LIMA — Mercury was originally created in 1938 as a premium offering to Ford. Postwar styling of Mercury models changed during the 1949 model year compared to the 1948 models. The cars were swoopier and sleeker, wider and lower and had a completely new front look. Mercury's highest production year to date was in 1950, with 344,081 vehicles built. In August of 1950, Mercury sold its one-millionth car. In 1955, James Dean drove a customized 1949 Mercury in the movie "Rebel Without A Cause," which made the model very popular with the young drivers of that day. Early 1950s Mercurys are a good collectible, being usable daily drivers with good colors and modest lengths when compared to later years. The car’s engine and mechanicals are straightforward. The cars sold well in their day, but to find one now to restore can be a challenge since early Mercs were popular choices among period hot rodders.
posted: May 17
LIMA — The history of the GMC truck can be traced to the Reliance and Randolph, two companies that were purchased by GMC. In 2007, GMC was GM's second-largest selling North American vehicle division after Chevrolet and ahead of Pontiac. GMC introduced their 1/2-ton trucks in 1936. Prior to this, GMC made only larger trucks. The company noticed Ford and Chevy selling smaller trucks, and they decided to try their luck at smaller trucks. The pickup was no longer for work purposes only. GMC designers made several changes in 1971 with nicer interiors, more padding and insulation, carpet, chrome trim and upper and lower side molding. This was also the first year for the AM/FM radios being factory installed. The brakes were switched from drum brakes to disc brakes. In 1972, the most noticeable change was the rear view mirror was glued to the windshield instead of being bolted to the top of the cab.
CRIDERSVILLE —Futuristic styling, plus the new high-performance Rocket V8 engine and Hydramatic automatic transmission, made the 1949 Oldsmobile very desirable. 1949 was a new era for the U.S. automobile industry. The horsepower race was beginning. The 1949 Olds Rocket 88 was the beginning step to what would eventually become the march into the muscle car era. The big engine in the little car concept would become an industry wide trend. Supposedly, the original intent had been to us the new Rocket engine only in the 98 models. Sherrod Skinner, Oldsmobile's general manager came up with the idea of putting the new V-8 into the smaller, 76 model, some 350 pounds lighter than the larger car. Oldsmobile brochures read "The New Thrill!"
VAN WERT — The Pontiac Firebird was built by Pontiac between 1967 and 2002. The Firebird was introduced the same year as Chevrolet's Camaro. The first generation Firebirds (1967 to 1969) had a Coke bottle style. The bumpers were molded into the design of the front end and its rear taillights were inspired by the Pontiac GTO. Some car enthusiasts consider the 1968 Pontiac Firebird the best compact muscle car of the year.
BELLE CENTER — The Dart was Dodge's entry in the growing compact market. Introduced in 1960, the first Dodge Dart was actually a small full size car. It was "reborn" in 1963 as a true compact. The Dart lineup would grow to include the Demon and Swinger models, as well as the Dodge Sport and Dart GTS. The Dart was introduced as a lower-priced, shorter wheelbase, full-sized model. It became a mid-size car in 1962, and then a compact car between 1963 and 1976. The Dodge Swinger was introduced in 1969. Dodge updated the front and rear styling of the Darts in 1970. The hood featured long, narrow hood scoops, replacing the smaller vents. The Swinger also came standard with a three-speed manual gearbox.
ELIDA — The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by General Motors. It has been produced for seven generations. The first model was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. The Corvette is currently manufactured in Bowling Green, KY and is the official sports car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Corvette has been selected as the Indianapolis 500 pace car 11 times, most recently in 2012, and driven by Guy Fieri. The second generation Corvette was launched in 1963 and saw the debut of the Sting Ray body. The 1964 Corvette featured several improvement such as higher horsepower engine options, a smoother ride and better insulation. Production for 1964 totaled 22,229 cars built.
LIMA — With the rearming of US forces the Great Depression was finally beginning to ease , and Americans were earning more and buying more further fueling the economy. Automakers were busy with new models for the improved economic times. "Eye it. Try it. Buy it!" is the ad theme for the 1940 Chevrolets. The 1940 models were completely redesigned from the 1939 Chevrolets. The newer models slogan "Royal Clipper Styling," meant a more luxurious look. The overall length grew two inches, there was an "alligator" hood, and the grille bore a resemblance to the higher-priced Buick. Prices of the 1940 Chevy were increased by about four percent over comparable 1939 models, but the nation's economy had improved, and production increased by 38 percent.
LIMA —“1979 Pontiacs. Our best get better,” was the slogan for Pontiac during this time. 1979 marked the 10th anniversary of the Pontiac Trans Am. To mark the occasion, Pontiac created a silver exterior with charcoal hood bird decal and body striping. The interior had embroidered seats. Breaking the $10,000 mark, the 10th’s base price was $10,620.00. Although Pontiac produced 7,500 of the tenth anniversary cars, a handful of cars were prepared as pace cars on the NASCAR circuit, most notably those which wore the Daytona 500 guise. The T-tops were also a special mirrored finish instead of the "smoked" finish of T-tops seen previously. The 10th Anniversary Trans Am was also the first time you saw the "Turbo" wheels seen on later Special Edition Turbo, Pace Car and other Turbo Trans Ams. This wasn't your ordinary "run-of-the-mill" Trans Am. Just about everything on this car was taken to the next level to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of this popular muscle car. This car could easily be identified by using the VIN number as a reference. Instead of the normal "S" or "W" to signify Firebird or Trans Am, the 10th Anniversary had a "X" as the second digit in the VIN number to signify it is special.
LIMA — Car enthusiasts love to talk “car talk.” Because he knows this, Bob Montgomery, of Lima has built a room just for “car talk.”
ELIDA — The Buick Special was produced from1936 to 1958. It was Buick's entry level full-size car.The 1957 Buick Special shared General Motors' B-body with Oldsmobile. The '57 Buick Special extended a little over three inches in length than the 1956 model. It also stood three and a half inches lower than the '56 Buicks. This gave the '57 Buick a sleeker, low slung look. The only identification on the car was on the front grill and trunk badges. The '57 Buick Special featured a three piece split rear window, which critics were eager to criticize. However, this is one of the features that make the 1957 model year unique and desirable. There were approximately 405,000 1957 Buick's produced.
HARROD —The Ford Fairlane was sold between 1955 and 1970. It's competitor was the Pontiac Tempest GTO, which was a mid-sized car. Ford had been concentrating on their Mustang in the mid '60's, that a re-work on the Fairlane was all but halted, until success was seen in their Mustang. After the Mustang success continued, in 1966 the Ford Fairlane was give a completely fresh look for 1966. The headlamps were stacked at the front, and for the first time, a convertible model was offered. The 1966 Ford Fairlane was hot with its new sporty look with a base price of $2,843. The sales brochures read, "Quiet quality ... powered by Ford." There were 78 million cars registered in the United States in 1966, and gasoline was 32 cents a gallon.
CRIDERSVILLE — The International Race of Champions (IROC), is an automobile racing series similar to what NASCAR is. This racing series started in 1974 racing Porsches. After one season of racing Porsches, the cost to maintain the Porsches for racing was too expensive. In 1975, the series switched to the Chevrolet Camaro. This racing series used the Chevy Camaro from 1975 until 1991. Because Chevrolet raced the Camaro under this sanctioning body, in 1985 Chevrolet entered into a licensing agreement with the racing series and obtained the right to use the IROC name on its production Camaros. Thus in 1985, the IROC-Z was born and introduced as an add-on option package to the 1985 Camaro Z28 for the general population to buy. Once the licensing/sponsorship agreement ended in 1991, Chevy had to immediately stop production of the IROC-Z.
LIMA —The Ford Thunderbird was first introduced in 1955. The military men returning from fighting in World War II longed for a European type vehicle. Chevy answered with their Corvette and Ford answered with the Thunderbird. Throughout the years, the styling of the Thunderbird evolved and changed. In 1976, the “Big Bird” was debuted. The 1976 Ford Thunderbird grew in every conceivable way, from size and luxury to weight. These cars weighed around 5,000 pounds, and they averaged from eight mpg to 12 mpg. With the energy crisis’ of the 1970’s, this gasoline consumption was dismal. Of course, Ford made up for it with the looks. These new “Big Birds” rode on a 120.4 inche wheelbase and measured 225 inches overall. The starting price for a 1976 Ford Thunderbird was $7,790 without options. There were a total of 52,935 Thunderbirds produced in 1976.
LIMA — Like most car enthusiasts, Rodger McClain, current vice president of Lima Auto Mall, has a story behind his 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. He calls it, “For the love of a car.”
ST. MARYS — Television commercials debuting the new 1999 Pontiac Trans Am showed the new Trans Am behind another vehicle stopped at a red light, with the announcer saying "This is the new Trans Am, and it's very hungry." The light turns green, and the Trans Am growls, and leaves just a shell of a car in it's dust. The announcer closes with the words, "The muscle car lives. The new Firebird Trans Am, by Pontiac." The Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors between 1967 and 2002. The Pontiac Trans Am was a specialty package for the Firebird first formulate in 1969. It was typical to see the Trans Am with exclusive hoods, spoilers, fog lights and wheels. It is said that Pontiac saved the best for last with the fourth generation Firebird and Trans Am. 1999 was actually the 30th anniversary of the Trans Am since it's release in 1969.
VAN WERT —To some car enthusiasts, the 1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 is considered to be the most desirable Z28 of all. The 69 Z28 was one of the hottest-looking rides of the classic muscle car era, and showed what Chevy stylists could do to express performance and excitement. As Trans Am titles in 1968 and 69 showed, the Z28 was a road-racer first, a street machine second. Drivers bought 7,199 of them for '68, and sales nearly tripled for the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, which is a record that would stand until 1978. For 1969, Chevrolet sold over 20,000 Z/28's. It is also the most popular version of the car today.
WAUSEON — The Special Deluxe was Plymouth’s premier model in 1941, and it enjoyed great success. The Special Deluxe models were given bumper in ‘wingtips’ and center Superguards. Another notable change was the alligator opening hood. The battery was moved from under the seat to under the hood. Running boards were now considered an option on the Special Deluxe. Plymouth built its four-millionth car in 1941. Model year sales were high due to people purchasing new vehicles in anticipation of America’s entry into World War II.
LIMA —Rat rodding started out in the mid-’90s. They’re artistic, fun and an eye-catching interpretation of the late ’40s and early ’50s hot rodding culture. Rat rods are meant to loosely imitate, in both form and function, the “traditional” hot rods of the era. The cars are low, loud, chopped, unpainted with giant tires. Most rat rods appear “unfinished”, regardless of their status, as only the vehicle’s bare essentials are shown. The rat rod is designed for "fun." They perform well if they have larger engines and are tuned, but the fun is in building the rat rod for the looks. They are unique creations of the builder.
CAIRO — The Ford Fairlane was introduced in 1955 and lasted until 1971, although it went through several changes along the way. It was Ford’s full-size model and was available in six different body styles, a two door club sedan, a four door town sedan, a Victoria two door hardtop, a Sunliner convertible, a Crown Victoria or a Crown Victoria with a plastic top. In 1962, Ford made changes to its Fairlane. The company had success with the compact Ford Falcon and the slightly larger Comet, so they determined the market was right for a mid-size or intermediate car. It was revised again in 1966, as it was given a completely fresh look with stacked headlamps at the front. 1966 was also the first year that the Fairlane Convertible was offered. Ford changed little in the Fairlane’s design for 1967.
BLUFFTON —1989 was a great year for the Corvette. The performance and handling received attention propelling the Vette further ahead of its competition. Chevrolet equipped the Corvettes with the Performance Handling Package as standard equipment. The visual appeal of the car was enhanced with 17-inch wheels and tire. New for this year was the Selective Ride Control adjustable suspension. This allowed the driver to select between three different operating modes: ‘Touring,’ ‘Sport’ and ‘Performance.’ A 6-speed manual transmission was also made available. The production total for the 1989 model year were as follows: 30,632 total production, which included 20,007 coupes and 10,625 convertibles.
ELIDA —The 1967 Chevy Corvette was the last Corvette of the second generation. Originally planned as the first of the C3 generation, the 1967 instead celebrated the end of the C2's with outstanding performance and style. Five years of refining made this year one of the best of the line, according to some Corvette enthusiasts. There were only 22,940 Corvette's produced this year, as Chevrolet anticipated the buyers' wait for the newly restyled 1968. Today, the 1967 Chevy Corvette is one of the best finds out there.
LIMA —The Ford Customline was a mid-level model produced from 1952 through 1956. It was a model placed between the Mainline and the Crestline. Ford made news in 1954 when they became the only automaker to offer both a modern overhead-value straight-six and a new overhead-valve V-8 engine in their cars. The three-speed manual transmission was standard, or you could opt for the automatic unit for an additional cost. The Ford lineup was restyled after the successful 1949-1951 years. The new models boasted a more filled-out appearance. The windshield was a curved, one-piece fashion. The car was a half-inch taller with a revised grille. The combined grille and bumper assembly was similar to that used by Hudson in 1954, and the round "afterburner" tail lamps lasted through the 1960s. The 1954 Ford advertising read: "Only V-8 in the low-price field ... Only Ball-Joint Ride in the low-price field ... Only Modern Styling in the low-price field... Worth more when you buy it ... FORD."
ELIDA — It’s child’s play, literally. The popular children’s toy, Hot Wheels, opened it’s doors in 1968. The 1968 Chevy Camaro was reported to be the first Hot Wheels car produced. Although originally marketed to be toys for children, there are now adults who collect these tiny cars; as well as these big cars. The Chevy Camaro debuted in 1967 to great success. The 1968 model did not differ much from the 1967 model, side vent windows were deleted and the introduction of Astro Ventilation was added, along with side marker lights, a more pointed front grill and divided rear taillights. The SS models received optional chrome hood inserts. The 1968 Camaro SS was dedicated to the “fun crowd.” The sales catalog said it was “a husky performer and looks it.”
COLUMBUS GROVE —The 442 was a ‘muscle car’ option package for GM’s Oldsmobile Cutlass models beginning in 1964. Starting in 1968, the Olds 442 was a model all its own. In 1970 Motor Trend praised the 442, saying that “it’s probably the most identifiable super car in the GM house.” The 1970 Olds 442 was awarded pace car duties at the Indy 500. Oldsmobile was following Pontiac’s lead, offering a full-size muscle car in a mid-size Cutlass body. The name 442 represents the engine’s four barrel carb, four speed manual transmission and dual exhausts.
DELPHOS — America was in the midst of the Depression in 1932. The economy deteriorated and unemployment increased to 24.1%. Due to fact that there were few jobs, many Americans were forced to live in the streets or in their cars. Despite these facts, Henry Ford designed a new model car. A 1932 Ford with the first powerful V8 engine. Hot rodders today owe their gratitude to Edsel Ford, the son of Henry Ford, who battled with is father to bring European looks to their cars. Edsel’s longest lasting achievement, however, was developing the 1932 Ford Deluxe Coupe, also knows as the three-window couple which is the grandfather of the hot rod. Edsel wanted a sporty, European look with a low profile. While Edsel worked on the body design of the 1932 Ford, his father and his team perfected the flat-head V-8 engine. Because the 1932 Ford was extremely popular with hot rodders, kit cars can be made, paying homage to the original 1932 Ford Roadster.
BLUFFTON — The GTO was the product of Pontiac engineer Russell Gee, an engine specialist; Bill Collins, a chassis engineer; and Pontiac chief engineer John DeLorean. They transformed the redesigned Tempest into a “Super Tempest” with the larger 389 cu in Pontiac V8 engine. By promoting the big-engine Tempest as a special high-performance model, they could appeal to the speed-minded youth market. They succeeded in all aspects with their GTO. In 1965 GTO carried over from the '64, but the front end was redesigned and featured stacked dual headlamps, a recessed grille without horizontal bars, chrome ribbed tail lamps. Inside, the '65 GTO shared its interior with the upscale "LeMans" version of the Tempest and could be had with a new set of "Rally Gauges" that included a 120-mph speedometer, 8,000 rpm tach and water temp and oil pressure gauges. Again, this appealed to the speed-demon consumer. Pontiac sold 75,342 of their 1965 Pontiac GTO.
LIMA —“More Ford trucks on the road, on the job, for more good reasons,” reads the print ad for Ford Trucks in 1945. This was a year of change for Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford finally retired, leaving the company in his grandson, Henry Ford II’s hands. The War Production Board allowed automobile companies to produce more vehicles for the civilian market starting in early 1945. Ford took this opportunity to boost production of its truck lines. During 1945, only 1/2 ton pickups were built. On May 3, 1945, the 31,000,000 Ford was built and it was a pickup.
LIMA — “Rugged quality trucks” states the sales brochure for the 1980 GMC Pickup line.These trucks were built for day in and day out work, but also handled so well that driving them for recreational use was a pleasure. GMC executives worked hard on creating an image of a truck that could walk the walk, as they say. They created in interior that was comfortable and, compared to some pickups of this time, plush. But not too plush, that you wouldn’t want to hop in it sweaty and covered with dirt from a job. Plus, the cargo box walls were stronger, and double walled. This pickup was built to last well.
LIMA —The Pontiac GTO was built from 1964 to 1974. It was a muscle car classic of the 1960s and 1970s. The GTO was the brainchild of Pontiac engineer Russell Gee, an engine specialist; Bill Collins, a chassis engineer; and Pontiac chief engineer, John DeLorean. The Judge remained an option on GTOs. The Judge came standard with the Ram Air III, while the Ram Air IV was optional. Any GTO color was available on The Judge. The Pontiac GTO remained the third best selling intermediate muscle car, outsold only by the Chevrolet Chevelle SS and Plymouth’s Road Runner. Pontiac produced more than 40, 149 GTOs for the 1970 model year, but only 168 of those were The Judge convertibles. The Judge option ran $300 to $400 more than the regular GTOs, still a bargain price in the muscle car world.
LIMA — The Lincoln Mark IV was a luxury car sold between 1972 and 1976. It replaced the Continental Mark III, and was in turn replaced by the Continental Mark V. The Lincoln Mark IV carried over most styling details from the Mark III, including the tall Rolls-Royce-style grille, the long-hood, short deck style, covered headlamps, a “spare tire hump” in the trunk and taller fender lines. The 1973 Lincoln Mark IV set sales records, leaving Cadillac’s Eldorado. Lincoln had put Cadillac in second p lace in the personal luxury car market with it’s 1973 Lincoln Mark IV. As Lincoln said in its 1973 sales brochure, “The 1973 Continental Mark IV. Quite simply the most beautiful automobile in America.” There were 69,437 models produced and they sold for a price of $8,984.
LIMA —The Chevy Corvette debuted in 1953. It was Chevy’s sports car, that to this day, remains an icon. The Corvette is presently in it’s sixth generation. The second generation, which ran from 1963 to 1967, saw the sports car being modeled after a Mako Shark that designer Bill Mitchell had caught while deep sea fishing. Well, thankfully, the design caught on, and in 1965, there were record sales of 23,652 Corvettes sold. 1965 was a unique and memorable year for the sexy, curved Corvette. It was the only year that you could buy a fuel-injected, disc-braked Sting Ray. It was the first year for the big block and side-mounted exhausts. And with prices starting at $4,106, the 1965 Corvette Sting Ray was quite a bargain. No wonder that sales reached a record 23,652 units. The car was originally built in Flint, Mich. and St. Louis, Mo. but is currently built in Bowling Green, Ky. It is the official sports car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The National Corvette Museum is located in Bowling Green, Ky., and it documents the car’s history, while also hosting exhibits, tours and the annual anniversary celebration.
LIMA —“It takes a lot to get this crowd started. That’s why Camaro SS sets the pace,” is how the sales brochure read for the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z11 RS/SS. For two out of the previous three year’s the Camaro had been chosen to pace this race, “Check one out and you’ll know why,” the brochure stated. To help the ‘69 Camaro stand out on the large expanse of track, the 1969 pace cars were designed to be visible: Dover White RS/SS convertibles with Hugger Orange Z28 style stripes and orange houndstooth cloth seats. All were equipped with the recently released cowl hood. Not bad for a model that was originally produced in 1967. The Chevy Camaro was an immediate hit. Production topped 220,000 cars the first year, followed by 235,115 for 1968 models and finally 243,100 for the 1969 model year. Of course it was competing with Ford’s highly successful Mustang.
DELPHOS — The Camaro was introduced in 1966 as a competitor to Ford’s Mustang. Then, in 1967 Chevy moved to the next step and created the Z28. This car became one of the most desirable of all cars. The ‘69 Z28 had looks and performance, and some car enthusiasts feel the 1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 is the most desirable of all Z28’s. Sales nearly tripled in 1969 for Chevy’s Z28. In addition, the Penske Team won eight out of 12 races in a ‘69 Camaro Z28. The more races the ‘69 Chevy Camaro Z28 won, the more the public wanted this car.
LIMA — The 1970 Olds 442 W30, where muscle meets brawn. The W30 package was the top of Oldsmobile’s 442 performance. Some car enthusiasts feel the 1970 Olds 442 W30 is the baddest Oldsmobile of all time. The 1970 version was described as being suited “for performance enthusiasts only.” The engine produced 370 horsepower and was capable of going from zero to sixty in 5.7 seconds. The 1970 Olds 442 paced the Indianapolis 500 race.
LIMA — The Ford Fairlane model was sold between 1955 and 1970. The name was taken from Henry Ford’s estate Fair Lane in Dearborn, Michigan. The Ford cars grew larger in 1957. The new chassis allowed the floor to be placed lower, which in turn led to a lower, longer look, and yes, it had tailfins! The 1957 Ford Fairlane model made record breaking sales, and for the first time since 1935, Ford outsold Chevrolet. It was a low, wide, handsome and completely new car from the ground up.
LIMA —“What’s new? Everything!” That’s how the commercial advertising the 1955 Chevy Bel Air started out. This classic car symbolized America’s optimism as it came out of World War II a victor. This began the decade of fins and whitewalls. The 1955 Chevy Bel Air changed customers’ impression of Chevy from the stodgy and conservative to the sporty and youthful. Chevy’s slogan, “The Hot One,” helped market this new Chevy Bel Air to consumers as well. This is one of the most-remembered classic cars one will find today.
BLUFFTON — The 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix is thought by most car enthusiasts to be the first true Grand Prix. Actually, the first year for the Pontiac Grand Prix was 1962. However, in 1963, an all-new body that appeared more angular and modern looking than the previous year, was introduced. The most radical change was the stacked headlight treatment and the new “Coke-bottle” body style. The sides of the car were clean, the name Grand Prix adorned the side panels. This car, along with other full-size ‘63 Pontiacs is credited with changing the look of Detroit offerings for the next several years. The public loved the changes in the ‘63 Grand Prix, as production jumped to 72,959 units, more than double the previous year’s total. Not only did the Grand Prix look good, it’s performance was also enhanced. Motor Trend road tested a 1963 Grand Prix. The car went from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds and covered the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds at 94 mph.
COLUMBUS GROVE — Muscle and meanness describe the 1965 Olds Cutlass 442. The name '442' first appeared in 1964 as an option. It was technically the police apprehender option. It had been offered to compete against the Pontiac Tempest GTO, which had been unexpectedly popular. Olds executives wanted a portion of those sales, so they offered the 442, which evolved from the combination of options: four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission and dual exhausts. The engine was enlarged to 400 cubic-inches and produced 345 horsepower. With the introduction of the 1965 Olds Cutlass 442, Oldsmobile became the first company in the GM division to offer a full-size muscle car in its mid-size Cutlass model. The 1965 Olds 442 was tested by Car and Driver with the four-speed manual and achieved a quarter mile acceleration of 15 seconds at 98.5 while 0-60 mph was reached in 5.5 seconds. A total of 25,003 models were sold in 1965.
LIMA —The Ford Mustang 1984 1/2 20th Anniversary G.T. 350 model was a hit for Ford. It was available either as a hatchback or convertible. All were painted Oxford White with a Canyon Red interior and sported original pony and stripes side emblems with two 20th anniversary badges on the dashboard. Ford came on the racing scene with hot racers with the help of Jack Roush, who some say was the Carroll Shelby of the eighties. A Roush-prepared Mustang won the GTO class at Daytona. It was the start of the Mustangs reign as the king of GTO.
SPENCERVILLE — Providing a grand finale to the first-generation (1967–69) Camaro, the restyled ’69s raced through a year with exhilaration. Chevy’s hot sportster was turning up as the leader everywhere. The Z28 was headed for a Trans-Am racing championship, Camaro coupes were providing thrills at drag strips, and a specially detailed RS/SS 396 Convertible popped up just in time to pace the 1969 Indy 500. 1969 saw several changes to the Camaro. The grill became deeper set, the tail lamps were longer and thinner and broken into three segments. A heavy “eye-brow” crease was added on the both sides of the car extending from the front wheel well to the rear wheel well. A matching crease went from the rear wheel well to the rear quarter panel. The Camaro also received new fenders, door skins, rear quarter-panels, grille and taillights which gave it a wider, lower appearance. Inside, the Camaro received a redesigned dash and more comfortable seats.
LIMA — Oldsmobile presents a New “Holiday,” reads the sales brochure for Oldsmobile’s 1955 Oldsmobile Holiday 4 door sedan. The most important innovation in Olds design for 1955 was a brand-new body type. It was a four-door hardtop sedan, and Old was the first manufacturer to offer it in all of its lines. The new 1955 Olds Holiday sedan made it’s mark in history, selling almost 120,000 of the sport four-doors for 1955. The new 1955 Olds Holiday sedan offered consumers wonderful styling, abundant features and powerful V8 engines.
LIMA — For 1955, Chevrolet’s Bel Air model received new styling. This earned the second generation (1955 through 1957) Bel Air’s the moniker of “Hot One.” The ‘57 Chevy is one of the most recognized cars in the automobile industry. It was stylish and sporty, and there is no doubt that it is one of America’s most loved cars. The Bel Air had more chrome and featured a golden grille set off with a heavy chrome bar that included parking lights. The rear fins were topped with chrome moldings and highlighted with aluminum side trim panels. The car just was for aesthetic use, though, as under the hood was Chevy’s small-block V8 engine. This earned the 1957 Chevy Bel Air Motor Trend magazine’s top marks for handling. The 1955-57 Chevrolet’s remain a favorite with hot-rodders and classic car enthusiasts.
SPENCERVILLE — General Motors executives wanted a new car for 1957, but production delays halted that hope. Chevy’s chief engineer, Ed Cole, ordered a series of changes that increased the cost of the car in 1957. These changes included a new dashboard, sealed cowl, the relocation of air ducts to the headlight pods, and the now famous ‘57 Chevy tailfins. The tailfins were designed to make the car look wider in the rear. Also, the 1957 Chevy Bel Air was the first car to have tubeless tires. Through the 60’s and 70’s, the ‘57 Chevy was a popular used car and prized as a “street machine” or hot rod. The ‘57 Chevy won 49 Grand National NASCAR races, becoming the only car to do so. Surprisingly, the ‘57 Chevy also won a vast amount of demolition derbies as well. The radiator, which is set back from the grille, made the car difficult to disable. The double lined trunk made it a common winner in the demoliton derbies during the late 60’s and early 70’s. By the 1970s, the ‘57 Chevy became a collector car.
DELPHOS — Buick has always represented the best of American luxury, comfort and style at an affordable price. During the ‘80’s Buick saw an influx of consumers buying the foreign models, Audi, BMW, Mercedes. Executives decided to go after the younger crowd. They came up with the Buick Grand National. Buick almost had a war on their hands with Chevy though, as Buick wanted the Grand National to have the biggest engine. Buick and Chevy are both General Motors cars. General Motors wanted the Corvette to be the “flag-ship” car. The 1986 Corvette was rated at 230 horsepower, so Buick countered with 235 horsepower for the Grand National. The 1986 Buick Grand National had an impressive 4.9 seconds in the 0 to 60 time. Not bad for a V6 family sedan car. It was the fastest production car in the United States.
LIMA — “The Chevrolet built for two,” the 1966 Chevy Corvette. The first Corvette debuted in 1953, and with the 60’s came a time for a change. Chevrolet chief Bill Mitchell and stylist Larry Shinoda had the duty to improve a living legend. They succeeded, and sales soared to record levels. In fact, 1966 would prove another record-busting year, with volumn rising to 27, 720 units, up 4,200 over 1965’s sales.
LIMA —The Ford Ranger is one of the top-selling American pickup trucks. It has come a long way since its introduction in 1983 as a mid-sized truck, bridging the gap between the full-sized F-Series and the compact Courier. Ford executives were hoping to compete against the Japanese pickup lines. The Ranger replaced the Courier, which was basically a Mazda pickup with some Ford styling changes. Ford boasted that the Ranger had more interior room than the best-selling imports and that 4x8-foot construction material could be carried in the bed (with the tailgate down).
LIMA — “The Chevrolet built for two,” the 1966 Chevy Corvette. The first Corvette debuted in 1953, and with the 60’s came a time for a change. Chevrolet chief Bill Mitchell and stylist Larry Shinoda had the duty to improve a living legend. They succeeded, and sales soared to record levels. In fact, 1966 would prove another record-busting year, with volumn rising to 27, 720 units, up 4,200 over 1965’s sales.
LIMA —The Ford Ranger is one of the top-selling American pickup trucks. It has come a long way since its introduction in 1983 as a mid-sized truck, bridging the gap between the full-sized F-Series and the compact Courier. Ford executives were hoping to compete against the Japanese pickup lines. The Ranger replaced the Courier, which was basically a Mazda pickup with some Ford styling changes. Ford boasted that the Ranger had more interior room than the best-selling imports and that 4x8-foot construction material could be carried in the bed (with the tailgate down).
LIMA — The Ford Model A was the successor to Henry Ford’s Model T. It has been referred to as a “Baby Lincoln.” The vehicle was stylish and elegant, designed by Ford’s son, Edsel. The Model A was instantly popular. The two-millionth Model A was built in July of 1929, and the car had only been introduced 19 months earlier, in December of 1927. During the production lifespan of the Model A, which lasted until August 31, 1931, Ford produced 4,320,446 Model A’s. The Model A was then replaced by the Model B.
COLUMBUS GROVE —Dodge rolled out the Lil’ Red Express Truck in 1978, and it was one of the most unique Dodge trucks produced. Not only did it have the looks, but the truck was a performer too. In 1978, the Dodge Lil’ Red Express was the fastest American made vehicle tested by Car and Driver magazine. Yes, this meant it was faster than Chevy’s Corvette and Pontiac’s Trans Am. Car and Driver loved the truck bragging, “Hauling hay during the week and drag racing on the weekends.” From day one, these trucks had a cult-like following. With the success of the 1978 Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck, production was increased for the 1979 Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck. Most of the features remained unchanged, with the exception of flat hood and dual square headlights replacing the round versions on the 1978 Dodge. Some say the Dodge Lil’ Red Express Truck was the last American Hot Rod to roll off the assembly line in the late 1970s.
ELIDA — The 40s was not a good decade for the Indian Motorcycle Company. The company spent the first part of the decade making bikes for the war and making and repairing bikes for numerous police departments that used Indian motorcycles. After the war though, the company began experiencing trouble. It wasn’t the bikes, it was business decisions that put the company in a tailspin. The company was sold in 1945, and became part of the Torque Engineering Company. In 1940, the Chief underwent a major transformation, from mere motorcycle to American icon. The frame was completely revised to include a sprung rear suspension that was said to be superior to Harley-Davidson’s rigid rear end. But more importantly, all the motorcycles in Indian’s line were also fitted with valanced front and rear wheels and huge skirts that made the bikes unmistakable on the road. The 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle remains a classic American chopper. The skirted fenders was new for this year. With the throttle on the right side, a foot clutch and a left hand shifter, one had to be a master of coordination to maneuver this bike. However, it was promised that once you gained skill at driving it, it gave an amazing ride. Though Indian went out of business in 1953, the 1948 Chief had style, power, and technology to be the finest motorcycle in the world for the time.
© Copyright 2013, LimaOhio.com, Lima, OH. Powered by BLOX Content Management System from TownNews.com. [Terms of Use | Privacy Policy]
