Skip to main content

Gasoline Alley: Rides from 1931 - 1945

Our visit to Gasoline Alley in Calgary continues.  We've previously looked at the museum's collection of antique gasoline pumpsvehicles 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.

 

1931 L Cord

1931 L Cord

1931 L Cord

1931 L Cord

 

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.

1932 Auburn

1932 Auburn

1932 Auburn

1932 Auburn

1932 Auburn

 

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.

1932 Federal Fuel Tanker

1932 Federal Fuel Tanker

1932 Federal Fuel Tanker

1932 Federal Fuel Tanker

1932 Federal Fuel Tanker

 

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).

1932 Ford Dump Truck

1932 Ford Dump Truck

1932 Ford Dump Truck

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.

 

1933 Diamond T Brewery Truck

1933 Diamond T Brewery Truck

 

 

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.

 

1933 Terraplane Big Boy Pick- Truck

1933 Terraplane Big Boy Pick- Truck

1933 Terraplane Big Boy Pick- Truck

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.

 

1935 Austin Seven 'Nippy'

1935 Austin Seven 'Nippy'

1935 Austin Seven 'Nippy'

 

 

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.

 

1935 Diamond T Tow Truck

1935 Diamond T Tow Truck

1935 Diamond T Tow Truck

1935 Diamond T Tow Truck

1935 Diamond T Tow Truck

 

9) 1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan

 Hudson built fast, stylish, mid-market cars that were very durable.  This model sold for $670

 

1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan

1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan

1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan

 

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.

 

1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck

1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck

1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck

1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck

11) 1945 Federal Dump Truck

 A functional if not beautiful truck.

1945 Federal Dump Truck

1945 Federal Dump Truck

1945 Federal Dump Truck

 

Next week we conclude our visit to Gasoline Alley with a look at its amazing collection of signage.

Attachments

Images (41)
  • 1931 L Cord
  • 1931 L Cord
  • 1931 L Cord
  • 1931 L Cord
  • 1932 Auburn
  • 1932 Auburn
  • 1932 Auburn
  • 1932 Auburn
  • 1932 Auburn
  • 1932 Federal Fuel Tanker
  • 1932 Federal Fuel Tanker
  • 1932 Federal Fuel Tanker
  • 1932 Federal Fuel Tanker
  • 1932 Federal Fuel Tanker
  • 1932 Ford Dump Truck
  • 1932 Ford Dump Truck
  • 1932 Ford Dump Truck
  • 1933 Diamond T Brewery Truck
  • 1933 Diamond T Brewery Truck
  • 1933 Terraplane Big Boy Pick- Truck
  • 1933 Terraplane Big Boy Pick- Truck
  • 1933 Terraplane Big Boy Pick- Truck
  • 1935 Austin Seven 'Nippy'
  • 1935 Austin Seven 'Nippy'
  • 1935 Austin Seven 'Nippy'
  • 1935 Austin Seven 'Nippy'
  • 1935 Diamond T Tow Truck
  • 1935 Diamond T Tow Truck
  • 1935 Diamond T Tow Truck
  • 1935 Diamond T Tow Truck
  • 1935 Diamond T Tow Truck
  • 1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan
  • 1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan
  • 1940 Hudson Traveler Sedan
  • 1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck
  • 1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck
  • 1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck
  • 1941 Chevrolet Tow Truck
  • 1945 Federal Dump Truck
  • 1945 Federal Dump Truck
  • 1945 Federal Dump Truck

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

Add Comment

Comments (0)

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×