"The Automobile is the Art"
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The 1941 Buick Roadmaster Sedan – The Gem of GM
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The fresh new year seems like the perfect time to introduce a fresh perspective. I’ll be direct. Pre-war is too often mistaken for Prehistoric….an injustice to the most misunderstood period in automotive history. Yes, I know. The mere mention of Prewar cars triggers thoughts of Charlton Heston strongarming his chariot around the Circus Maximus in Ben Hur as he was being punished by a suspension stiffer than a flagpole in Antarctica.
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Erase those images from your memory. The truth is Prewar cars bookmark one of the most fascinating and fast-paced eras in automotive history despite being terrorized by the treacherous times of the Great Depression. |
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Charlton Heston in Ben Hur
aaaaaaaaaaaaaacirca 1959
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Officially, the Prewar period spans 1930 to 1946 but, in reality, the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, shut down new car production by government order on February 22nd, 1942, and all manufacturing efforts shifted to the war effort. Any car sold between 1942 and 1949 was, in effect, a polished-up version of previous designs. In the magical 11-year span from 1930 to 1941, year-over-year advancements accounted for some of the largest leaps in technology of any era.
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A massive amount of credit belongs to one single individual…. the son of a Hollywood coachbuilder named Harley Jarvis Earl. “Style” was born the day General Motors CEO Alfred P. Sloane hired 37-year-old Harley to be GM’s first Design Chief in 1930. Harley wasn’t just the first Design Chief in GM’s history; he was the first Design Chief for any major American corporation! That single stroke of genius by Alfred P. Sloane changed the trajectory of 20th-century automobiles.
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GM Design Chief Harley Earl |
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Clay modeling, annual model changes, options, expanded color choices, and concept cars were just a droplet in an ocean of Harley Earl innovations. Rather than tell you about the impact of Harley Earl, take a look at the stark contrast between the 1930 Ford Model A and the 1941 Buick Roadmaster Sedan.
11 years traveled at the speed of light.
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Speeds more than doubled in that period and automobiles relegated horses to farm work, recreation, and racetracks. Buick sales skyrocketed 34% in 1941 and cemented the company as the 4th best-selling automaker in America. The public took note when Buick boasted to buyers that they were buying the "Best Buick Yet!" Exposed running boards, door hinges, and fender-mounted spare tires from yesteryear were gone, headlights were completely enclosed in the fenders for the first time and an advanced suspension system produced a cushy ride unequaled in the industry.
The amazing ride this Roadmaster Sedan has given Henry Isaksen though has nothing to do with the suspension. Henry paid $50 for this very special 1941 Buick Roadmaster Sedan in 1960 before he was even old enough to drive. Henry's $50 proved to be a pretty good investment. Not only did he purchase a 1941 Buick Roadmaster Sedan, his prized possession turned out to be "the" Roadmaster Sedan General Motors used in its national advertisements in 1941.
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A 15-year-old boy’s teenage crush turned into a love affair of a lifetime. Two major restorations along the way in 1985 and again in 1995 produced a national award-winning show car. In this case, a perfect show car provides the perfect ending to this Steering Column. The Automobile Gallery & Event Center is the only place in the world where you can bask in the beauty of this “Gem from GM!" |
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Henry Isaksen's 1941 Buick Roadmaster on display |
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2024 Save-The-Dates!
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February 8, Thursday: Meet at the Malt Shop, Gallery Member's Appreciation Party
(if you are interested a membership, click here)
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March 2, Saturday: Shamrock Craft Beer Invitational
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April 4, Thursday: Rock n' Roll Juke Box, Daddy D's Production
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May 14, 15, 16, and 18: Brown County History Days, complimentary private Gallery tours and presentations
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May 18, Saturday: Festa Italiana (Italian-only car show)
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June 15, Saturday: Cars & Guitars
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September 12, Thursday: Cruisin' the Classics, Daddy D's Production
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September 28, Saturday: AUTOberfest (German-only car show)
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December 7, Saturday: Old Fashion Christmas, Daddy D's Production
*More details coming soon!*
If you have specific questions on an event, please reach out to
Inquire@theautomobilegallery.org
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Jeff Tyndall
Joel and Bridget Hensley
Keith Obermiller
Dr. Ashok Rai and family
David Loppnow
Henry Isaksen
Scott Hemauer
Bob and Jolyce Rupp
White Lace Inn, Sturgeon Bay
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Contemporary Automobile Gallery and Event Venue
"The Automobile is the Art"
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Gallery open 9:00am - 3:00pm daily, hours subject to change.
*Prepurchase Tickets and Gift Certificates Available*
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