Laurence Jones 1950's, Edsel, Ford Motor Division

(Found In) Fair Oaks (San Mateo County, California): 1959 Edsel Corsair 4 Door Sedan

24018417839_021f4fb5a0_kSo much of the narrative attention given to the Edsel brand is given to the first year cars. With high expectations and projections of greatness, the ultimate failure to meet the mark sours the story of the whole brand.

It decidedly makes the 1959 versions a case of “why bother?” Indeed, the Edsel was a Ford in a gaudier suit when Ford could ill afford the expense of tailoring a new set of clothes for an old body. One would also have to look at the case of saving face and not throwing in the towel as well. The 1959 Edsel in Ranger and Corsair guise were the inevitable placeholders before the eventual march off into oblivion.

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Laurence Jones 1960s, Station Wagon, Studebaker

(Found In) Alberta Arts District (Portland): 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire Station Wagon

10406728_10152113960137201_2508588378875276034_nSome of the best ideas come out of the most desperate and dark hours. In the early 60’s with a non-existent budget, Studebaker threw everything they possibly could in every niche direction. Had those innovate ideas on wheels went anywhere there was a host of concepts of where to go if they got enough money in the bank.

Alongside the Personal Lux Pioneer Phoenix Grand Turismo Hawk and the Thunderbird/Corvette love child that was the Avanti, Studebaker decided to innovate the way wagons earned their keep on the trusty old Lark platform. All it took was a hole in the roof.

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Laurence Jones 1960s, American Motors, Coupe, Rambler

(Found In) East Oakland – 1965 AMC Rambler Classic 770 2 Door Hardtop Coupe

image (30)American Motors most likely wished that the sun was shining down on their 1965 line of automobiles like it was on this Classic a few weeks ago.

In a booming automotive market during the 1960’s, American Motors decided to diversify away from being the choice of spinster librarians and penny pinchers. They decided to broaden the scope of their offerings away from mere economy champs that racked up multiple wins at the MobilGas Economy run and high resale values based on stout construction.

The goal became to take on the Big 3 manufacturers on their own individual turfs. All 3 low priced brands would begin to offer Compact, Intermediate and Full Sized offerings and AMC was determined to go to war with equivalent models in each size segment.

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