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Automotive American

Global Stories of Transport, Culture & Engineering

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The Dark Side of Fordism

Automotive American ·

2025/01/22

Fordism, named after Henry Ford, represents a system of mass production and economic organization that combines assembly line production techniques with a focus on standardized goods and labor specialization. While it revolutionized industrial efficiency and contributed to the rise of the middle class in the early 20th century, there are significant critiques and darker aspects […] The post The Dark Side of Fordism appeared first on Automotive American.

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Henry’s Soybean Car

Automotive American ·

2025/01/21

Henry Ford’s “Soybean Car,” also known as the “Soybean Plastic Car,” was an experimental vehicle unveiled on August 13, 1941. It demonstrated Ford’s vision of using renewable agricultural materials to build automobiles. The car’s body panels were made of a type of plastic derived from soybeans and other agricultural products, representing an innovative approach to […] The post Henry’s Soybean Car appeared first on Automotive American.

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Report: NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Almost 900,000...

Automotive American ·

2025/01/20

Almost 900,000 General Motors vehicles are now under a preliminary investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for an issue that could cause the engine to fail. While not a recall yet, this action is a step in that direction, and it could lead to expensive repairs for GM if it progresses Vehicles from the […] The post Report: NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Almost 900,000 GM Trucks and SUVs – Chris Teague @thetruthaboutcars appeared first on Automotive

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Great News For the Blog!

Automotive American ·

2025/01/19

One of the really great things about running this blog is the contact from people not always connected to the hobby. Two examples are As a result of my Kop Hill post I got the following message: From Frances “This was my dad’s car ,he restored the whole car and took him 10yrs ,he had […] The post Great News For the Blog! appeared first on Automotive American.

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Pick of the Day: 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS – Diego...

Automotive American ·

2025/01/18

People may laugh at Chrysler’s K-car, but is it because popular culture hasn’t embraced GM’s X-car? I cannot answer that, as I know there have been several K-cars that piqued my interest when new. Certainly, Chrysler Corporation did a good job of developing several models for enthusiasts despite humble K-car origins, and our Pick of the Day is […]The post Pick of the Day: 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS – Diego Rosenberg @ClassicCars.com appeared first on Automotive

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Computing at Ford Motor Company

Automotive American ·

2025/01/17

The Ford Motor Company’s use of computers has been a critical part of its evolution, helping it remain competitive and innovative in the automotive industry. From early adoption in the 1950s to advanced artificial intelligence and connected vehicle technologies today, Ford has embraced computing to improve everything from manufacturing and design to customer experience. Early […] The post Computing at Ford Motor Company appeared first on Automotive American.

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Henry Ford and Vertical Integration

Automotive American ·

2025/01/16

Henry Ford’s drive for vertical integration was a revolutionary business strategy that played a critical role in the success of the Ford Motor Company. Vertical integration involves controlling the entire supply chain, from raw materials to finished products, in order to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain quality. Ford implemented this approach on a massive […] The post Henry Ford and Vertical Integration appeared first on Automotive American.

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The Benson Ford Story

Automotive American ·

2025/01/15

The Benson Ford is a historic Great Lakes freighter named after Benson Ford, a grandson of Henry Ford and an executive at the Ford Motor Company. Built to serve as a vital part of the Ford Motor Company’s industrial empire, the ship has a fascinating story that spans its life as a working freighter to […] The post The Benson Ford Story appeared first on Automotive American.

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A 6-Pack of ’80s American Rides for Under $25K –...

Automotive American ·

2025/01/14

The winter is a great time to take stock and plan for the future. Maybe you’ve packed your summer car away for the season and realized there’s still room for one more, or perhaps you’ve been whiling away the winter daydreaming about the car that got away years ago. We took a peek at our […] The post A 6-Pack of ’80s American Rides for Under $25K – Brandan Gillogly @Hagerty appeared first on Automotive American.

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The Model A Takes Flight!

Automotive American ·

2025/01/13

The Model A Ford engine, produced from 1927 to 1931, found an unexpected second life in the world of aviation. Known for its simplicity, durability, and affordability, this inline 4-cylinder, 200 cubic inch (3.3 L) engine became a popular choice for early homebuilt aircraft, especially during the 1930s and 1940s. Here’s a closer look at […] The post The Model A Takes Flight! appeared first on Automotive American.

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The Legacy of Lycoming: Innovating on the Road and in...

Automotive American ·

2025/01/12

Founded in 1845 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Lycoming began its journey in manufacturing with sewing machines and later bicycles. However, its foray into internal combustion engines for automobiles and aircraft would establish its name as a significant contributor to American engineering and transportation history. Automotive History Lycoming entered the automotive market in 1910, producing internal combustion […] The post The Legacy of Lycoming: Innovating on the Road and in the Sky

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The Miller Chapman Company “Vehicle Shackle”

Automotive American ·

2025/01/11

The Miller & Chapman Company, based in Los Angeles, California, was an early 20th-century enterprise specializing in automotive security devices. Founded by Earle E. Chapman and Arthur E. Miller, the company was notable for its innovations in vehicle anti-theft technology during the burgeoning automobile era. Historical Context: During the 1910s and 1920s, automobile theft was […]The post The Miller Chapman Company “Vehicle Shackle” appeared first on Automotive American.

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The Legacy of Continental Motors: Powering America on...

Automotive American ·

2025/01/10

Continental Motors Company, founded in 1905, stands as a pillar in American industrial history. Renowned for its internal combustion engines, Continental played a pivotal role in both the automotive and aviation sectors, influencing transportation advancements throughout the 20th century and beyond. Automotive History Initially focused on four-cylinder, four-stroke L-head engines, Continental became a key supplier […] The post The Legacy of Continental Motors: Powering America on Land and in

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Flopping GM Style, Mis-Steps Along the Way

Automotive American ·

2025/01/09

General Motors (GM) has had its share of successes and failures over its long history. While the company has been a leader in the automotive industry, some of its ventures, cars, or strategic decisions turned into notable flops. Here’s a look at some of GM’s biggest missteps: 1. Chevrolet Vega (1971–1977) 2. Cadillac Cimarron (1982–1988) […] The post Flopping GM Style, Mis-Steps Along the Way appeared first on Automotive American.

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Interesting Vintage Anti-Theft Device

Automotive American ·

2025/01/08

The Security Auto-Theft Signal System Historical Context Key Details on the Plate The Security Manufacturing Company’s products were part of a broader movement during the early automotive era to enhance vehicle security. Their innovations contributed to the development of anti-theft technologies in the burgeoning automobile industry. The post Interesting Vintage Anti-Theft Device appeared first on Automotive American.

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Beware of MDF Shelves in Your Workshop!

Automotive American ·

2025/01/07

As part of the workshop project some reasonably priced shelving was purchased from Amazon One of the apparent selling points is the use of “Environmentally Friendly” 5mm thick MDF board. Well…. I had noticed a build up of mould on the shelves, when I removed and inspected them they were badly mould affected, not great […] The post Beware of MDF Shelves in Your Workshop! appeared first on Automotive American.

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Montana 500: Model Ts Doing the Impossible Since 1961...

Automotive American ·

2025/01/06

The hiss was fading, but as I sat down on the soft gravel shoulder of the road, I could still hear the steam escaping from the gap between the cylinder head and the engine block. Dark gray clouds hung low, spitting rain that was occasionally punctuated with a gust of wind that easily cut through […] The post Montana 500: Model Ts Doing the Impossible Since 1961 – Kyle Smith @Hagerty appeared first on Automotive American.

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AMC Eagle: The First Crossover SUV

Automotive American ·

2025/01/05

More Parts Bin Magic The AMC Eagle (1979-1987) is often considered the forerunner of modern crossovers. Faced with financial constraints, AMC creatively blended parts from its sedan lineup with Jeep’s 4WD technology to create a unique vehicle. Key Elements of Parts Sharing: Platform Borrowed from the AMC Concord: 4WD System from Jeep: Engines and Transmissions: […] The post AMC Eagle: The First Crossover SUV appeared first on Automotive American.

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Ford Mustang: The Birth of an Icon Through Parts Bin...

Automotive American ·

2025/01/04

The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is one of the most successful examples of parts bin engineering. It was born from the need for a sporty, affordable car targeted at young buyers. Ford leveraged its existing inventory of parts and platforms to create an iconic vehicle that minimized costs and development time. Key Elements of […] The post Ford Mustang: The Birth of an Icon Through Parts Bin Engineering appeared first on Automotive American.

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The GM GMT Platform Changed the SUV Market

Automotive American ·

2025/01/03

GM SUVs: Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade General Motors revolutionized the SUV market with its GMT platform, starting in the 1990s. Models like the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade became highly successful by offering variations of a shared platform tailored to different customer segments. Key Elements of Platform Sharing: GMT Platform: The GMT400, GMT800, […] The post The GM GMT Platform Changed the SUV Market appeared first on Automotive American.

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379 results