CIAS2016 : ART AND THE AUTOMOBILE

INSPIRED BY FRENCH CARS

Built in Canada, the second generation of this model offers a one-cylinder engine with an output of 10 HP. The nomenclature "French Front" refers to the front end of the car similar to what was done on the French car like the Renault and that will become common in later years. Water and gasoline tanks were under the bonnet.

This new model 1904 features a luxurious European look by its brass parts and body style. Contrary to popular belief, the engine is not in front, but under the front seats of the car.

The car, one of the most popular in the mid 1900's and was innovative for its time. It was the first Oldsmobile with a driving wheel. The seats are covered with buttoned black leather in vogue at that time. Note the wicker baskets, it gives the impression that the owner is going on a picnic or play golf! The car was available in 2 colors, dark red and dark green.

A beautiful Superset period correct gas pump accompanies Oldsmobile.

The Oldsmobile Model T was presented at the Art and automobiles, a thematic exhibition held at the Auto Show in Toronto in 2016.

FIRST TO HAVE A V8 ENGINE

1915 was the first Cadillac powered by a V8 engine of 314 cubic inches (5.15 L) and the first Cadillac with a steering wheel installed on the left. The V8 offers a power of 70 HP coupled to a 3-speed transmission. The car gets its name plate from its displacement. Technological change created by Cadillac is the electric starter. 

4 people can take place in the seats covered with buttoned black leather. The body is a creation of Fisher Body based in Detroit. The front wheels are equipped with 10-spoke in wood while the rear wheels have 12 spokes.

THE FIRST CHRYSLER MODEL

This was the first car produced by Chrysler as a manufacturer 90 years ago. Powered by a 6-cylinder engine, it was the first to be able of replacing the oil filter on oil change. Engine power was about 68 HP for a maximum speed of 75 mph. The brakes were hydraulic, a widely used feature in advertisements. Chrysler 1925 was seen as an affordable car for the time.

The radiator cap is a creation of Olivier H Clark. Installing a thermometer was planned. The space between the wings was for that use. The thermometer was finally installed in the dashboard, one of the first manufacturers to make this addition.

THE MOST POWERFUL CAR IN 1928

The car offers a creative Italian chassis dressed with a boat-tail body with rumble seat created by New York based Lebaron Company. The New York auto show in 1928 was the occasion to show up the car in world premiere presentation.

The 8A was more expensive than a Duesenberg. The in line 8-cylinder engine had a displacement of 7.3 L, the most powerful of its time with an output of about 160 horsepower. It was coupled to a three-speed transmission. Some say it had a top speed of 100 MPH was possible with this car. The upholstery and door interiors are finely covered with ostrich leather.

The car was bought new by the American aviation pioneer William Harry and his wife, the silent film actress, Marguerite Clark.

The Isotta Fraschini 8A SS in 1928 won the "Best of Show" of the 2013 Cobble Beach Concours d'élégance.

THE FIRST AMERICAN FRONT WHEEL POWERED CAR

Second year of the L-29 model, part of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg family. It was the first front wheeled traction produced in the United States and this feature lowers the car.

It was powered by an Auburn engine inline 8-cylinder 298 cubic inches with a power of 125 HP fitted into the L-29.

A Red Indian Gasoline gas pump comes beautify the presentation of the black 1930 Cord L-29.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRYSLER IN HISTORY

Placed in the highest range of the 1931 Chrysler lineup, the Imperial can shamelessly compete with Cadillac, Lincoln and Packard of that year. Only 85 units were built and 10 cars are still in existence. Some consider the car as the most beautiful 1931 American car and the best looking Chrysler of all time.

Al Leamy, designer of the Cord L-29, was the creator of this model. The coachbuilder Lebaron Company made some adjustments by lengthening the hood, adding 18-inch spare wheel in the front fenders. Covered with leather, the seats were inspired by first class civil airplanes of the era.

The 8-cylinder engine is one of the selling points. With an output of 125 horsepower, the engine has a displacement of 384 cubic inches coupled with a manual 4-speed transmission. The maximum speed attainable by the engine is 96 MPH (154 km/h).

A period correct Bengal Green Gasoline gas pump was displayed beside the car.

THE 1st WIND TUNNEL DEVELOPED CAR

Unveiled for the first time during the 1934 New York Auto Show, the Chrysler Airflow astonished the automotive industry with the first body design using a wind tunnel. At Chrysler, the Air Flow was the ideal car to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the manufacturer.

Enthusiasm auto shows morphed into discontent with successive delays due to difficult challenges raised during the assembly process. The very "avant-garde" design was also another factor which hurt the car's success.

The car is equipped with an inline 8-cylinder engine, installed in the front axle, allowing the movement forward of the cockpit. Engine power was rated at 122 horsepower. The aviator Orvile Wright (one of two well-known brothers) was involved in the aerodynamic design of the Air Flow. The Chrysler Airflow was originally developed for the Desoto division. The Airflow inspired other car manufacturer to design a similar cars like the 1938 402B Streamliner created by Peugeot. 

A Fire-Chief Gasoline fuel pump is consistent in its design with rounded corners similar to the Chrysler Airflow.

A RARE AUSTRIAN ROADSTER

An extremely rare car in America, the Steyr 220 Gläser Roadster was built in 1938 by the Austrian car company Steyr-Daimler-Puch. The body design created by German Gläser, is marked with the Art Deco style popular during the 30s.

The car is equipped with a 2.3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produces the power of 55 HP, was coupled to a 4-speed transmission. Six units of the roadster were produced and 3 are still existing, and the one in the pictures is the only one in existence in North America. The signature of the model is well steeped in the all in curve grille.

The roadster was restored by the current owner in 2012 and won "Best of Show" at the 2014 Pinhurst Concours d’Elegance.

AN AMERICAN CAR DESIGN WITH AN EUROPEAN FLAIR

The Studbacker Starliner Coupe was at the forefront of American car design in 1953. The car received high praise in his presentation and become one of the most beautiful cars of the 20th century. Represented on the streets of Paris on advertising, we see very short text, which means that a picture is worth 1000 words.

Two engines were available on the Starliner is a 196 CID 6-cylinder engine and a 226 cubic-inch V8 connect to the 3-speed manual transmission or the automatic overdrive.

INPIRED BY A FUTURIST ITALIAN CONCEPT CAR

The Lincoln Premiere was inspired by the of the Lincoln Futura concept by Ghia, presented in 1955. The 50’s decade was a period were chrome was heavily used on cars and Premiere does not exception to this trend. Advertising shows an illustration of the longer, wider and lower car.

The car features a 368 CID V8 engine with a maximum power of 375 HP wearing a 4-barrel carburetor. Such a power train is required to move this massive 2-ton car.

PROUDLY BUILT IN CANADA

The 1958 Pontiac Parisienne is the brand’s American high-end model is actually a Pontiac Bonneville renamed for Canada. It was built in Oshawa, Ontario on a more economical Chevrolet chassis and engines.

Three engines were offered in 1958. An inline 6-cylinder engine and 2 V8 configurations (283 and 348 CID). Only 759 convertibles were built in 1958 for the Canadian market.

A Fire-Chief Gasoline gas pump wearing a bright globe adds to the presentation of the car.

ONE OF THE LATEST STUDEBACKER CREATED

One of the Raymond Loewy design studio latest creations on behalf of Studebaker was the Avanti. The car was unveiled as a world premiere during the 1962 New York Auto Show and it was the undisputed star. Avanti advertising presented the car as the only american 4 places high-performance car. The Avanti is powered by a 240 HP V8 289 CID engine.

Ian Fleming, creator of spy novels featuring the famous James Bond ordered a black one. He was the first British owner of a Studbacker Avanti.

A B/A gas pump with its very angular design fit well beside the Avanti.

THE CAR THAT MARK A NEW HEAD DESIGNER

The Buick Riviera was originally created for the Cadillac division, who refused the design. The model was presented during an internal competition at GM and Buick wins it.

Reworked to face the Ford Thunderbird market, the Buick Riviera began during the model year 1963 as a luxury personal car. The body design was unusual for GM, marking the arrival of Bill Mitchell at the direction of the GM design studio. The allure of the Riviera made unanimously at its first presentation during the 1963 Paris Auto Show.

The 401 CID V8 engine and a second  V8 with 425 CID (2600 units with this engine) were offered on the Riviera. Drum brakes and an automatic transmission called the "Twin Turbine" were standard on the car.

The performances at 0/100 km/h calculated by Motor Trend get 8 seconds and made the quarter-mile in 16 seconds. Reached the top speed was 150 MPH (185 km/h).

The interior has vinyl or leather seats separated by a center console that can accommodate decorative fine wood on luxurious versions.

A personalized automotive portrait signed by Alain Lemire offers a unique way to celebrate and immortalize your beloved vehicle.

The high-end printed printed piece of art thus reflects your special bond with it, prompting praise and questions from visitors about the work, a daily source of inspiration, recalling your passions and successes.