Diesel Engines from 1905

The following is an article from the Sept 1905 issue of Popular Mechanics concerning diesel engines.  I've been a fan of diesels ever since buying my 2001 Golf TDI and found this interesting.  Maybe you will too.

Don't Mess with Denver Cops

It turns out that the Carbon E7 isn't the first purpose-built police car.  Back in 1921 the Denver, CO. police department commissioned a police car just for chasing down the perps. 

I Love Station Wagons

I've always loved station wagons.  My very first car was a 1961 Ford Falcon 4dr wagon in 60's brown inside and out.  That car lasted one week before losing most of the front suspension in a hole while doing some off-road hooning with a friend driving a matching 1961 Ranchero. 

Between the clean lines of the squared off back, and the utility of the wagon, they are the perfect car.  Too bad they don't make them anymore, but back in the early 50's, station wagons were being transformed from pure work vehicles to something the family could use.  Steel bodies were replacing wood, suspensions were getting more comfortable and power steering and automatic transmissions were making them easier to drive. 

Check out this article from the Sept. 1953 issue of Popular Mechanics to see where wagons were going back in 1953. 

NBC's $62,000 Camera Limousine

Back in 1950, the television industry was just getting into full swing.  There was a demand for on-the-spot coverage of events.  Rather than to use a truck or van, NBC showed some class and custom built a new Cadillac Limousine to cover the news in NYC.  Read all about it from this article from the June 1950 issue of Popular Mechanics.  

NASCAR: The Beginnings

This is the beginning of NASCAR from the pages of the Sept. 1950 issue of Popular Mechanics.  Notice the mention of Andy Granatelli on page 6.  Also notice the rules of the game...or lack of them. 

The Stout Scarab, by William Stout

From the Jan. 1942 issue of Popular Mechanics.

Popular Mechanic's Take On The Volkswagen, circa 1956

In keeping with VW's birthday today, another couple of articles about the early days of VW.  

Popular Mechanic's tests were very thorough.

These two articles are from the Oct. 1956 issue of Popular Mechanics.  See what the media were saying about this funny little car that nobody expected to sell very well. 

Life In The Year 2000

Back in Feb. 1950, the folks at Popular Mechanics polished up their crystal ball to show us what life would be like in 50 years.  It's interesting to see what they got right...and wrong.

As usual, click on the pages to read the text.  Click again once it comes up to make it even larger.

Page 1

Page 2

Unveiling the Tucker

Last week, I showed you a couple of double-page ads for the Tucker.  Here's an article that appeared in the Sept. 1947 issue of Popular Mechanics.  Of course, some of the items shown didn't appear on the "finished" car.  Enjoy!

The first "Donk" car.