The 1940’s were an unusual decade for the automobile industry with the first luxury cars rolling off the production lines. We’ve taken a look at the industry during that time and some of the luxury cars that came about during the historical decade.
The Automobile Industry in the 40’s
Most notably, the US stands out for its automobile industry especially in the 40’s. In 1940, the US produced 4,680,000 cars prior to the Second World War, however, this decade is the only period in which car manufacturing stopped for over 3 years. No cars were produced after 1942 due to World War II, and production for civilians didn’t resume until 1946. The early 1940’s did however see luxury cars rolling off the production lines, with cars showing the wealth and status of their owners. Such cars like the Delahaye 135 Convertible were produced, a car that was the ultimate 40’s luxury vehicle.
The Second World War encouraged many automotive manufacturing companies to produce military vehicles. The Jeep was born – a one-quarter tonne, four wheel drive military vehicle. However the 40’s also saw a change in features for the car. Chrysler introduced the safety rim wheel, allowing the wheel to keep the tyre on the rim in the event of a blowout, whilst two-speed electric windscreen wipers were also introduced. Here are two of the most memorable cars from the 1940’s:
The Packard Clipper
Competing alongside the Cadillac, the Packard Clipper was originally produced by the Packard Motor Car Company between 1941 and 1955, yet after acquiring Studebaker, between 1955 and 1957, it was produced by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. As was one of the most luxurious cars of its time, the Packard’s Clipper was elegantly designed. However its ‘bathtub’ appearance was lost in the later stages of its production[1].
Delahaye 135 Convertible
Private sales of the 135 Delahaye were ceased until after the Second World War, when production resumed. It was originally produced for the French Government however a small number of the 134, 175 and 168 continued to be built for the occupying forced until 1942.
Car Insurance in the UK
Vehicles from the 1940’s are extremely desirable today because of their lower, longer and broader look. If you are considering purchasing a vehicle from the 40’s, there are a few things to know about car insurance in the UK. Car insurance for classic cars is easily obtainable, and is often preferable to standard car insurance as it takes into account that many classic cars may be laid up for restoration or rarely used.
Charlotte Walker writes frequently about classic cars and everything relating to them, incuding Uk marriage visa car insurance in the UK.