Our love affair with old vehicles has roots that run generations deep. The era of these amazing pieces of iron are replete with examples of ornamentation gone overboard, (nearly.) The designs of nearly everything seemingly had an infatuation with the curved line. There really is something quite special about a rounded fender with a bullet headlamp attached... or the vertical sweeping lines of a chrome grill.
Nonetheless, the designers weren't the only ones who were proud of their vehicles back in the day. The owners were proud of them too! In fact, many companies used their vehicles as part of their advertising. I have included some photos I've found on the internet... again, just perform a search on google and switch to images and you can probably find even more. These photos and advertisers show just how special these vehicles were (are) and how much the owners recognized it as well. They were branding themselves by including their vehicles in the advertising. That way, when you saw one of these coming down the street, you would likely think of their product... and do on.
Enjoy!
Probably one of my favorite COE's, along with the Dodges below.
retro motor home!
In 1960, Chevrolet offered these COE's with tilt cabs. The entire cab tilted forward for access to the engine compartment!
It really doesn't get much sweeter than this.
A Canada Dry Ginger Ale delivery truck. These were popular with a number of soft drink manufacturers.
Honestly, this vehicle looks like it stepped out of a Jetson's cartoon. Imagine a couple of surfboard mounts on the side above the rear wheel well.
For a fuel truck, this Texaco tanker has some great lines.
If I were going to go into the wrecker business, I think this is what I'd choose for my workhorse.
This might have been Shaggy and Scooby Doo's mystery machine back in the 50's.
Hood ornament, bullet headlamps, split grill with multiple layers, heavily curved front wheel wells, and a very sturdy, pronounced front bumper make this vehicle an eye catcher.
This Labatt's truck is a timeless beauty.
Check out the oval grill with the center divider.
Great advertising for Dodge.
Another view of the Labatt's truck.
This truck has very definitive horizontal lines and squared off features that actually are quite appealing.
I'm never get tired of seeing those long teeth on the front grill. Beautiful design!
This Red Rock truck would make a great daily driver for running to the home store to pick up lumber, tools, etc.
Any of the above trucks would make great project vehicles, but certainly were fantastic advertising pieces back in the day. Could you imagine your company's logo on the side of one of these beauties restored? It would certainly put your logo in the limelight... imagine all the selfies people would take standing next to it!
At any rate, keep the shiny side up!
