1930s Cars - the Age of the Art Deco AutomobileWhat a Doozy! Do you remember that expression - inspired by fabulous 1930s cars? I heard it on the TV the other day, so its still in use! Referring to something splendid and high-class, the term came from the fabulous Duesenberg motorcars, which were some of the most wonderful cars produced in the late 1920s and 1930s. Long, low and streamlined, they epitomised the Art Deco style. Famous for their racing cars which had won several speed records in the 1920s, the Model J Duesenberg was owned by many rich and famous royalty, movie stars and politicians in the 1930s. The SJ Speedster, introduced in 1933 with a top speed of 130 miles per hour and a price tag of $17,500 provided a sporty version for those who wanted something faster and racier. Only 650 cars were produced by the Duesenberg brothers - a rusty forgotten Doozy lying neglecting in someone's garage may turn out to be a real find one day.
In the 1930s cars developed all the features that we know today. With the production of new types of steel that could be pressed into different shapes automobiles became less box shaped and took on the more streamlined forms that were to become so much part of the Art Deco style.
Most 1930s cars were closed in and had more streamlined bonnets and wings, large radiator grills and prominent round headlamps. All features which were to be imitated in Art Deco style in domestic objects such as vacuum cleaners, lamps, heaters, toasters and teapots as well as infiltrating the realms of jewellery, textiles and even providing the decorative elements of the Chrysler Building in New York, an Art Deco icon which was a shrine dedicated to the automobile. Ford, Morris and Austin were still the major competitors in the affordable car market, with Citroen introducing the ever popular Deux Cheveaux in 1937 which has really survived the test of time. I had one in the 1990s which looked just the same as the 1930s models and was tough, durable and even coped with driving in snow in northern England. Today, its the luxury models which are prized by museums and collectors. Cord 810/812
One of the most representative automobiles of the Art Deco streamlined style, the Cord 810 and 812 motorcars were among the most desirable of cars built in the United States. Introduced in 1935 and 1937, these cars had a unique shape, with a coffin shaped bonnet, no radiator grill, hardly any chrome and no running board. The streamlined shape was enhanced by pop-up headlights which closed flush into the body work and were raised by a lever on the dashboard. It was the only car in the United States at the time with front-wheel drive. The convertable versions, the Phaeton and the Sportsman were the most stylish and sporty and commanded the highest prices.
Check out my selection from some of these great Art Deco 1930s Car Posters from Art.com, or use the search box to find your favourites. I bought a fabulous poster for my brother, of a classic car at Monaco, it arrived fast, well-packed and was excellent quality paper. All the posters come in different qualities, prices and sizes. Search for your favourite title and see what versions are available. Click on their product information page for all the details. Plus check out my tips for buying online.
Art Deco Cars from the 1920s Art Deco Transportation Check out the Art Deco cars at the Mullin Automotive Museum Return from 1930s cars to Art Deco Weddings Return from 1930s Cars to Art Deco |
