Apple Pie and Chevrolet.

Like the vintage items they sell, antique stores across the United States seem to be a thing of the past. Many are closing their doors citing competition from internet auction sites and vintage markets with more exposure to inventory and zero overhead costs. I can see that, but that doesn't mean I like it. Our favorite local antique mall closed down a few years ago and a fitness store moved in. Everyone could jog some more, sure...but Sarah & I just can't get psyched up about strolling through a rack of Saucony Shadow 5000's and Under Armour shirts on a lazy Sunday afternoon the way we did with antiques.

On a recent visit with our good friends Eric & Jackie, we were treated to some of the riches of their favorite local antique store that just closed its doors last week. Knowing that we're classic Chevy owners and fans, they nabbed a series of 1940s Chevrolet ads that feature the then-new Fleetline Sportmaster Sedan and Aerosedan with their "torpedo" styling and "economical valve-in-head" engine. The 1942 advertisements are a treat because they're not that common. Here they are with apologies for not scanning them. (Our scanner blows). They also brought a delicious Dutch apple pie from a nearby apple orchard but we can't share that with you. We wouldn't have, either. We're not mean, but it was simply gone in less than 2 days. 

As many of you know, auto production stopped in February of that year and didn't resume until October of 1945. The '42 ads are also plain, mostly text and black & white. They also mention Chevrolet's role in national defense and feature the 1.5 ton G506 truck in the right panel spread. Victory!

The 1946 ads are a treat as well because they're the polar opposite of the '42 ads. Both are centerfold 2-page, full-color ads. Even though the cars were virtually the same, the '46 ads are touting the all-new Chevrolet and its remarkable features like the knee-action suspension and vacuum-assisted shift. Think of it as putting the leftovers back in the oven to warm them up. They were still delicious...but you could tell they were leftovers. Eric got a kick out of how many people were show in the illustrations riding in the cars. "There's like 8 people in that car" he said. That's the good ol' Chevrolet roominess!

We appreciate Eric & Jackie thinking of us and for having a great eye and pulling these ads from the inventory of a antique store in a building that will sadly see another use in the coming weeks. Maybe it, too will become a running store since everyone is in a hurry to escape the past. 

-D