The American Dream Cars of the 1950s Part I: GM's Motorama Edition

[@adrianmonk4440]

Under company president Alfred P. Sloan, General Motors offered "a car for every purse and purpose." A buyer might start with a Chevrolet and gradually trade up to a fancier Oldsmobile, Buick, or Cadillac. It was the opposite of Henry Ford's one-size-fits-all Model T. As customers' wants and wallets grew in the 1920s, Sloan's approach took hold throughout the industry.

[@bobhill3941]

Yes, he did, he was a visionary. Insidious with regards to planned obsolescence and conspicuous consumption.

[@adrianmonk4440]

​@bobhill3941 // That he did, Bob. Sloan was in the driver's seat of a MULTI-Division Automotive company. In a perfect position to take advantage of post WWII pent up demand.... AND SHOWING THE CAR BUYING PUBLIC THE SKY AS THE LIMIT. Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus exclusive department stores was quoted as saying, "It is my job to make people dissatisfied with what they have." People now need to UNDERSTAND WWII SACRIFICE. Ration coupon books reflecting scarcity of butter, meat, eggs, tires, auto parts, etc., etc. IF you were Patriotic you bought War Bonds, and donated scrap metal. Afterwards, people didn't know what they wanted; BUT THEY WANTED MORE.

[@bobhill3941]

@@adrianmonk4440 Yes sir.

[@adrianmonk4440]

Keep in mind we were DESTROYING trolley cars & light innercity rail. Eisenhower was giving the country an Interstate Highway System; and, the GI Bill helped the "Flight to the (NEW) Suburbs."

[@Tsotha]

same model Volkswagen uses today with Skoda as the cheapest, Audi at the top as well as Volkswagen and Seat in the middle

[@persjofors2586]

I live in Los Angeles, and one of my neighbors is a famous customer car builder. Many years ago, he built a replica of the Y-Job, and occasionally, I saw it driving on the street. He eventually sold it for about $1.4m.

[@DuneRunnerEnterprises]

Whoa! Are Chip Foose is your neighbour 😊?

[@EdsAutoReviews]

Woah, for real? That's awesome! Crazy that even 'just' a replica sold for so much!

[@Tsotha]

clicked as soon as I saw the Pontiac Club De Mer in the thumbnail, one gorgeous looking vehicle and perhaps the classiest of GM's concept cars from the 1950's

[@EdsAutoReviews]

It sure is!

[@stephenmeier4658]

Ed, you have a fantastic channel. Your narration is practically flawless, and your humor never misses the mark. Thanks for many happy hours of learning!

[@61rampy65]

Cool Your comment says exactly what I was going to say!

[@EdsAutoReviews]

No problem! Thank you!

[@adrianmonk4440]

@@stephenmeier4658 /// Are most Dutch as witty & mildly sarcastic as you, Ed ?? Great job.

[@billmcg1676]

Well said! Love the channel/videos for the new knowledge Ed provides. But the narration and humor Ed adds make it one of the best car channels out there. Always enjoy Ed's take on the topics and presentation style.

[@Sharion.Inuyatt]

I love how the futuristic design of that time is what makes these now classic cars look so gorgeous!

[@jereignjayavenhenryjohn6802]

Classic and alive..... So much beautiful than most SUVs we have today.

[@Dakiraun]

All these years later ( and oh so many concept cars later ) I still think the Buick Y-job is one of prettiest cars ever made. Very cool that you got to see it in person.

[@Tsotha]

I don't think all American car designs from that era have aged that well. However the Buick Y-Job definitely has a timeless elegance over its design to this very day; as do the Pontiac Club de Mer and the Buick Centurion.

[@allenwayne2033]

I lived in the Detroit area in the late 80's/ early 90's and have been to several of the annual North American Auto Shows and always enjoyed them but I imagine they didn't then and definitely don't now hold the magic that they had back in the era that you are describing. Ed, I take my hat off to you once again! You always present high quality, well researched, highly informative and entertaining content! Well done, my good man!

[@dicksanders8206]

I'll second that. Great work, Ed.

[@markmcalevey4982]

Just found your page. Great videos! Lots of photos I've never seen before, lots of wonderful information, too!

[@MarqBarq]

Seriously the best car centric channel on KZbin. Keep it up Ed.

[@EdsAutoReviews]

Thanks!

[@vikramrao6391]

The first gen Oldsmobile Aurora was definitely a concept car that made it to production without alot of changes. One parked on my street, always have to give it the once over, its just that gorgeous.

[@dvdosterloh]

Olds had several hits, my favorite was the 66 Toronado, talk about futuristic !

[@vikramrao6391]

@dvdosterloh I like the 60s one but for me it was always the Toronado from the Late 80s. That car just oozed style.

[@lelandfranklin3487]

Talked my late father into an Aurora instead of a stodgy Buick. He LOVED it...and was his last car. Alway loved high tech and design...

[@vikramrao6391]

@@lelandfranklin3487 i would love to own a well sorted 1st gen Aurora sometime.

[@nnjjee1]

That brilliant car still holds up today. I saw one recently and it looked modern

[@DanielJacobs-t8q]

ED, you have really excelled at the utube videos. I have always watched your videos!! THANK YOU!

[@dsdonovan]

Very subtle like/subscribe insert 😆

[@EdsAutoReviews]

Thank you! Did you subscribe and like lately by any chance? :P

[@h.paulsprojects3061]

Excellent video, Ed never disappoints.

[@shawnn6926]

The Buick Y reminds me of the Buick Blackhawk I saw at a car show many years ago.

[@TullyEDMVibe]

Awesome super detailed documentary. 🎉

[@BL00DY08]

love the video, excited for the other 3 parts

[@BrewBlaster]

I remember seeing these cars in books in the library as a kid.

[@rumplestilskin5776]

Very well done Ed, I look forward to the next 3 parts.

[@ssippishark]

You are a funny dude Ed. Now I wish I lived in the 50's. The cars were experimentally mediocre, but the future looked unlimited. Those care were wild, but I particularly, as an architect, loved seeing "shows" and show rooms. All that temporal fanaticism must have been a sight to see.

[@blackscotydog]

Nice to have you back Edward!

[@TheOldGord]

Ed. I’ve watched every episode and just have to say, your content is my favourite on KZbin. Keep them coming 👍🏻

[@jeffking4176]

Great video. Can’t wait for the next installment. 🚗🙂

[@morenofranco9235]

I love seeing these cars. What a history. I grew up with a lot of these designs and adverts. Thanks Ed.

[@althejazzman]

Those Firebird concepts are so outlandish. They really capture the ambitions of the 50's.

[@stanleycostello9610]

I like the music. Fifties sophistication.

[@Bucketroo]

If you watched Batman: The Animated Series, you might have noticed that the Gotham Police Department trucks were directly inspired by GM's Futurliners. This makes sense since the show was definitely going for the Art Deco look. GM sort of revived Motorama with the Auto Show In Motion events held throughout the US in the early 2000's. They rented a large space, usually a stadium parking lot, and set up courses to allow people to test drive cars. Not just GM cars but also rivals cars, so people could decide for themselves which was better. I went to one of those and got to test drive all sorts of fun stuff! Hummer H2, Chevy SSR, Cadillac CTS V, Corvette. I also found out I could actually fit inside and drive a Pontiac Vibe. Good times! Excellent video as always, Ed!

[@maxsmodels]

The Y car is one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

[@bhumiriady]

It's been a while since I've watched the Automotive History Series... I really enjoyed this one so much and looking forward to the next installments of this multi-part series.^^

[@DSP1968]

Another great video, Ed. I'm always impressed by your thoroughness and entertaining demeanor. Looking forward to Part II.

[@ryananderson8511]

Great episode and what a great time it would be to be alive in the early 60s late 50s

[@dicksanders8206]

I was alive then and I have fond memories of it.

[@ronalddevine9587]

How the mighty have fallen. In the 50s, GM commanded about 60% of new car sales in the USA. Chevrolet division alone was bigger than Ford Motor Company. Their cars were well designed and built. Reliability was better than the other American manufacturers. They totally lost it by the late 60s, early 70s. And I don't think they've gotten it back. They just don't seem to understand what the public wants = a well built, reliable, and economical car.

[@obelic71]

Look at what happend with GM Europe. Opel and Vauxhall were once in the top3 of sold cars in numbers in Europe. Value for money reliable cars for everyone. GM f.cked up with quality and low inovation and had to sell its 100 year old European divison to PSA and has left the continent entirely.

[@jadenamoako5731]

The Cadillac Cyclone is my favorite GM Motorama car. Thanks Ed

[@johngraves6878]

As far as EAR videos go, this is about as fun as it gets! Those Parade of Progress busses have to have the highest passenger cabin of ANY roadworthy American vehicle ever made! It must be like sitting on top of Mt Everest. You'd better keep your eye out for any insect-like pedestrians on the crosswalk WAY down there on the street. I simply cannot BELIEVE that some of these deliriously delicious designs weren't put into production. For example the corvette station wagon and some of those marvelous GM vans. I want one so bad, but I'm perfectly happy to settle for the astrovan (now on my 3rd one) which I DO love to drive...and even today, there's nothing else like it on the market. Every time I hear the term "Y-Job", it sounds like something a prostitute can do for you.

[@Primus54]

Well done! 👍

[@OLDS98]

Ed! Good job. It is always funny catching your humor in your videos. There was plenty in this video that had me laughing. This video was educational, interesting and informative. I enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@peloi111]

Looking forward for the rest of the episodes. Concept Cars from the 50s are amazing! I have a 1:24 Lesabre and Futura, they are the highlights of my collection

[@Jonny_5]

Another amazing video!

[@coolmonkeymc8268]

This guy Ed should have a million subscribers am I missing something ??

[@WKN2045GB]

That was a damn good Video, now im hyped for the next Part!

[@anthonydilligaf823]

Wow. They subscribed to your channel in the 40s. That WAS futuristic.

[@MisterOcclusion]

I like how you integrate your channel promotion seamlessly in the script. That's a concept ahead of its time. Great video. Loved the cars, even the.... Le Sabre

[@jerrywood4508]

Thanks for this. I thought I'd seen all of the GM dream cars, but you surprised me with some new ones. And the idea of seeing all the concept cars from all the manufacturers has me excited.

[@Couchflyer-NY]

Thanks Ed, dream cars is a fun subject. I appreciate that you interject a little humor.

[@stephenbond1990]

Liked as soon as the page loaded, I love 1950s US car styling and especially the 55-57 period, the concept cars are Iconic and still eye catching even today. Thank you for giving us this glimpse into an amazing era.

[@42itously]

Few things more satisfying on a Friday night to this mid 60s old man than sipping vodka and watching EAR. I suppose I could cruise a seniors dating app but would likely end up scammed by cyber ne'er do wells depleting my meager retirement funds in search of a woman that has never, never been born while dreaming of going to California. Uh, no thanks to that but thank you Ed!

[@arielachong7577]

👍👍👍👍👍👍good very good.

[@maxpayne2574]

Fun and interesting as always thank you Ed.

[@john1703]

Don't touch, George!

[@farnorth7314]

Outstanding!! So nice to see a well researched doc with PROPER narration. Delighted to subscribe.

[@UberLummox]

Hell yeah. Great video! Looking 4ward to the next installment.

[@BMoney8600]

Great video as always Ed!

[@RobertM125]

This looks like a great series. I can't wait to see the next installment.

[@simon_969]

I'm impressed by the tech they had or envision back then. Gas turbine engine, self driving highway in a way that probably can actually work, keyless entry etc. The rocket styling cars look amazing too.

[@MrJommins]

Bravo! Another awesome video! Congratulations on 66 episodes. Let’s see 66 more! Bravo.

[@cristianci00]

Awesome series….looking forward for the next three parts👏👏👏

[@61rampy65]

I just love your humor, Ed! Just keep on doing what you are doing, and I will keep watching.

[@christopherbaxendale276]

A great enjoyable show. Thank you.

[@maxfield9873]

Amazing as always Ed! I look forward to the rest of this episode.

[@kclefthanded427]

That Chevrolet Corvette hardtop coupe, actually looks cool

[@kermitefrog64]

These are works of art and that is what is missing in modern cars.

[@Amp497]

Fantastic, as always!

[@DuneRunnerEnterprises]

Hey,Edward,your own show is to be delighted about! Great work!!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!!!!!

[@astron4606]

Been waiting for this one! My car is a 1960 so it's the end of this kind of era and I'm quite in love with it, so many cool futuristic designs I wish came to light!

[@uleiosu4582]

amazing episode! saw headline and clicked immediately :)

[@scottastell9415]

One of your best videos. Love the concept cars!

[@petestaint8312]

Wow! Fantastic video. Can't wait for the next part. 👍

[@markvogel5872]

I love friggin trains!

[@nowind37]

GM always makes people impressed

[@bluebox2000]

I've come to prefer Lincoln's designs during the 50s & 60s, more sophisticated than showy and still look good today. Studebakers were also quite good looking, almost European. Hopefully Ed will cover non "Big Three" companies also.

[@jaytee66]

Ed you brought back many memories

[@DaveNarn]

That GM concept ‘mini-van’ you featured is the spitting image of what became the Chevy Corvair ramp side rear engine pickup. My Dad had one for years.

[@pvt-backpassage9843]

We want this back. This design that pushed itself, while looking good

[@sergioleone3583]

Absolutely love the Cadillac Cyclone!

[@sergioleone3583]

As much as I love the Motorama cars and aesthetic, Bill Mitchell is THE great American automobile design guy for me. Will look forward to an EAR video on him, and some of the fun stories that go with him.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Always excellent Ed! Thanks!

[@Sevenfeet0]

Great channel and videos as always. One tiny nitpick. The wraparound windshield was popularized in the 1954-55 time frame but it made its debut with the 1953 Cadillac Eldorado, which was a handbuilt bespoke model based on the concept car that had toured the country the previous year. (there was no Motorama in 1952)

[@annebokma4637]

Nice integration of the like and subscribe bit. And starting getting subscribers that long before the internet and youtube started.. that is true dedication 👍😎

[@toddbonin6926]

Another Masterpiece Video!!!!

[@kellingtonlink956]

Thanks for another very well thought out video!

[@thestevedoughtyshow27]

Ed, you should do one of these on Ford, point in case. The 1937 Ford, first car to have headlights in the fenders, or the 1949 Ford, what is so loving called, the shoebox. Or the 1956 concept car that became the Batmoble, as a boy in 1967 every Wednesday and Thursday night, here in the USA we tuned in to Batman.

[@SockyNoob]

God I love the Futureliners. Normally hate big vehicles, but those things are very impressive. Literally a train with tires attached.

[@RyanzPVTS]

Excellent episode!

[@jameshorigan3322]

Thank you for another great video Ed! One for the algorithm! 🙂

[@draggonsgate]

4:04... subtle... LMAO I was born 2 years after Motorama ended, but I remember as a kid, going to the local dealers in September for the "unveiling" of the years new models. In September of '68, my Grampa too me to the Chevy dealer to see the new '69's in his '65 Impala... the next day he came home with a gold 4 door '69 Impala.

[@kerzwhile]

GREAT episode Ed!!❤

[@daviddavid5880]

Hmmm ... I'm really diggging those triple-v-belt accessory drives.

[@BarbaraCienfuegos]

17:07...yeah

[@RomanJockMCO]

The first car show I ever went to was in Jacksonville, FL back in 1987. I was 13. I grew up passionate about cars and dad said my first word was car. I knew how to spell Lamborghini before parallelogram which didn't exactly help on my math test. Needless to say I was super excited to go to the show. I knew about concept cars and was actually kinda turned off by them since I could never have one. It felt like a tease, actually. But, on the stand, was the Buick Questor in red. Some of the electronics, such as the Graphic Control Center, were already in the Riveria. Anyway, Buick presented it as a 1995 model. I later learned that it was originally introduced in 1983 in white. By 1990 Buick ripped the GCC out of the Riveria and Reatta and the tech seemed a little dated. I guess it sort of went into production as the Reatta. I think the Wildcat of the 80s is my favorite of that decade but I only got to see that in magazines.

[@EvilMcSheep]

the Wildcat II looks awesome! :O

[@CarsandCats]

Ed: Can you do a video on all of the different Corvair models that were produced? Great video BTW. You always do a superior job.

[@ericvandenavond8748]

A corvair history video would be incredible.

[@mayoral90s38]

The 3 Firebird concepts were display in a private collection in Spain, i saw them in person and are way to cool to ignore. Also you can find a lore friendly Firebird III in the game Flatout 2/UC,as far as i know its the only videogame where you can drive something close to that concept car.

[@DougFregia]

They had the technology in the 50's but it was incorporated in the modern vehicles. Think about it, better gas mileage, aerodynamics and so on. We could've had it back then. Good video.

[@bretthewitt3890]

Great video!!!

[@donl1846]

You have to admit, they were pretty creative back then !!

[@donolbers]

Great stuff, Ed!

[@MrJayrock620]

13:59 the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa had a similar front fender treatment to this car. Can’t remember if it was before or after this one, but someone somewhere was copying someone else’s homework

[@Blaklege63]

Excellent job

[@DanetteScheel]

I have a 1967 Pontiac Firebird!

[@Law0086]

18:05 The water fairing Coup de Ville.

[@steelman86]

Joe Bortz has a collection of the Motorama show cars and shows them at higher end events.