Our visit to Gasoline Alley in Calgary continues. We’ve previously looked at the museum’s collection of antique gasoline pumps, vehicles from 1907 – 1917 and 1918 – 1928. We continue with the last of the vehicles, my favorites from the Great Depression and WWII era.
1) 1931 L Cord
This was the first popular American front wheel drive automobile, a feature which allowed the car to be built lower to the ground. This low ride and its long hood made it memorable as it cruised the roads of Alberta. The L Cord was expensive, costing $3000, ten times as much as Mr. Ford’s model A, so the market was limited and production was discontinued in 1932.
2) 1932 Auburn
These cars were popular during the ‘Dirty Thirties’. The economy was difficult in Alberta, just as it was in the United States. A stock market crash and “dust bowl” conditions in the province resulted in very high unemployment. But there were still folks who could afford a little luxury and many turned to this modestly priced vehicle. The V12 version of the vehicle was available for under $1000, but the model did not survive the Depression.
3) 1932 Federal Fuel Tanker
A popular, modest functional vehicle that managed to survive the difficult economic times. This one was a fuel delivery vehicle.
4) 1932 Ford Dump Truck
This one ton truck was simply designed and easy to maintain. It was popular on farms and in city businesses (like this dumpster).
5) 1933 Diamond T Brewery Truck
Diamond T had a reputation for building top quality trucks. Companies conscious of their image would often buy fleets of them, as did this brewery.
6) 1933 Terraplane Big Boy Pick-Up Truck
Produced between 1932 and 1938, this was a popular, economical and stylish vehicle. Similar to the Terraplane cars, this truck has a waterfall grill and torpedo headlights. The truck had a low profile and gave a stable comfortable ride.
7) 1935 Austin Seven ‘Nippy’
Austin is the company that builds London’s iconic “black cabs”. During the period between the great wars it also produced a line of tiny cars. They were well built and inexpensive, and the butt of many jokes. Still, they developed a following. Gasoline Alley’s “Nippy” was actually built in Australia in the English style.
8) 1935 Diamond T Tow Truck
This tow truck was actually in service in Alberta for over 40 years. A beautifully styled and obviously highly reliable workhorse.
9) 1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan
Hudson built fast, stylish, mid-market cars that were very durable. This model sold for $670
10) 1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck
A 1 1/2 ton truck designed in the “Art Deco” style. There is a distinctive two-tier grill, beak-like hood and streamlined lights.
11) 1945 Federal Dump Truck
A functional if not beautiful truck.
Next week we conclude our visit to Gasoline Alley with a look at its amazing collection of signage.
