Cars

1940-1949

Early in the 1940’s, cars were becoming a sensation, though they were not considered a necessity. Instead, they were luxury items and sought after status symbols. The 1940s cars had a lower, longer, broader, and more massive look, and some companies offered a combination automatic clutch with a semi-automatic transmission; the driver could select either the manual or semi-automatic shift with buttons on the dash. However, in 1942, with the advent of WWII, cars stopped being produced for a period of 3-4 years, and production for civilians did not resume until 1946.

As a result of WWII, many of American car plants converted to making military vehicles. In addition to this conversion, some companies created safety features that were later implemented on civilian cars. During this wartime, “the department of war came up with a one-quarter ton four-wheel drive military vehicle called the Jeep,” which continues to be produced today. Additionally, “Chrysler, introduced a safety rim wheel that kept the tire on the rim in case of a blowout, and also offered two-speed electric windshield wipers.”

Some of the major vehicles manufactured during the 1940’s are the Ford, the Plymouth, and the Oldsmobile. The 1940 Plymouth had engineering far and above anything else offered in the low priced field. The Plymouth was built solid, handled smoothly, and had popular styling. It was advertised as “The Low Priced Beauty With the Luxury Ride," and delivered what it promised. The 1940 Plymouth came with the All Weather Air Control System. This system combined a heating and ventilation system provided fresh air, and circulated to all parts of the car. The Plymouth came with an option of the model Roadking and Deluxe.”

Along with the Plymouth, the Buick was also popular, and though they had stopped production, once WWII was over innovations helped boast their sales when production resumed. In1948, Buick introduced Dynaflow, the first torque converter-type automatic transmission offered in U.S. passenger 1940s cars.” Following the war, Ford introduced the legendary Thunderbird. The Thunderbird offered performance and luxury features like power windows, which made this car a hit.
Some other trends set during this period were, by 1946 the first radio telephones were used in 1940s cars, and, as seen in the Thunderbird, the first power-operated windows were introduced. Other innovations to come out of the 40’s are the new method of starting the engine with an ignition key, and turn signals.

1950-1959

The 1950’s is referred to as the decade of the car culture. Following WWII, the economy was booming. Prior to the war, cars increasingly became a staple in the American family. However, during the war, car production was overshadowed by the production of military vehicles. Once society returned to a normal state, car production resumed. During the middle of this decade, the Interstate Act was established which further promoted car sales. Also during the 1950’s, the concept of “taking a joy ride, without any particular destination,” became a popular pass time. With the advent of the Interstate Act, more and more families traveled by car, while gas stations popped up along the highways and interstates to support this new trend.

Along with the popularity of cars, was the popularity of celebrities. Elvis Presley, a young, iconic star, made the 1955 Cadillac El Dorado a widely sought after vehicle. Presley’s El Dorado was a pink convertible, with white wall tires and tons of chrome. By1957, the Cadillac El Dorado “added power steering, adjustable seats and in car air conditioning, and by 1959 the Cadillac convertible looked the ultimate dream with tail fins, chrome and a powerful 325 horsepower engine.” To this day, Elvis Presley’s, pink convertible El Dorado, is one of the most sought after cars.

One of the most defining features of the 1950’s car is the tail light. The rear of the 1950’s cars was extravagant, with taillights that resembled fins or wings. The actual lights themselves were bright red, like lipstick, and the fin or wing was lavished in chrome and metal. The tail end of these 1950’s cars was truly a flamboyant statement. As the decade progressed and cars became more popular and luxurious, chrome on the 1950’s cars became a dominant feature. Cars were “ornately trimmed with bumpers, fenders and hood ornaments all made of chrome, while inside the car, window knobs, door handles and dashboards were also made of chrome.” Also, to enhance the luxury of the 1950’s automobile, drivers could expect to find, power steering, power brakes and automatic transmissions.

Some of the other features found in a 1950’s cars are a “wraparound windshield, to improve drive visibility; interiors included cigarette lighters, tinted glass, map lights, armrests and air conditioning. Wide, soft seats provided comfort for the whole family, and it was during this time that radios were installed in the majority of cars.”

1960-1969

Early in the 1940’s, cars were becoming a sensation, though they were not considered a necessity. Instead, they were luxury items and sought after status symbols. The 1940s cars had a lower, longer, broader, and more massive look, and some companies offered a combination automatic clutch with a semi-automatic transmission; the driver could select either the manual or semi-automatic shift with buttons on the dash. However, in 1942, with the advent of WWII, cars stopped being produced for a period of 3-4 years, and production for civilians did not resume until 1946.

As a result of WWII, many of American car plants converted to making military vehicles. In addition to this conversion, some companies created safety features that were later implemented on civilian cars. During this wartime, “the department of war came up with a one-quarter ton four-wheel drive military vehicle called the Jeep,” which continues to be produced today. Additionally, “Chrysler, introduced a safety rim wheel that kept the tire on the rim in case of a blowout, and also offered two-speed electric windshield wipers.”

Some of the major vehicles manufactured during the 1940’s are the Ford, the Plymouth, and the Oldsmobile. The 1940 Plymouth had engineering far and above anything else offered in the low priced field. The Plymouth was built solid, handled smoothly, and had popular styling. It was advertised as “The Low Priced Beauty With the Luxury Ride," and delivered what it promised. The 1940 Plymouth came with the All Weather Air Control System. This system combined a heating and ventilation system provided fresh air, and circulated to all parts of the car. The Plymouth came with an option of the model Roadking and Deluxe.”

Along with the Plymouth, the Buick was also popular, and though they had stopped production, once WWII was over innovations helped boast their sales when production resumed. In1948, Buick introduced Dynaflow, the first torque converter-type automatic transmission offered in U.S. passenger 1940s cars.” Following the war, Ford introduced the legendary Thunderbird. The Thunderbird offered performance and luxury features like power windows, which made this car a hit.
Some other trends set during this period were, by 1946 the first radio telephones were used in 1940s cars, and, as seen in the Thunderbird, the first power-operated windows were introduced. Other innovations to come out of the 40’s are the new method of starting the engine with an ignition key, and turn signals.

1970-1979

The 1970’s was the definitive era of the muscle cars. This revival of muscle cars saw its origins in 1950’s, but did not become a trend until the 70’s. Muscle cars are identified by their high performance abilities, powerful engines, and 2 door coupes. “They are products of the American car industry adhering to the hot rodder's philosophy of taking a small car and putting a BIG engine in it.” In contrast to foreign cars, “the muscle car was designed for straight-line speed, and did not have the sophisticated chassis, engineering integrity, or lithe appearance of European high-performance cars.” Another key aspect of the muscle car trend is that they are affordable, which was an attractive incentive for the youth.

One of the most popular muscle car models is the Chevy Chevelle. By the 1970’s, the Chevelle was in its third generation. Some of the key features of the 1970 model is that “sheet metal revisions gave the bodies a more squared-up stance, and interiors were redesigned.” Also, the 1970 Chevelle came in a sports coupe, sports sedan, convertible, four-door sedan, a couple of wagons, and the pickup (El Camino) body styles, and only 3 of these were available as a 2 SS(Super Sport). The SS options were limited to the Malibu 2-door sport coupe, convertible, and pickup. Other new options included power door locks and a stalk-mounted wiper control. Engine choices ranged from the standard 155 horsepower (116 kW) six-cylinder and 200-horsepower 307-cubic-inch V8, to a pair of 350 V8s and a pair of 402 engines.

The Dodge Charger was a 1970’s favorite. In its second generation, which featured a large “wraparound chrome bumper and the grille, new electric headlight, and taillights that were similar to previous models.” Interior changes included “new high-back bucket seats, the door panels were also revised and the map pockets were now optional instead of standard. The ignition was moved from the dash to the steering column, and the glove box was now hinged at the bottom. It’s new engine option made the Charger's list for the first time, the 440 Six Pack. With three two-barrel carburetors and a rating of 390 hp (290 kW), which was one of the most exotic setups.”

1980-1989

Car trends of the 1980’s directly correspond with the booming economy. The 1980’s is a decade defined by extravagance, and cars were no exception. With women more prevalent in the workplace, families had additional money to spend on luxuries such as cars. Some of the car designs seen during the 1980’s carry over from the muscle cars of the 1970’s. American car companies continued to sell sports cars such as the popular Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Pontiac Firebird. In addition to the American cars, foreign cars such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Jaguar were becoming more popular.

Sports cars continued to be favorites throughout the 80’s. Cars such as the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and Z Series were some of the models much sought after. Not only did BMW’s provide drivers with fast and efficient engines, they also provided drivers with the cache and luxury. For the American class, the Pontiac Firebird dominated domestic car sales, as it averaged 100,000 cars sold per year through 1986. One reason for the increase sales is a renewed interest in performance cars, which began in the early 80’s. The 1980’s Firebird models continued its “distinctive look with the low-riding nose and shallow twin grilles and hidden headlamps. Also, the 80’s models came with full-width tail lamps and a smoked lens on some models for a ‘custom’ blackout effect.”

Another American car that dominated sales in 1980’s is the Ford Mustang. Mustangs are one of America’s iconic sports vehicles and this remained true in this decade. In the 80’s Mustangs were in their third generation. In1979 the Mustang was based on the “longer Fox platform. The interior was restyled to accommodate four people in comfort despite a smaller rear seat. Body styles included a coupe, hatchback, and convertible. Available trim levels included L, GL, GLX, LX, GT, Turbo GT (1983–84), SVO (1984–86), Cobra (1979–81; 1993).”

1990-1999

The 1990’s was flush with funds as America continued to see the prosperity of the 1980’s carry into the new decade. Americans had extra money to spend, and one area they spent money on was cars. Truck and car sales grew throughout the early 90’s, with a few dips early in the decade due to the Gulf war. However, after the war car sales increased as Americans bought SUV’s (Sports Utility Vehicles), sports cars, and luxury cars.

Sports Utility Vehicles became popular in during the 90’s. One of the first Sport Utility Vehicles to be made is the Ford Explorer. The Explorer was created and designed to replace Ford’s Bronco, and turned out to be a smart move on Ford’s part. “The Explorer was instrumental in turning SUV’s from an area of interest to one of the most popular vehicles sold.” Since its inception, the Explorer has seen 5 generations, beginning in 1991. The body was designed to replicate certain aspects of the Ford Ranger’s pick-up truck, such as space and the option of four- wheel drive, while allowing the driver to have a more refined drive. Though there have been a number of competing SUV’s, the Ford Explorer continues to be one of the most popular SUV’s sold.

Sports cars were widely sought after during this decade. The 1990’s opened the road to foreign sports cars alongside of American sports cars. Some of the popular foreign sports vehicles in the 1990’s are the BMW Z3, Mazda Miata, Jaguar XJ220 and XK8, Lotus Espirit, and the Mercedes Benz SLK. Some of the most popular American sports cars sold during the 90’s are the Chevy Corvette, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Viper, and Ford Mustang. With the advent of innovative technology, new car companies such as Saturn emerged. Saturn’s were touted for their “plastic” exteriors, allowing for better gas mileage and lighter tread. The car designs were sleek and sporty, which fit the car trends of this era.

2000-2009

Brief description and history: The most definitive car of 2000-2009 is the Toyota Prius. The Prius was the first hybrid car to be mass-produced, and became a global sensation in conjunction with the growing environmental concerns of the 2000’s. In 1992, Toyota Motor Corporation announced the Earth Charter, which was a document that outlined the company’s goals to develop vehicles with the lowest emissions possible. In 1995, the hybrid concept car was shown at the Tokyo Motor show. Then, two years later, in 1997, the Toyota Prius made its first appearance in Japan. Though the Prius was privately shipped to a number of countries after its debut, it was not offered in the U.S. until 2001. There are three generations of the Prius since its introduction in 1997, and continues to be one of the most popular hybrid vehicles sold. Toyota chose the name Prius, which is Latin for “to go before.”

Key Features: The Toyota Prius is a combined hybrid vehicle, and can be run on electric power and/or gasoline. It is aerodynamic, which allows wind resistance and air resistance. Also, an electric water pump eliminates the need for serpentine belts, and the American and Canadian models use a vacuum flask to store coolant to reduce warm-up time. Touted for its low emissions and gas mileage, all three generations of the Prius deliver. The first generation Prius had a combined 41 miles per gallon (mpg). The second generation Prius had a combined 46 mpg, and the third generation has a combined 50 mpg. The Toyota Prius is and continues to be the car with the lowest fuel emissions and the best gas mileage manufactured.

A Green Conscious: There have been a number of tax incentives offered to boast the sales of green conscious cars, including the Prius. During the 2000’s the American government offered a $2,000 tax credit from gross annual income, in order to encourage car buyers to buy green. Other American companies such as Bank of America, Google, and Clif Bar & Co., also offer incentives for their employees, as do some European countries. In addition to the rebate incentives, a number of celebrities have been seen proudly driving their Toyota Prius. These green conscious trendsetters also help to increase Prius sales, and encourage others to go green.

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