“Engines of Change” is a book that goes through cars that either helped shape the United States when they were released, or were the start of changes still felt today. It also goes through cars that were shaped by the national mood, cars that were a strong expression of the United States at the time.
Generally the author goes through the inception of the
vehicle and discusses the people (engineers, marketers, and designers)
involved. It is also mentioned how the cars changed the United States, what the
cars stood for, and who, demographically speaking, usually bought them. In many
chapters the individuals involved often have an abbreviated biography told
about them and the car. These biographies are sometimes about people at the
highest executive levels and other times about assembly line workers who climb
up the company ladder as time goes on.
The book is written in good humor. There is a fair amount of
history between its covers. I think my favorite car discussed, and perhaps the
one with the most profound impact on society had to be the Chevrolet Corvair
and how it gave rise to a lot of the products liability and consumer
protections that are ever present in the current political and legal fabric of
the United States today.
The cars discussed are the:
- Ford Model T and LaSalle’s (GM)
- Chevrolet Corvette
- 1959 Cadillac’s (tail fins)
- VW Beetle and Microbus
- Chevy Corvair
- Ford Mustang
- Pontiac GTO
- Honda Accord
- Chrysler / Dodge Caravan
- BMW 3 Series (a lot to do with yuppies)
- Jeep
- Ford F-Series
- Toyota Prius
My friend Sonny gave me the book knowing I’m a car
enthusiast. It made for a solid read. I’d suggest it for anyone who likes cars
and history, and the two being well blended together.
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