The Old '57 On the Road

The Old '57 On the Road

 The golden era of automobiles, when the roads were wide and the engines roared with Detroit power, one car stood out—the 1957 Ford Skyliner.
Picture this: the sun is shining, the sky is a brilliant blue canvas, and you're behind the wheel of a '57 Skyliner, feeling the rumble of its V8 engine. As you press down on the accelerator, the car surges forward with a thunderous growl, unleashing all of its horses in a symphony of power.
With the top down, you're not just driving, you're experiencing the world around you in full Technicolor. The wind rushes through your hair, and the scent of fresh air and gasoline fills your nostrils.
It's not just about the horsepower and speed; it's about the sheer joy of driving. The Skyliner handles like a dream, gliding effortlessly around curves and corners with precision and grace. Its power steering and smooth suspension make every twist and turn a thrill, while its sturdy frame ensures a stable and secure ride, even at high speeds.
And then there's the retractable hardtop. With the push of a button, the roof magically disappears into the trunk, transforming the car from a sleek coupe into a stylish convertible in less than a minute. It's a feat of engineering that never fails to impress, turning heads wherever you go and eliciting envy from onlookers who can only dream of experiencing the open road in such style.
In a time when cars were more than just modes of transportation, but symbols of freedom and individuality, the 1957 Ford Skyliner reigned supreme. With its powerful engine, smooth handling, and innovative design, it captured the hearts and imaginations of drivers everywhere, offering a taste of adventure with every mile.
So the next time you find yourself yearning for the open road, don't settle for anything less than the best. Strap yourself into a '57 Skyliner, put the top down, and let the wind in your hair and the roar of the engine be your guide. Because when you're behind the wheel of a Skyliner, the journey is just as thrilling as the destination.

You Remember My Old Chevy?

You Remember My Old Chevy? Nice car, green on green. Had the 350. Ran like a top and everything worked. It's downfall was the tons of road salt we throw on the roads to make them passable by the oldies and the trendies.

1957 Ford Skyliner Mountain Retreat

 The classic 1957 Ford Skyliner with the retractable roof. This car was said to be the automotive engineering marvel of the 1950's.

Performance was decent if you opted for the 312 cubic inch V8. It's a big, beautiful car. Durable if you were able to get the body to survive years of salt and snow.

1957 Ford Skyliner Mountain Retreat is now available as Fine Art or Metal Prints through our online gallery- Shop Cosmos Great Art

 

 

 

Shopping Trip With the RoadRunner

 Well, I drove the RoadRunner into town to pickup a few things...

From R.T. Cabalero- "The Plymouth Road Runner is more than just a car; it's a roaring statement of power, performance, and unapologetic American muscle. Its iconic design, thunderous engines, and racing heritage have earned it a place in the pantheon of legendary automobiles. So, whether you're an adrenaline junkie yearning for speed or a nostalgic soul looking to relive the golden age of muscle cars, remember this: the Road Runner was built to run, and run it did – right into the annals of automotive history."

 

 

Celebrating the 100th Le Mans 24 Hour

 Celebrating the 100th Le Mans 24 hour race. The centenary edition won by Ferrari in their first Le Mans victory in 58 years. Corvette took the LM class in the factory teams last race.

Todays image is a tribute to western Pennsylvania racing legend Don Yenko. Don entered endurance races in the late '60s with a Corvette he took off the showroom floor of his car dealership and modified.

Yenko tweaked Corvettes, Camaro's and Vega's are still highly sought after performance cars.

Image by George Cosmos Wagner 

1953 Corvette- Runway Reverie

 

"Runway Reverie" is a captivating piece of artwork that captures the essence of nostalgia and the thrill of adventure. Depicting a 1953 Corvette parked gracefully at the end of an airport runway, the scene encapsulates the timeless beauty and allure of classic automobiles and the excitement of aviation.

The artwork is set on a cloudy day with subtle blue light casting a gentle glow across the scene. The runway stretches into the distance, seemingly infinite, symbolizing the endless possibilities that lie ahead. The tarmac reflects the fading light, creating a shimmering effect that adds an ethereal touch to the composition.

At the forefront stands a meticulously detailed 1953 Corvette, its sleek, aerodynamic curves embodying the spirit of automotive excellence. The classic white body contrasts against the runway's dark asphalt, emphasizing its elegance and pristine condition. The chrome accents glimmer in the fading light, evoking a sense of timelessness.

The Corvette sits alone, positioned at the end of the runway as if it is the embodiment of freedom and adventure. Its presence implies the anticipation of an imminent journey, invoking a sense of wanderlust and the desire for exploration. The artwork invites viewers to imagine the possibilities that await, capturing the thrill of embarking on a new and exciting voyage.

"Runway Reverie" harmoniously combines elements of automotive design, aviation, and nostalgia. It pays homage to a bygone era, capturing the romance and nostalgia associated with classic cars and the awe-inspiring world of aviation. The artwork invites viewers to step into a moment frozen in time and invites contemplation about the spirit of exploration and the open road.

 

Available as open edition prints- Shop prints here

 

 

56 T-Bird and the Wind in Your Hair

 

Introducing the sleek and powerful 1956 Ford Thunderbird, a true American classic that embodies the spirit of the open road. With its distinctive two-seater design and sporty curves, this beauty is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Under the hood, the Thunderbird packs a punch with its V8 engine, delivering a smooth and responsive ride that’s perfect for cruising along the highway. And with its convertible top, drivers can feel the wind in their hair and the sun on their face as they soak up the thrill of the open road.

But it’s not just about performance – the Thunderbird also boasts a stylish interior that’s both comfortable and functional. From the plush leather seats to the sleek dashboard and classic gauges, every detail has been carefully crafted to enhance the driving experience.

And let’s not forget the iconic styling that sets the Thunderbird apart from other cars of its time. The signature round headlights, chrome grille, and sweeping lines all add up to create a timeless look that’s still revered today.

Overall, the 1956 Ford Thunderbird is a true classic that represents the best of American automotive design. With its powerful engine, sleek styling, and comfortable interior, it’s no wonder this car has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved classic among car enthusiasts around the world.

Image by George Cosmos Wagner 

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The 1966 Ford Mustang on Ocean View Drive

 Today we find our 1966 Ford Mustang parked with an ocean view.

The 1966 Mustang is a classic American muscle car produced by the Ford Motor Company. It was the second year of production for the Mustang, and it featured a number of updates and refinements from the original 1965 model.
One of the most notable changes in the 1966 Mustang was the addition of a new engine option. In addition to the standard 200-cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine, buyers could now opt for a 289-cubic inch V8 engine, which produced up to 271 horsepower. This engine option helped to cement the Mustang's reputation as a powerful and high-performance sports car.
The 1966 Mustang also featured a revised grille design, as well as a new three-spoke steering wheel and revised interior trim. Additionally, a GT package was introduced, which included features such as front disc brakes, a handling package, and special badging.
Overall, the 1966 Ford Mustang remains a beloved classic car among enthusiasts and collectors. Its sleek design, powerful engine options, and high-performance capabilities helped to define the American muscle car era and continue to inspire car enthusiasts today.

 

 

 

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1953 Runway Corvette

 1953 Runway Corvette- If there's a runway it is almost mandatory to drive a car to the end of it and take some pictures.

Here is our 1953 Chevrolet Corvette at the end of 32R somewhere in the great American southwest.

 The 1953 Corvette started life as a concept car and eventually 300 were carefully assembled by hand in Flint, Michigan. These first Corvettes were powered by an inline six cylinder engine putting out 150 horsepower. Sports car lovers considered them to be underpowered. The first 'Vette did the quarter mile in 18 seconds and 0 to 60 in 11. Not very impressive, perhaps on a par with a modern four cylinder SUV.

There are only 225 C1 Corvettes left and a nice one could set you back $100,000 or more. 

 

Open edition prints and awesome merch can be found at:

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Sunday in Detroit City

 Sunday in Detroit City- Our 1973 Cadillac Sedan DeVille cruises through a rough and tumble area of one of America's great cities.

Cadillac was founded right here in Detroit in 1902. Henry Ford was one of the early investors though he stayed with the company for only a very short period of time. 

Cadillac's are known to this day for luxury and performance and boast an impressive racing pedigree.  

The 1973 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, in nice shape can be had for $20,000 or so. Happy shopping!

 

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Open edition prints and awesome merch can be found at:

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This 1953 Corvette is Ready for the Road

 This '53 Vette is Ready for the Road.

The first Corvette got off to kind of a slow start. Literally- 0-60 in 11 seconds, the quarter mile in just under 18. You can leave your helmet at home.

Powered by a 150 horsepower six cylinder with the two speed Powerglide transmission behind it.

Only 300 made, little over 200 still out in the wild this C1 Corvette could prove to be hard to find. $3500 brandy new, a nice one might put you back $250k right now.

While you're in the mood to shop stop by the Cosmos Great Art store. Wall art, Mugs, T-shirts. All kinds of cool stuff.

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National Big Chrome Bumper Day

 The cars of the 1950's were known for wings out back and big, gleaming chrome trim and bumpers up front. Don't forget the hubcaps- chrome plated steel, not the plastic "wheel covers" of today.

The front ends of many of these classic machines are works of art in their own right. The 1955 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 inspired the hit song of the same name with its big, beautiful but tasteful design.

Why not celebrate Big Chrome Day by visiting the Cosmos Great Art online store and stocking up on classic car wall art, Tee-Shirts, Coffee Mugs and more awesome merch.

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1955 Oldsmobile Outside In

Today we explore the instrument panel of a 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88. There's no GPS, no back-up camera, not a heads up display or LED to be found. 

The interiors of these classic cars featured beautiful, artistic design that emphasized function as well as form. 

The speedometer and odometer were prominent- usually right in front of the driver. These were mechanical devices loaded with intricate gears and springs. I've heard that the odometer in some of the old cars could be rolled back by lifting the rear wheels and driving in reverse. I've never had a car that did this so I can't confirm. 

The radio was most often an AM only unit- sometimes with vacuum tubes- and push button presets.

You also got a cigarette lighter and an ashtray, sometimes gauges for water temp and oil pressure. And warning lights- don't forget the warning lights.

There is a nice write up on the "10 Coolest Dashboards of the 50's" on the web site The Daily Drive

Well worth a read. 

 

Stop by my online store and grab yourself some Classic Car Wall Art, Tee- Shirts, Coffee Mugs or other awesome classic car themed merch-> SHOP COSMOS GREAT ART

The Discount Code YUGSHD gets you $1.00 off

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filling Up on 39 Cent Gasoline

Two American muscle cars fill up on 39 cent a gallon gas in this image by George Cosmo Wagner

 Just a couple of guys in 20th century American muscle cars filling up on leaded premium 39 cent a gallon gas, maybe grabbing a 50 cent pack of smokes before dropping a quarter into the pay phone to let Betty Lou know they're on their way.

Big engines, big gas tanks- maybe eight or ten dollars to top it off. Based on my personal experiences with similar cars these classics probably get 8-10 miles per gallon 'round town and maybe 14 on the highway. 

Shop for wall art, tee shirts, coffee mugs and more awesome merch at Cosmos Great Art Store. 

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1968 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide in the Clouds

 1968 Harley Davidson FLH Electra Glide in the Clouds- The Electra Glide, perhaps most famous "in blue" is shown here in period correct maroon and tan. Note the front drum brakes and whitewall tires. Classic, vintage Harley Davidson cruiser.

Visit the Cosmos Great Art online art store for wall art and awesome merch featuring this iconic motorcycle and many other of your favorite classic cars and bikes.

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1967 Chevy Impala SS in the Spotlight

 This 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS sedan is back in the spotlight. Shown here by the waters edge with the sun setting behind. 

For 1967 Chevy restyled the Impala and offered a number of powerplants from a six cylinder to the base eight 283. There are rumors that a dozen big block 427 engines snuck into the mix mid year.

Four doors, four barrel carb, maybe even one of the very rare 427 engines- this is a great, desirable American classic. You can find them in nice shape today for $30,000 on up. A very rough but restorable rolling chassis can be had for around 5k.

You can put this classic car on your wall or on awesome merch by visiting the Cosmos Great Art online art store:

                               

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