Packard was a luxury automobile manufacturer known for its high-quality, innovative vehicles. Founded in Warren, Ohio, it quickly became synonymous with American luxury. Packard introduced the modern steering wheel and the H-pattern gear shift.
During World War II, they produced aircraft engines. Post-war, Packard struggled to compete with the "Big Three" - GM, Ford and Chrysler. In 1954, they merged with Studebaker, but financial difficulties persisted. The last true Packard was produced in 1956, with the name briefly used on rebadged Studebakers until 1958. Packard's demise marked the end of an era in American luxury automobiles.
Studebaker began as a wagon manufacturer in 1852, transitioning to automobiles in 1902. Known for innovative designs, they produced the popular Champion and the iconic Avanti. Studebaker was the only company to successfully switch from horse-drawn to gasoline-powered vehicles.
During World War II, they manufactured aircraft engines and military vehicles. Despite innovative models, financial troubles led to a merger with Packard in 1954. The company continued to struggle, closing its South Bend, Indiana plant in 1963. Production briefly continued in Canada until 1966. Studebaker's legacy lives on in its unique designs and its long history in American transportation.
Pontiac, a division of General Motors, was known for performance vehicles and youthful image. Initially created as a companion make for Oakland, Pontiac outlived its parent brand. It gained popularity in the 1960s with models like the GTO, often credited as the first muscle car.
The Firebird and Trans Am became cultural icons. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, Pontiac struggled with brand identity, shifting between performance and economy cars. Despite attempts to revitalize the brand with models like the Solstice, GM discontinued Pontiac in 2010 during its post-financial crisis restructuring, ending an 84-year legacy of American performance cars.
Oldsmobile, founded by Ransom Olds, was one of the oldest car brands in the world. It became part of General Motors in 1908. Oldsmobile was known for innovations like the first mass-produced automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic) in 1940. The brand was positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac in GM's hierarchy. Famous models included the Cutlass and the 442 muscle car.
In the 1980s, Oldsmobile attempted to rebrand with the slogan "This is not your father's Oldsmobile." However, declining sales and brand confusion within GM led to its discontinuation in 2004, marking the end of America's oldest automotive brand.
Plymouth was created by Chrysler as a lower-priced brand to compete with Ford and Chevrolet. It quickly became successful, helping Chrysler weather the Great Depression. Plymouth was known for affordable, reliable cars and introduced innovations like floating power engine mounts. In the 1960s and 1970s, Plymouth gained performance credibility with models like the Road Runner and Barracuda.
However, brand overlap within Chrysler and declining sales led to its demise. The last Plymouth, a Neon, rolled off the assembly line in 2001. Plymouth's 73-year history represented the evolution of American mainstream automobiles.
DeSoto, named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, was created by Chrysler to compete in the mid-price field. It initially sold well, setting a first-year sales record for a new brand. DeSoto was known for innovations like hidden headlights and the Airflow model's aerodynamic design.
During the 1950s, DeSoto faced increasing competition and brand confusion within Chrysler's lineup. The 1958 recession hit the mid-priced car market hard. Despite introducing the impressive Adventurer in 1956, sales continued to decline. Chrysler discontinued DeSoto in 1961, after only 3,034 1961 models were produced, ending a 32-year run.
Nash Motors, founded by former GM president Charles W. Nash, was known for innovative, economical cars. They introduced important features like heating/ventilation systems and unibody construction. Nash merged with Kelvinator in 1937, becoming Nash-Kelvinator. Post-World War II, Nash introduced the compact Rambler and the unique Nash-Healey sports car.
In 1954, Nash merged with Hudson to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). The Nash brand was discontinued in 1957, but its legacy continued in AMC products. Nash's focus on efficiency and innovation influenced the American auto industry long after the brand's demise.
Hudson Motor Car Company was known for its innovative "step-down" design, which lowered the passenger compartment for improved handling and safety. Hudson cars dominated early NASCAR racing. The company introduced the first balanced crankshaft, allowing their engines to run more smoothly at higher speeds.
Hudson struggled financially in the post-World War II market. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). The Hudson brand was discontinued in 1957, but its racing legacy and innovative designs left a lasting impact on automotive history.
Rambler began as a model name under Nash, becoming its own marque under American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1958. It was instrumental in establishing the American compact car segment. Ramblers were known for fuel efficiency and practical design, often featuring reclining seats that could be made into a bed.
The brand's peak came in 1963 when the Rambler Classic was named Motor Trend Car of the Year. However, as larger cars regained popularity in the late 1960s, AMC phased out the Rambler name. The last Rambler-branded car was produced in 1969, but its legacy in compact car design continued.
Kaiser-Frazer was formed after World War II by Henry J. Kaiser and Joseph W. Frazer. They capitalized on the post-war demand for new cars, quickly becoming the fourth-largest American car manufacturer. Kaiser-Frazer was known for modern styling and innovations like safety padded dashboards. The compact Henry J was an early attempt at an economy car.
However, the company struggled against the Big Three automakers. Frazer left in 1951, and the Frazer marque was discontinued. Kaiser continued until 1955, when it merged with Willys-Overland to focus on Jeep production. Kaiser-Frazer's brief existence highlighted the challenges faced by independent automakers in post-war America.
Checker Motors Corporation was best known for its iconic taxicabs, particularly in New York City. The company's most famous model, the Checker Marathon, remained largely unchanged from 1956 to 1982. Checkers were known for their durability, spacious interiors, and distinctive design. While primarily focused on taxis, Checker also sold cars to the public.
The company struggled as major automakers entered the taxi market with more modern, efficient vehicles. Checker ceased automobile production in 1982 but continued producing parts for other manufacturers until 2009. The Checker taxi remains a symbol of mid-20th century American urban life.
Terraplane was a brand of Hudson Motor Car Company, introduced during the Great Depression as a lower-priced companion to Hudson models. The name was inspired by the popularity of aviation, suggesting speed and adventure. Terraplanes were known for their performance, setting numerous speed records.
They featured innovative designs like unit-body construction and were among the first cars to have dash-mounted gear shifts. Despite initial success, Hudson discontinued the Terraplane brand in 1938, incorporating its features into Hudson-branded vehicles. Though short-lived, Terraplane contributed significantly to Hudson's reputation for performance and innovation in the 1930s.
La Salle was created by General Motors as a companion marque to Cadillac. Named after French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, it was designed to fill the price gap between Buick and Cadillac. La Salle was known for its stylish designs, often setting trends for the entire GM lineup. The brand introduced the modern car annual model change.
Despite its attractive designs and Cadillac-level quality, La Salle struggled during the Great Depression. As Cadillac introduced lower-priced models, La Salle became redundant. GM discontinued the brand in 1940, but La Salle's influence on automotive styling continued long after its demise.
Marmon Motor Car Company was known for its luxury and innovations. They introduced the rear-view mirror and the V16 engine to American automobiles. Marmon's most famous achievement was winning the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 with the Marmon Wasp. In 1929, they introduced the revolutionary Marmon Sixteen, featuring an all-aluminum V16 engine.
However, the Great Depression severely impacted luxury car sales. Despite the impressive Sixteen, Marmon couldn't survive the economic downturn and ceased automobile production in 1933. Marmon's legacy lives on in its engineering innovations and its significant contributions to early American automotive and racing history.
Duesenberg was synonymous with ultimate luxury and performance in pre-war America. Founded by brothers Fred and August Duesenberg, the company started by producing race cars. Duesenberg's racing successes included victories at the Indianapolis 500 and the French Grand Prix. In 1926, E.L. Cord acquired the company, leading to the creation of the famous Model J.
With its supercharged 320 horsepower engine, the Duesenberg SJ was the most powerful and expensive American car of its time. Despite its engineering excellence, Duesenberg couldn't survive the Great Depression, ceasing production in 1937. It remains one of the most revered names in automotive history.
