8E45E

GM themselves have very few innovations to their credit, although two big ones, the Hydromatic transmission and the Comfortron fully automatic HVAC are fully theirs. Many of the inventions appeared before GM was formed, or before the marque became a GM product; or in later years, others invented it; be it another automaker, or a supplier to the automotive industry. Often times, its the supplier who invents the idea first, an example being Perfect Circle with their Speedostat who have to 'sell' it the auto industry to see if there any takers. Chrysler was the first to make it a regular production option. In Packard's case, it was Dana who came out with the limited slip differential, and Packard was the first to use it in 1956 and Studebaker in 1957. It was the same situation in Europe in a lot of cases, where it was Triplex Glass in England who invented the common rear defogger we see today on most cars with the thin metal trips that appear as wire on it (Triplex called it 'Hotline'), and sold the idea to British automakers who immediately picked up on it. Craig

I prefer 'full screen' photos as well, to see detail otherwise missed in smaller sizes. Consider it a favor, not an embarrassment to most for making them large. Craig

I remember that. And they actually looked good either way; open or closed, as they didn't look like a 'pop-up' headlight when exposed. Craig

Could one get a fully automatic transmission on a Chrysler in 1952? Or was it still a Fluid-Drive 'semi'-automatic? I thought 1954 was the first year for a fully automatic transmission from Chrysler. Craig

A jukebox? Craig

In the case of Studebaker, the term 'Serial Number' was used on the plate, mounted on the driver's side 'A' pillar until 1964. For 1965 & 1966, the term 'Vehicle Identification No' was used on the plate. In addition, there was a 'secret' serial number also stamped on the rearmost crossmember on the frame. Craig

Here, we could only drool over them as they were never 'fedralized' for North America, and the ones that were had their engines so detuned with smog equipment which made their performance pathetic. And the few that were, got those ghastly 5-mph bumpers which obviously appeared like the afterthought it was on those cars. If you want a European car from that era, go over to Europe and get one. Craig

As I stated in a previous thread, the 1971-'72 Rivieras are more sharply defined at the tail vs. the flatter '73 tail, and much better looking. Craig

I also agree. Much better balanced design. Craig

I would take a '73 Grand Am over a Monte Carlo of the same year anyday! All the Chevelle/Monte Carlo 'A'-body line showed a 'built down to a price' look and feel about them, where the Grand Am did not. Even the wood on the dashboard was actually real. Above all, the front of the Grand Am was far better looking without those ugly 5-mph bumpers ruining the design. Craig

Hence the reason for the multiple cooling fins on them. Craig

The Wagonaire frame was unique to that model. The convertible ran on a 109" wheelbase, while the Wagonaire had a 113" wheelbase. Craig

In the 1960's, Studebaker Avantis, Lark convertibles and Wagonaires had an 'X' brace in the center of the frame. Craig

The H4 headlights are also a clue. U.S. market R5's had round sealed beams. Craig

Like the Lancia Delta Integrale, Peugeot 205 Turbo, et al., the Renault 5 Turbo could only have been a gray-market car. They were never certified for sale in North America for emissions, bumper/crashworthiness, etc. Renault did have some nice designs, even if a bit anemic in the engine department. The Renault 15 and 17 come to mind. Craig

Because by the 1970's and 1980's, they were offered on nearly every make, domestic & import; where previously available only on domestic full-size or luxury brands. I don't believe Mercedes Benz got around to offering Cruise Control until 1975 or so. Craig

I would look for old Sanford-Evans Motor Vehicle Data books. They were published over several years, included Canadian serial numbers and Canadian list prices. Craig

Wills St. Claire, perhaps? Craig

Start with whatever year Nebraska started to issue actual licence plates, and go backwards. In many states, it was up to the owner to make up his own plates with house address numbers before they started issuing actual licence plates, though that 'NEB' metal tag is quite interesting. Here is another an early 'made up' one:

Best part is the car appears to be almost 100% COMPLETE!! That means a LOT with rare car such as this one! Craig

That must have been the same time Granny asked Jethro the same thing! Craig

Studebaker offered the 3-horn 'Music-Aire'. http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?79405-Bet-you-were-not-aware-that-Studebaker-once-offered-musical-horns!-Looking-for-a-set Craig

Since the Chevrolet line in general was VERY popular with fleet buyers, one can imagine the amount that were ordered in exclusive colors, including Bell System Green, Bell System Blue, railroad colors, GSA colors; not to mention, taxicab colors, etc. Craig

Does the 'funny roof' look like this one? http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?57671-Orphan-of-the-Day-12-28-1905-Jewel-Stanhope Craig

Now that would be CLASS!!! Riding around in a DIAMOND-T School Bus! That would almost be the equivalent of riding in a Prevost or an MCI today!! Craig