Happy Birthday, GM!
As this is being penned, it’s GM’s 100th and we want to wish an old friend a sincere happy birthday. GM and all its subsidiaries have been a boon for decades to hot rodders and customizers by providing affordable fodder for all who enjoy toiling in their garages and tooling around town.
With very few exceptions, Ford was the mark in the pre and early post-WWII era. It ruled both at the track and on the street. But the guys at GM, much to the chagrin of the diehard Ford faithful, did their homework and finally started producing cars that started overshadowing Ford’s performance and outselling them on the car lot.
Styling
Take a look at GM’s styling, too, throughout the decades. There’s no doubt that GM’s Fisher Body Division sculpted some truly ground breaking and beautiful cars through the years. Cadillac gets a nod as having some of the most sumptuous lines throughout the decades, and they were the originator and kings of the tailfins – no contest. Take a look at the future-thinking Riviera of ’63 and the stylish Olds Toronado of ’66. And there’s no way that anyone who sees an early Corvette doesn’t do a double take when it passes by.
The lowrider circle swoons at Impalas. The pro-street dudes at the track have their affinity for the Camaro, Nova, and Chevelle. Cadillac is still the make for the snowbird set and their pink flamingos. Esoteric types enjoy early Oldsmobiles, Ponchos and Buicks. GM has made something for everyone throughout its 100 year history. They helped make this country great by employing hundreds of thousands at their plants and paying them a fair wage with excellent benefits.
Read the rest of this editorial salute to GM in CKD #31
