Articles written by Bob Tomaine

Cadillac relaxed its self-restraint in 1958 as it built on the previous model's look. The era of extreme tailfins and liberal chrome, though, was brief.

Mar 7, 2011 - Bob Tomaine

If the 1956 Packard had worn another name, it might've sold well. The company was stumbling by then, though, and the car never stood a chance.

Feb 7, 2011 - Bob Tomaine

Recovery and a new life seemed within Packard's reach when 1955 brought fresh new cars and seemingly reaffirmed the brand's traditional aura of quality.

Jan 14, 2011 - Bob Tomaine

Oldsmobile turned its image around in 1949 by introducing its Rocket V-8 and then offering it in the smaller of its two bodies

Dec 31, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

The 1955 Special enabled as many drivers as possible to afford Buick quality with that year's fresh styling and familiar features.

Nov 15, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

The 1955 Ford had shaken off many old styling cues. Tinkering made it into the 1956 Ford focused on safety and performance as "56 for 56" helped to sell it.

Nov 8, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

The 1949 Ford had broken with the past and while another fresh body followed in 1952, the all-new 1955 Ford was the transition to the future.

Oct 18, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

Every Thunderbird can be called a "T-bird," but "Squarebird" applies only to the 1958 through 1960 models that broke from the past.

Jun 12, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

With its fresh styling and a new, modern V-8, the 1955 Chevy attracted 1.7 million buyers. It's remained popular ever since.

Jun 1, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

The Model AA Ford is bigger and clearly stronger, but obviously related to the Model A passenger car. Shared components and design ensure the resemblance.

May 10, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

The horsepower race was beginning, so the 1949 Olds 88's formula was followed again. The bigger 98 engine in the smaller 88 body created the Olds Super 88.

May 1, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

Gentle restyling enhanced the 1930 Model A without dating earlier versions. It was the Town Sedan's second year and its sales were up.

Apr 27, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

After World War II, Chrysler resumed production in1946 with a lightly restyled 1942 model. The Art Deco trim was gone, but the low-key luxury remained.

Apr 3, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

The Willys Jeep Forward-Control series offered maximum cargo area in minimum overall length. Four-wheel-drive added off-road capabilities to maneuverability.

Feb 22, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

Durability and simplicity were two big reasons for the Model T's success early in the twentieth century. Today, they help to make it popular for touring or just driving.

Feb 14, 2010 - Bob Tomaine

After World War II, Nash Motors went after the compact car market. Its smallest found success as a Nash Metropolitan, Hudson Metropolitan and even Austin Metropolitan.

Jul 29, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

More than 20 feet long, a 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 limousine told the world of its passengers' importance. The message was unmistakable and impossible to overlook.

Jul 23, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

Whether Calais, de Ville or Fleetwood, a 1965 Cadillac made its point without ostentation as it walked away from the era of tailfins.

Jul 9, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

Unusual cars are often defended as having been ahead of their time. For Nash's 1950 Rambler, it was partly true, as its time - and more success - came again years later.

Jun 30, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

Launched as Chevrolet's 1970 entry in the personal luxury car market, the Monte Carlo coupe hit its target and more.

Jun 18, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

The 1946 Plymouth was the first built after World War II and was based on the 1942 model. It would continue into the first series of 1949.

May 27, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

The Kaiser Darrin roadster arrived at the wrong time, as Kaiser Motors Corporation was dealing with survival.

May 5, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

Chrysler had relied exclusively on flatheads from its first car in 1924 through 1951, when it introduced its hemi V-8.

May 5, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

Buick has long been known for quality full-size cars. A 1970 Electra 225 Custom convertible is one of the best examples.

May 4, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

In just a decade, the Ford station wagon had gone from charmingly rustic to stylishly comfortable. Sales confirmed the wisdom of Ford's decision.

May 4, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

The 1949 Chevrolet station wagon was available as a woodie or an all-steel model. The metal version won on its practicality and was built through 1952.

Apr 5, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

As big-engine-small-body muscle cars were just beginning to appear, the Ford Starliner and Detroit's other high-performance full-size models were anything but finished.

Mar 30, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

In 1953, Packard revived the "Clipper" name, applied it to a lower-priced range and then spun it off as a distinct nameplate. The plan failed, but not because of the car.

Mar 18, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

They come and go, but fastbacks are practical. Dodge offered its interpretation in the 1966 Charger, barely tweaked it for 1967 and always focused on performance.

Mar 7, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

The 1968 Pontiac GTO is among the legends of muscle. Four years earlier, the 1964 model burst on the scene and made a mark that it would hold against fierce competition.

Feb 25, 2009 - Bob Tomaine

Pleasant styling, easy maintenance and economical operation made Ford's Falcon popular in its time. Today, those same features look good to restorers and collectors.

Feb 16, 2009 - Bob Tomaine