Tire Kicking


Restoring a 1953 Nash Rambler Custom Convertible The Rambler Custom convertible

for 1953, when 3,284 were assembled , featured an electrically operated top that opened

and closed like a roll-top desk on the fixed side-window frames. They came standard with a

deluxe steering wheel, fancier upholstery, foam seat cushions, directional signals, clock,

courtesy lights, chrome wheel discs, and a Continental spare, all very lavish by 1950s

standards. (article & photos)


The Metropolitan The Metropolitan was the first small American car designed for mass

production. It was designed by William J. Flajole, for Nash Motor Division of Nash-Kelvinator

Corporation but built by Austin Motor Company of Birmingham, England. First marketed as

Nashes, later also as Hudson Metropolitans after the two companies merged as American

Motors Corporation in 1954. It became a stand-alone brand neer the end of its run.

(article & photos)


1948 Studebaker Land Cruiser Studebaker was the first American auto manufaturer to

get an all new design launched after the end of World War II. The Land Cruiser was the top

of the line. Text for this article was provided by the current owner, also a friend from one of

Pop's car clubs. Exterior and interior photographs are by Pop. The car now resides in the

San Diego area. (article)


Beep Beep Car songs abound in American history but few have achieved the cult status

of this bubble-gum balled about the race between a Cadillac and a little Nash Rambler. The

Playmates' Beep, Beep, released on Roulette Records, entered the Billboard charts top

40 on June 9, 1958, made it to number 4, and stayed in the top 40 for 12 weeks. Play it on

a jukebox today and you are almost sure to get an instant sing-along.


Great Calendar Art These came from the kind of calendars that do get hung in Beach

Bum Cove. These illustrations are artist renditions of pre-war cars from the American

Independents. Back then, they were all truly independent and separate automobile

manufactures and these are some of the best vehicles they offered.

A Picture Story: One Man's Classic Rambler, Another's Custom Classic! Different

people have different ideas of what a car should be. Some want their car to look just like

it did when it left the factory. Others want their ride to reflect the personality of the person

who owns it. Chris Denove of Camarillo, California, wanted his car to be bright and shiny

but pretty much stock on the outside. But inside, that was where the magic happened.


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