Not surprising, then, is the fact that 1950 was a record sales year. Better than 6.6 million new autos found their way into the hands of eager buyers, bringing the number of registrations over the 40-million mark. It had taken a couple of years for the industry to catch up with demand, but by 1950 most folks who craved a new model could get one - provided they could pay for it. Imported cars like Swedish-built Saab 93 (pictured) began to attract buyers in the mid-1950s, but Detroit's "Big Three" and a few independent domestic makes ruled the American market.

Sales dropped somewhat in the next couple of years, though remaining healthy enough. Not until 1955 did another boom arrive, setting sales records that would endure for the next decade. An astonishing 7,920,186 new cars were sold - up 42 percent from the previous year - with seven out of ten families now enjoying the pleasures of auto ownership and spreading joy throughout the offices of Detroit. ...
Click for Complete 1955 story
See more Excerpts

Books in Progress: Editor Jim Flammang, author of more than two dozen books, is working on four more: Steering Toward Oblivion, Hotel Life, Work Hurts, and Absurdities. Each title views its subject from a similarly uncommon and lighthearted - yet serious - perspective. Also in the works: observations on society and major issues from Mr. Maurice, a stuffed pig who just happens to know everything. Flammang's biography of the Google founders, for fifth-graders, is available at bookstores. Three more books for youngsters were published in summer 2008.

Publishers Invited: Outlines and excerpts now are available online. Please see the box at center right. For further information, contact us at JF@tirekick.com.