The 1920s, often characterized as “The Roaring Twenties,” was a decade of optimism, self-expression, and prosperity for some people. It was also the decade in which the automobile evolved from a plaything for the wealthy to an important part of the lives of most people. During this decade, the number of cars in the United States rose from a little over 8 million to more than 23 million. In his book The American Automobile: A Centenary 1893-1993, Nick Georgano reports:
“No decade since has seen such an increase, nor is it likely to be repeated.”
The most popular brands of cars during this period were Ford, Chevrolet, Willlys-Overland, Dodge, and Buick. During this decade there were 44 automobile manufacturers in the United States which made 78% of the world’s automobiles.
During this decade, four- and six-cylinder engines became standard with a few companies offering eight-cylinder and even V12 engines. Four-wheel mechanical brakes gradually replaced two-wheel brakes. The first motor hotel—later known as the motel—open in San Luis Obispo, California in 1925. Motels were one of the driving forces in increasing cross-country vacations.
Harold LeMay, a Tacoma businessman, loved cars and managed to collect more than 3,000 automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles over forty years of collecting. A number of the vehicles from his collection form the nucleus of the LeMay—America’s Car Museum. This collection of more than 300 cars, motorcycles, and trucks is displayed in a four-level building in Tacoma, Washington. Shown below are some of the cars of the 1920s displayed in the LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
1922 Ford Model T Touring
According to the Museum:
“The Model T is credited with helping to reduce isolation in rural areas, forcing road improvements nationwide and energizing the petroleum industry. One million Model Ts were produced in 1922, a first in the automobile industry.”
This car has a 4-cylinder, 177 cubic inch, 20 horsepower engine.
1921 Franklin Model 9-B Sedan
Franklin is credited with popularizing the sedan at a time when most cars were open. The 9-B was the “top-of-the-line” Franklin. It has a 6-cylinder, 25 horsepower, air-cooled engine.
1926 Marmon Model 75 Roadster
This car is fitted with a coach-built body and is probably one of only four built. It has a 6-cylinder, 340 cubic inch, 84 horsepower engine.
1926 Ford Model T Touring Sedan
This car has a 4-cylinder, 177 cubic inch, 20 horsepower engine with a planetary 2-speed manual transmission.
1927 LaSalle 303 Roadster
The Model 303 was only produced for two years during which time a total of 1,184 were made. The base price for this car was $2,635. It has an 8-cylinder, 303 cubic inch, 75 horsepower engine and a 3-speed manual transmission.
1928 Ford Model A Woodie
This car has a 4-cylinder, 201 cubic inch, 40 horsepower engine.
1928 Hupmobile Model E 4-Door Sedan
The Hupp Motor Car Company was founded in 1908 and produced cars until 1940. This car has an 8-cylinder, 80 horsepower engine.
1929 Durant Six 60 Deluxe Special, 2-Door Coupe
This car sold new for $845. It is powered by a 6-cylinder, 185 cubic inch, 58 horsepower engine.
1929 Franklin Model 130, 2-Door Coupe
The Franklin Motor Car Company produced cars from 1902 through 1934. Franklins featured air-cooled engines allegedly copied from the French Renault. The faux radiator was added to make Franklins look more like other cars. In 1929, 14,000 Franklins were produced. This car has a 6-cylinder, 235 cubic inch, 46 horsepower engine and a 3-speed manual transmission.
More automobiles
LeMay Family Collection: Some 1910-1914 cars (photo diary)
WAAAM: Automobiles of the 1920s (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Early Fords in the Classic Auto Museum (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Automobiles of the 1920s (Photo Diary)
Truck Museum: 1922-1927 Trucks (Photo Diary)
Packard Museum: The 1920s (photo diary)
Museums 201: Ford automobiles, 1921 to 1927 (photo diary)
Museums 201: Dodge automobiles, 1916 to 1928 (photo diary)