Cars and Engines of the 1930s (Ch. 1 - 10) (D) *

Although 1930s was filled with increase in Depressions and decrease in auto-mobile productions, the people in America still enjoyed the fabulous models and new technologies that made car rides comfortable. The cars back then mostly had "square noses, round noses, [...] shovel noses, and the long curves of streamlines, and the flat surfaces before streamlining." (65) The model cars of 1930s had wide variety of appearance and interiors from the nose to the tires of the cars. During the 1930s, the new models were mainly created by the "big 3 auto-makers",  GM, Ford and Chrysler. They emphasized  the cars on style and looks because the Depression decreased the number of willing buyers.

Popular for its styling and eight-cylinder engine performance, the Buick series 40 brought new models of the Series 40 in 1934, 1936, 1937, 1939 and 1940. Of the most popular was the 1934 series that had maximum horsepower of 87 with the eight-cylinder engine, and powered rear-wheel drive.

Famous for its relatively small proportions and powerful engine, the 1932 Ford V-8 Cabriolet outperformed other cars during its year. Created by the Henry Ford Organization, the car was improved on the previous V-4 engine and weighted 2,400 lbs. Differently styled with improved proportions, the car reflected Edsel Ford's unique design sense and appealed greatly to the costumers. Also, because of the down draft carburetor, as the air moves faster, the static pressure lowers, and the dynamic pressure increases. With innovations to the model, the 1932 Ford V-8 Cabriolet quickly gained popularity.

 

The automobile manufacturers' refinement of the manufacturing process and the invention of some interesting styles became the foundation for the modern cars. The models created in the 1930s created the building blocks for the new age of auto-mobile industry.

 

Information Source:

-Sam, Alexander. "Popular Cars in the 1930s." EHow. Demand Media, 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. http://www.ehow.com/list_7357357_popular-cars-1930s.html.

-Nash, Tim. "1930s Cars - Great Innovation." The Finer Times: War, Crime and History Resource. The Finer Times, n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. http://www.thefinertimes.com/The-1930s/1930s-cars-great-innovation-despite-tough-times.html.

 

Picture Source:

-1934 Buick 60 Series 3 Window Sport Coupe – 27th Annual Twin Cities Classic Car Auction. Digital image. MidAmerica Auctions. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2014. http://www.midamericaauctions.com/automobile/buick/1934-buick-2-door-coupe/.

-The image of Ford V-8. Digital image. Pinterest. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2014. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/499618152381853480/.

 

Book:

-Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Viking, 1939. Print.