Chrysler, Iacocca and the K-Car
However, one particular story captured the most headlines in the automotive world during the course of 1981-82 school year. When people talked about automobiles, many conversations came up – either positive or dismissive. Yet, you could not ignore it – the commercials were all over and the vehicles were selling. He appeared in a good chunk of his company's spots – with a manifesto on his lips: "If you could find a better car, buy it!"
Historiography: The "Ugly" Subcompacts of the 1970s
That is a 50-year old question that has scratched the heads of those of us who lament and laugh of these cars. In particular, how do we map the advent of a new class of American car to today’s automobiles?
My Favorites From A Six-Year-Old's Perspective
The turn of the 1970s was a time of transition. It was clear that Richard Nixon wasn't going anywhere. His administration oversaw the first landing on the moon by human beings, but the escalating war in Vietnam dogged his leadership. In 1968, many thought Nixon was the peace candidate for President. He would end up sending more USA troops into Southeast Asia.
My Favorite Misbegotten Vehicles
Think about the idea of intention and purpose. A designer, an engineer, and an executive – oh, yes, let’s not forget the folks in accounting – are all involved in the process of creating a vehicle. Once everyone signs off on it, they have to campaign for its success. Even the marketing folks have to be on board with selling it to everyone – dealerships, the communications folks, and, ultimately, the consumer.
My Favorite Vehicles from Lee Iacocca's Legacy in the Automotive Industry
In the past few days, the late Lee Iacocca was named a "visionary" and one of the "last automotive tycoons." All of these were apt to describe a man who drove change in the automotive industry while savings entire companies and brands. His legacy is still felt today.