Parade of Classic Old Cars
What a Beauty!
Allure of the Automobile Show
I was in Atlanta last weekend visiting with my son. On Saturday morning there was a parade of gorgeous classic, collector cars driving slowly down Peachtree Road, ending up at the High Museum of Art. You could look more closely at the antique cars and talk to some of the owners.
We stood on Peachtree Road watching these classic used cars, which looked like they were in new condition, although you know many went through restoration. We took a lot of pictures. I wanted to put many of them in this hub as each antique car was really beautiful. I am not quite sure if I got all the names or all the cars right and some I didn’t know at all. There was no program to follow, but I did my best. I am sure there are those that know cars very well who will be delighted to help me out.
1939 Jacquar SS
Brief Car Manufacturing History
For a brief history of automobiles, the classic car era began with the Great Depression in 1930, and ended with World War II about 1948. It was during this time auto manufacturers began to build closed body cars with fenders, which started to dominate sales rather quickly. The cars had a new sedan body design, incorporating a boot or trunk, as well, for rear storage. Running boards and headlights were added about this time also. By 1930, most of the technology used in today’s automobile had been invented, although there were improvements made continually.
American luxury cars from the 1930’s onward were built to travel on smooth roads and to impress the country club crowd. In Europe, the automakers were building cars designed for performance. After World War II the industry shifted away from the opulence of the pre-war period toward smaller, more practical models.
By the 1950’s the desire for fast, luxurious sports cars prompted automakers on both sides of the Atlantic to design the high-end performance cars for the track and the road. Fuel was cheap, and everyone loved the faster, luxurious cars.
1934 Packard Twelve Runabout Speedster
1932 Ford
Custom Model A
1951 Hudson
1960 Rolls Royce
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
1935 Duesenberg JN Roadster
Corvette
About a 1937 Plymouth
Ford Willys Woody
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR W 196-S
Maybe Someone Else Knows on This One
Lincoln Continental Convertible
1934 Ford Coach
About a 1956 Mercedes-Benz SL
Need Help With This One
Summary
I hope the array of cars brought back some old memories for everyone. I didn't know the names of many of of the antique cars, but I remember most of them from my younger years. Watching the parade was such a festive occasion as people were laughing and answering questions when asked. My son and I had a wonderful time on a beautiful sunny day.
We got an invite to travel to Las Vegas in one of those gorgeous convertibles, but they didn't come back for us! Before the parade started it looked strange to see the empty street. It was a beautiful day, and if you have ever been to Atlanta, you just don't get to see Peachtree Road completely empty of traffic, ever!
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.