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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