Automotive History

History of Chrysler Assembly plants — Great Depression and beyond


Celebrating production of one millionth Plymouth

By Peter Hubbard
Abandoned Cars and Trucks.com

Part 2 of 3

(July 26, 2017) Despite the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression Chrysler wound up adding four new assembly plants during the 1930’s. These included the Los Angeles Assembly in Commerce, Calif., Wyoming Avenue Assembly in Detroit, the Evansville Assembly plant in Evansville, Ind., and Warren Avenue Assembly in Dearborn, Mich.

The history of Chrysler Assembly plants — The early years


1924 Chrysler — The first Chrysler

By Peter Hubbard
Abandoned Cars and Trucks.com

Part 1 of 3

(July 20, 2017) Did anyone happen to hear some loud moans or groans — maybe even a howl or two emanating from the cemetery up in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., on Halloween night?  If so, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised. No, I’m not referring to possible Halloween pranksters dressed up like The Headless Horseman — or perhaps some ghouls warming up their vocal chords.



Preston Tucker — The man and his scheme

By William G. Sawyer
Contributing Editor, The Virtual Driver
Photos © Nostalgic Motoring Ltd.

(July 15, 2017) For some, automobile addiction is a fatal disease. It begins innocently enough. An exotic car catches our eye, a friend gives us a spirited ride, or we wander into an auto race that awakens urges we didn’t realize we had.  For many, the auto gene lays dormant from birth, waiting to be unleashed by that first whiff of gasoline and tortured gear lube.

Designed in Sweden and built in Italy — the Volvo 262c turns 40

(March 11, 2017) Forty years ago, Volvo turned perceptions of what its brand stood for upside down. The Volvo 262 Coupé left no one unmoved and sold significantly better than expected, despite costing more than twice as much as the basic model in the 200 series.

Subaru celebrating its 50th year of sales in U.S.


1978 Subaru advertisement

(February 16, 2017) CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Subaru today announced its year of 50th celebrations, leading up to its 50th anniversary on Feb. 15, 2018. In keeping with a company known for supporting good causes, the automaker is marking its 50th anniversary with a special donation of “50 cars for 50 years” to benefit a national charity to be announced at a later date.

Life on the used car lot

(January 10, 2017) This picture collection of used car lots from the late 1930s through the mid '60s will bring back memories for a lot of older folks and it will give younger people a glimpse into the life of a used car salesman in the middle of the 20th Century. We particularly like the sign that reads "If the horn blows we'll buy it." We don't know who compiled this interesting group of photos, but to that person, a giant "thank you."

Rare 1920 Anderson Six Convertible Roadster added to historic register

(November 10, 2016) Hilton Head Island, S.C. — Students from the College of Charleston worked with the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) to add the 1920 Anderson Six Convertible Roadster to the National Historic Vehicle Register in celebration of 100 years of the automotive industry in South Carolina (1916 – 2016).  The 1920 Anderson is one of only seven known survivors of South Carolina’s first automobile company that operated between 1916 and 1922.  

Fully restored 'Serial One' Honda N600 revealed

(October 19, 2016) TORRANCE, Calif. — Since March, Honda has taken viewers on an in-depth journey of the restoration of the very first Honda automobile in America, the N600 with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 1000001, called "Serial One." The final episode, which aired Tuesday, marks the end of the 12-episode documentary series that has chronicled the meticulous, step-by-step restoration of the N600 through the eyes Los Angeles-based mechanic Tim Mings.

30 years of the BMW M3 — The story behind the legend

(September 28, 2016) MUNICH, Germany — 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of a motoring icon, one which revolutionized the mid-size sports car segment when its production started in 1986. The very first BMW M3 set a new standard by which other carmakers would be measured, and, five model generations later, are still judged today.

Volvo Amazon — A female warrior turns 60

(September 1, 2016) Volvo’s timeless beauty, the Amazon, was introduced to the world for the first time 60 years ago. Named after the female warriors in Greek mythology, it is still one of the most iconic models in Volvo’s history.

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