Buick: 1946-1960 Photo Archive [Paperback]

Byron Olsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 24, 2006 | Series: Photo Archive

This new book highlights General Motors oldest division during some of its most successful and exciting years, 1946 through 1960. When World War II ended in 1945, Buick was champing at the bit to forge ahead in the sales race with its reputation for size, prestige and straight eight cylinder power in every model. By 1954, Buick succeeded in reaching third place in sales, ahead of Plymouth. But after a few heady years among the sales leaders, some unfortunate styling decisions in 1957 and 1958 would topple Buick from the leadership pedestal. Share these heady days of growth and success for an American automotive icon with superb quality original factory photos from the time when Buick was one of America’s most popular automobiles. Relive the arrival of 'ventiports’, Dynaflow drive, sweep spears of chrome, and all of the other Buick trademarks that became part of the American lexicon.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Byron D. Olsen has been a transportation enthusiast his entire life. A former railroad employee of Great Northern, Burlington Northern, and Soo Line, he has been photographing trains and trolleys for forty years. His appreciation for and knowledge of cars also goes way back, and Olsen has authored a number of automotive books about Oldsmobile, Hudson, Nash, Station Wagons, Automotive Factories, etc.

 

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Iconografix (November 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583881786
• ISBN-13: 978-1583881781
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 10.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,145,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buick & how General Motors lost it's way..., June 26, 2008

By 

GRH "Ex WHA Jet" (British Columbia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Buick: 1946-1960 Photo Archive (Paperback)

In the 1950s and 1960s GM had an over 50% + share of the market place in the USA. It was so successful that there was the constant threat of anti-trust action to break up the company. Looking through the book, BUICK 1946-1960 PHOTO ARCHIVE, one can't help but notice how aggressively styled these cars were. Whether or not one appreciates these chrome laden land yachts today, one has to consider GM at least took a chance by making cars that stood out from the crowd, and thereby enjoyed great sales success. Unlike the GM line up of today, all of which unfortunately seem to be patterned after the late not-so-great Chevrolet Cavalier, which should have been named the Cadaver. GM in the past was run by automotive stylists and engineers, with the result that it produced world class cars that were tremendously popular. Today GM is run by MBA cost accountants who do not appreciate things automotive, and the result is a boring line up of look-alike appliances. GM has already euthanized Oldsmobile; Buick and Pontiac will likely meet the same fate if GM cannot look to it's past to find a plan to right itself.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trip down memory lane, August 22, 2009

By 

W. Bittle "WB" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Buick: 1946-1960 Photo Archive (Paperback)

This book brought back quite a few memories I had of driving the 50's Buicks and Oldsmobiles. Although about half were made before I was born, and the other half graced show rooms when I was still an infant, when I became old enough to drive, these chrome laden cars were all a young guy could afford. We grew to love these cars, and especially the classic Buicks of the 50's. It is so great to see a book that pays tribute to these beautiful vehicles that even to this day put a smile on my face when behind the wheel. I show pictures of these cars to younger people today, especially tweens and teens, and it is so cool to see their jaws drop. They just can't get enough of how these cars rode, what they sounded like, the feel of real metal and chrome. The sound of those big V8 and straight 8 engines. Many are amazed to learn that these cars of the 50's and late 40's could be had with everything from power windows to air conditioning. Those big bumpers, and especially the early 50's bumpers, are awe inspiring. Anyway, this is a great book to educate the younger drivers on one of the coolest cars of the 50's. Buick!
In the 50's Buick was NOT your grandfathers ride!