A Picture Says A Thousand Words

Did I ever mention that I love going through old pictures of hot rods, muscle cars, drag racing, and the like? I think I do this subconsciously every once in a while, because it always reinforces why I love cars in general, but especially the influential iron from my youth. Many times it's not just the automobile that is the subject - it can also be the setting, the body language, or several other aspects that truly make the photo memorable.


This is especially true in advertising. I can't think of any other industry that plays so heavily on feelings, desires, emotions, and the like - and that's what it's supposed to do. If an ad in question does not accomplish this in some way with a particular demographic, it has failed. I was reviewing some of the classic muscle car ads I have in my collection for a book that is getting finalized for publication. It still amazes me the language, the imagery, the colors, and the social norms that were played with, stretched, and boldly put into print. In regards to automotive

advertising, the late '60's will never be repeated. The picture above is from a Plymouth brochure from 1971. In a time when musclecars were almost 100% marketed towards men, Chrysler did an about face where the woman was front and center, as was the guy and his sorry expression, even though he's in the background. Not only does the photograph advertise the 'Cuda, but it also presents a humorous scenario (depending on which sex you are). The picture to the left is an entirely different story; an ad even similar to this would be unthinkable today. AMC used this "description", as they called it, in their fan club magazine that was mailed out semi-annually to AMX owners. This is a case where absolutely nothing more needs to be said...

During the golden era of drag racing, the sport relied on photographs published in enthusiast magazines during the early years because not every household had a television and the TV networks hadn't caught on to it's upcoming popularity. Aside from actually attending a somewhat local event at an actual drag strip, or as was the case in the early '60's, a nearby small airport, cool photos of hot racing action in monthly periodicals like Hot Rod, Car Craft, and others,

were a speed freaks only connection to what was new, what was fast, and what combo worked. Take a moment and absorb all that's going on in the picture above. While it may present a great deal of wow factor, there's also a reason why we don't see diggers like this anymore. As racing progressed into the early '70's, safety was improved, but elapsed times and miles per hour by the end of the 1320 were way up as well. In modern times with driver canopies on both dragsters as well as funny cars, we no longer see some of the exciting, tense, and even humorous expressions of drivers. Check out the launch pic of the rail that's above left. There's so much going on here; the exhilaration of speed, the concentration of keeping the dragster straight, but the oh-shit look as the wheels are hooking the rig to the left. You can imagine the thoughts going through the guys head of how to straighten his ride out while not letting up on the throttle while hoping for the win. That's pure raw, folks.

However, it still bums me out though, the sometimes the most overlooked "picture that says a thousand words" is the one taken at home and is usually the most basic. For example, the classic father/son (or even the mother/daughter or uncle/nephew; just fill in the blank) restoration project that is finally completed. Never mind, that the car actually got finished - but couple the facts that there were probably delays, setbacks, and then there's always the fact that no killed the other person! Sometimes it's difficult to stick to your goals regardless of well the plan is laid out. However, it's worth way more than words can say, and all the money in the world, when this type of project gets finished and finally enjoyed. Trust me on this one - the experience, memories, and bonding far outlasts the restoration.

Until next time, peace out.
Dave