Cars & Coffee at the Greene, Beavercreek, Ohio, August 27, 2016

Hi folks -- a nice morning for cars & coffee.  Two cars featured here, both Porsches. Also three photos taken by Matt Meara, one of me dropping Matt off after the event in my 1971 Porsche 911T Targa.  As usual, plenty of young people at the event, many hungry to learn more about the cars that are there.

This is a 1972 911 with a 3.2 motor in it.  Owned by Mike Norris, a retired Wright State Sociology Professor who spends part of his year in Silver City, New Mexico.

Tesla Sales in Norway

Observations from Ed, who is traveling through Norway:

This is hard to believe, but guess what the biggest selling brand car is in Norway now.......yes, Tesla.

Nearly 25% of all new cars now sold in Norway are 100% electric.  There are Tesla's everywhere and we are talking the expensive one.  If one buys any new car that is not electric the government tacks on 50% of the purchase price as a tax.  With 100% electric cars the government forgives the tax plus one is allowed to park an electric car in any garage that typically requires parking payment.  In addition, if one buys a Tesla or other electric car here one gets "free" electricity at government-run charging stations.  What a deal?  As a result even the common middle-class person here can buy what in our country would be $70,000 for a Tesla S.

Tesla Model S Burns to the Ground While Using Supercharger in Norway

Editz Macias films JANDRO Music Video Guerrilla Style - Downtown, Albuqu...

The DENZA 400 -- BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd. (BDNT)

The DENZA 400 being quality checked. Daimler extends its portfolio of new energy vehicles with the introduction of the DENZA 400

• Introducing DENZA 400 from BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT), China’s first Sino-German joint venture focused on electric vehicles
• DENZA 400 vehicle with upgraded battery, electric motor and electronic control rolls off the production line, providing a range of up to 400 km
• Investments into production line and research and development of new energy vehicle products
• Daimler is committed to providing emission-free mobility solutions in China’s growing new energy vehicles market
• “Our joint venture BDNT unites the best of Sino-German cooperation in new energy vehicles. The DENZA 400 with upgraded range offers our Chinese customers a driving experience on a new level,” said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China 

Shenzhen/Stuttgart – Daimler extends its portfolio of new energy vehicles (NEV) with the introduction of the DENZA 400, the company’s “Made in China, for China” electric vehicle from Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT). The DENZA 400 offers upgraded battery, electric motor and electronic control providing customers an electric range of up to 400 km on a full charge. The vehicles are manufactured at BDNT’s independent production line at the BYD base in Shenzhen. The new flexible production line will increase capacity based on future market demand. Today’s start of production of another NEV underlines Daimler’s comprehensive approach in the area of electric mobility.

“Our joint venture BDNT unites the best of Sino-German cooperation in new energy vehicles. Already offering safe, reliable and convenient electric vehicles from and for China, the DENZA 400 with upgraded range offers our Chinese customers a further improved driving experience,” said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China. “We are confident about the future prospect of new energy vehicles in the country. Daimler will continue to invest in research and development of efficient and eco-friendly new energy vehicles, which represent a key pillar of our China growth strategy.”

In addition to electric vehicles, Daimler’s strategy in China to reduce emissions and promote environmental responsibility includes an increasing offering of plug-in hybrid vehicles. In 2013, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to offer petrol, diesel and hybrid models at the same time in China. The E 400 L Hybrid was the first locally-produced hybrid from a premium brand, while the smart electric drive (electric power consumption combined 15.1 kWh/100km/ CO2 emissions combined 0g/km) was the first imported premium all-electric vehicle from Europe.

The DENZA 400 – convenient emission-free mobility for day-to-day use

The DENZA 400 features improved battery density achieved through an upgraded production process that increases the battery’s capacity from 47.5 kWh to 62 kWh while maintaining the original size. With an upgraded range of up to 400 km, most Chinese consumers, who generally drive 50 to 80 km per day, will only need to recharge their DENZA 400 once per week. 

The first generation of DENZA was launched in 2014 as the premiere offering from the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to electric vehicles in China. With nearly 3,000 units sold in its first year in 2015, DENZA quickly became the choice for those seeking convenient and reliable emission-free mobility.

About BYD Daimler New Technology

BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT) in Shenzhen is the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to an all-electric vehicle in and for China. It targets raising the bar in the domestic electric vehicle market by combining Daimler’s renowned engineering expertise as global forerunner in safety and quality with BYD’s leading battery technology. BDNT will continue to focus on the development of energy-saving, safe, comfortable and high quality electric cars. The joint venture is committed to become China’s most successful new energy automobile manufacturer, to promote new energy vehicle (NEV) development and to create a better living environment.

About Daimler Greater China

Daimler’s presence in China covers all areas of mobility from private car ownership and NEV to commercial vehicles, from financial services to innovative car-sharing. Daimler Greater China Ltd. (DGRC), established in Beijing in January 2001, is responsible for the operation of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Trucks and Buses, Daimler Financial Services, and Daimler Spare Parts in Mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan. In China, including Hong Kong, the largest single market worldwide for Mercedes-Benz, the company saw sales rise by 33% to around 220,000 units in the first half of 2016. Daimler continuously invests in its business units in China, the latest being a €500 million investment in expanding its engine plant at Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC), announced in June of this year. Through 2015, Daimler and BAIC Motor had already invested a total of approximately €4 billion in BBAC, an integral element in Mercedes-Benz's flexible and efficient global production network. In addition, more than €100 million has been invested in the expansion of Daimler’s Beijing-based Mercedes-Benz Research and Development Center. Another Daimler joint venture, Fujian Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (FBAC), houses the first R&D center for Mercedes-Benz Vans outside of Germany. In March of this year, FBAC launched the new V-Class in China. With its products, customer-oriented services, continuous investments, and long-lasting alliances with strong local partners, Daimler Greater China steadily strives to prove its commitment to its Chinese customers

1923: men in cars harassing women while driving by

From the Library of Congress Photo Collection

Miss Alice Reighly, President of the Anti-flirt Club which has just been organized in Wash., D.C. and will launch an "Anti-flirt" week beginning March 4th - the club is composed of young women and girls who have been embarrassed by men in automobiles and on street corners

Friday Night Cruise-In, Beavercreek, Ohio: a 1947 Ford Truck

Hi folks -- I got a very late start last night. I finally made it to the Lofino's cruise-in off of Rt. 35 at 7:30 p.m. Hardly anyone there, as it turned out, due to a much bigger event at Voss Chevrolet in Centerville. Here are a few photos of a 1947 modified Ford Truck.

The Mercedes-Benz W 124Convertible, the 300 CE-24 Introduced in 1991 at the Frankfurt IAA show

September 1991: Premiere of a four-seater convertible in the 124 series: Open-air refinement: 25 years of the E-Class Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz presented new offering to the upper medium class market segment at the 1991 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, where an elegant convertible celebrated its September introduction 25 years ago. The four-seater model with a fabric soft top belonged to the 124 series, which bore the name E-Class from 1993 onwards. The debut at the IAA show also continued a success story for the Stuttgart-based brand, as Mercedes-Benz was now once again offering a four-seater convertible after a 20-year interruption. This form of body is well represented in the current Mercedes-Benz model range, by the open-top versions of the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class with different engine variants.

Stuttgart. In the new Cabriolet model positioned in the upper medium class, Mercedes-Benz skillfully combined the airiness of open-top driving with the virtues of the Saloon model in this series. This new body version of the 124 series impressed with its innovative technology, modern elegance and a perfectly balanced overall concept. From the very start, this gave the open four-seater known internally as the A 124, and initially available as the 300 CE-24 from spring 1992, the potential to become a classic. Other available variants of the 124 series were the Saloon (W 124), Estate (S 124), Coupé (C 124) and long-wheelbase Saloon (V 124). The engineers used the Coupé as the technical basis for the new convertible.

The 300 CE-24 Cabriolet revived the long tradition of four-seater open-top models in the brand history of Mercedes-Benz after a 20-year interruption: the last previous models with this body form were precursors to the S-Class, the 280 SE Cabriolet and 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet (W 111) produced until 1971. In the intervening period Mercedes-Benz continued its open-air driving tradition with the two-seater SL sports cars. The A 124 remained in production until 1997, with 33,952 examples produced in total, and its success was seamlessly continued by the CLK Cabriolet models in the A 208 series (1998 to 2003) and A 209 series (2003 to 2010), followed by the E-Class Cabriolet in the A 207 series (since 2010).

Outstanding technology for maximum comfort and safety

The engineers took great pains when developing the Cabriolet on the basis of the Coupé. Part of this effort went into making the bodyshell more rigid, so as to make the open four-seater as comfortable and safe as the other members of the model family. To this end around 1000 components were completely redesigned. Structural components were produced from thicker or high-strength sheet steel.

All areas subject to high stresses were additionally reinforced with duplicators, gusset plates or struts. These also included the diagonal struts familiar from the R 129-series SL sports cars. Vibration dampers were also installed in the left suspension strut, the roof frame and the side boot recesses. These reduce the annoying body vibrations that can occur in open-top cars owing to the lack of a roof structure.

The overall package of measures taken for the bodyshell not only made the Cabriolet comfortable, but also as safe as the Saloon, Estate or Coupé in a frontal, rear or side collision. For protection in the event of a rollover, the A-pillars were welded to form a robust unit in the area vulnerable to deformation, and an automatic rollover bar was installed. The retractable soft top weighing 43 kilograms was based on a 27-part linkage with 34 joints. When folded down, the soft top occupies a space of only 80 litres and leaves adequate boot capacity.

The Cabriolet was produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen from 1992. Initially only the 300 CE-24 Cabriolet with a 3-litre six-cylinder engine (162 kW / 220 hp at 6400 rpm) was available. All in all, 6343 examples of this model were built up to 1993.

In June 1993 Mercedes-Benz already presented the facelifted generation of the 124 series. Like all the other variants in the model series, the Cabriolet now also bore the name E-Class. The open four-seater was considerably revised in its styling, and now also became available in a wider range of versions. The variants available were the four-cylinder E 200 Cabriolet (100 kW / 136 hp, before 1994 only as an export version) and E 220 Cabriolet (110 kW / 150 hp), the six-cylinder E 320 Cabriolet (162 kW / 220 hp) and the flagship E 36 AMG Cabriolet (200 kW / 272 hp). Previously only available at extra cost, electrohydraulic roof operation was now standard equipment and the soft top was given a new inner lining for even better thermal and noise insulation.

The first E-Class Cabriolet was in production until 1997. 15,380 customers opted for a four-cylinder version, while 18,572 buyers decided on a six-cylinder model. Many of these buyers were export customers. At around 75 percent, the export proportion was especially high for the E 320 Cabriolet.

Auto Observations from Finland: Why are Pick Up Trucks and SAABs so scarce? -- from Ed

Not seen any interesting cars yet John and we've already traveled over 1,000 miles on the best highways I've ever seen -- even better than the German roads I'd swear -- not seen one pothole anywhere which is odd given that the climate in Finland 9 months out of the year is miserable.

But two observations:

1. Why don't Europeans like pick-up trucks?  We have seen zero pick-up trucks on this trip -- no company makes or sells pick-up trucks in the Nordic countries it seems.  What do carpenters, plumbers, other tradesmen use in their work?  Perhaps just small vans it seems.  In the USA every third person seems to own and drive a pick-up truck but they have never carried much weight in much of Europe.  Years ago Toyota tried to sell their small pick-ups in various European countries (the Toyota Hilux) and that went nowhere. 

2. How quickly a "brand" and marque fades once it becomes an orphan.  SAAB was the 3rd most popular car brand in Finland at one point with thousands sold.  Yet in towns and over 1,000 miles on the highways I have yet to see a single SAAB and the marque only ceased production three years ago.  I asked someone "where are the SAABs?" The reply was: "all recycled."

The Porsche Garage near Le Mans: Rue du 8 Mai, Teloche

written by Dieter Landenburger

Christophorus 08/06/2016

Le Mans: The Porsche legend begins in a village garage

A small auto shop a few miles from the circuit has been the home of the Porsche team in Le Mans for more than thirty years. It is here, in the village of Teloché, where preparations are made to win the famous endurance race.

France, June of 1951. A garage on the Rue du 8 Mai in Teloché, a village some four miles south of Le Mans. On the eve of the nineteenth 24 Hours of Le Mans race, mechanics are working feverishly on two silver Porsches with starting numbers 46 and 47. The atmosphere is tense. The lead-up to the race has been anything but smooth—three of the four 356 SL cars prepared in Zuffenhausen did not survive the test-drives. The night before the race, the mechanics are still trying everything they can think of on number 47, but to no avail. Porsche enters only one car in the contest.

The automotive world is stunned to hear that Porsche will race in Le Mans. The carmaker, founded in 1948, is the first (and only) German brand to enter this most venerable of French endurance races in the aftermath of World War II. The announcement is not only motorsports news but also a political statement. Just a few years after the war, German carmakers are not exactly welcome in France. True, at last year’s motor show in Paris, Charles Faroux—the director of the race in Le Mans—expressly called for Porsche to participate, but his compatriots still harbor a good deal of resentment toward Germans, stemming from the occupation. The decisive impetus for Porsche to take part finally comes in the form of Auguste Veuillet, the future exclusive importer for Porsche in France. He wants to drive in the race himself, and he also plans to handle local organizational matters for Porsche with motorsports director Paul von Guilleaume.

For the racing team from Zuffenhausen, Teloché is an ideal location

But where should the Porsche racing team be based? Veuillet finds a garage in Teloché. Its owner, Georges “Jojo” Després, rents part of the auto shop to the team. It is not an easy decision for Després, who is criticized by neighbors and customers for bringing Germans into the village. For the racing team from Zuffenhausen, however, Teloché is an ideal location. Its cars can be driven straight to the circuit without having to be loaded onto trailers or trucks. Moreover, there is still a rear entry to the circuit at the end of the Mulsanne straight, which means the team can avoid congestion at the main entrance.

The 1951 race takes place on June 23 and 24. Auguste Veuillet and Edmond Mouche drive the 356 SL to a class victory for engines under 1,100 cc. They also place 20th overall: a noteworthy result. The victory earns Porsche a fair amount of approval and attention, both in France and internationally. Furthermore, Le Mans henceforth becomes a fixed date on the Zuffenhausen racing calendar. Porsche enters three factory cars in 1952 and 1953, and then four beginning in 1954. With two mechanics per car plus the racing director and his staff, an ever larger team sets off each year for Teloché.

Porsche’s auto shop in Teloché is relegated to the pages of history

The villagers rent out their guest rooms, bedrooms, and children’s rooms to Porsche, and many friendships are formed over the years. No one minds when the cars take loud test-drives through the village in the morning or the evening, or when the team returns from its practices after midnight—au contraire. At Madame Peschard’s Café des Sports, breakfast awaits the Porsche crew at seven in the morning, and an evening meal is also ready even if they come back late from the circuit.

With the advent of Group C and the Porsche 956 in the early 1980s, a new age of racing begins—one that requires substantially more technical preparation. The mechanics start to work directly at the drivers’ camp, right next to the trucks that carry the cars. From then on, Porsche’s auto shop in Teloché is relegated to the pages of history. 

Mercedes Benz and the Saxony Classic Rally, August 18 to 20, 2016.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198, 1957 to 1963).

The Saxony Classic rally (18 to 20 August 2016) aptly describes itself as Saxony's longest car museum. Around 200 classic vehicles are registered to take part this year, and will be seen on some of the state's stunning roads and on the Sachsenring. The museum on wheels will feature three worthy classics from Stuttgart: a 300 SL Roadster (W 198), a 500 SL (R 107) and a Mercedes-Benz 230 (W 123). The 300 SL is to be driven by Wilfried Porth, board member of Daimler AG. The Zwickau-born discus thrower Lars Riedel, gold medallist at the 1996 Olympics and five times world champion, will be behind the wheel of the 500 SL on Saxony's roads.

Stuttgart. "I'm over the moon that the Saxony Classic is starting in Zwickau, where I was born," commented Lars Riedel. "Classic cars have always been a hobby of mine. I'm particularly looking forward to the reception from the local fans." Riedel's car for the Saxony Classic 2016 is a dream in silver: with its V8 engine, the 500 SL has an output of 170 kW (231 hp), which made it the new flagship model in the SL series back in 1980. The success of the R 107 SL model series is indicated by its long production run of over 18 years, from 1971 until 1989.

Another dream car, but dating from the 1950s and 1960s, is the 300 SL Roadster. Introduced in 1957, it superseded the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", which had marked Mercedes-Benz's triumphant return to the super sports car market segment in 1954. To this day the cars are seen as icons of the brand and it comes as no surprise that they form the centrepiece of many renowned car collections around the world. Their lightweight, sturdy space frame and their powerful six-cylinder engine (158 kW/215 hp) with direct petrol injection underline their motor racing pedigree, while the technology is all wrapped up in timelessly stunning bodywork.

Alongside these two vehicles the Mercedes-Benz 230 appears relatively unremarkable. A four-door, five-seater saloon with 80 kW (109 hp) in this starting line-up? Quite right: it represents the brand's unique tradition in the luxury mid-range segment, which dates back over 110 years. Mercedes-Benz has shaped this segment with technical innovations and benchmark design. Since 1993 Mercedes-Benz's mid-range model has been the E-Class, the latest generation of which arrived in Mercedes-Benz showrooms around the world in 2016.

The Mercedes-Benz 230 that will take part in the Saxony Classic comes from the Museum's stock of ALL TIME STARS (http://alltime-stars.com) – vintage and classic cars in a technically and visually good condition, whose patina lends them a special character – and is available as part of the Collectors' Edition . The model series 123 Saloon in distinctive sahara yellow is a treasured item with impressive road capability: with only one previous owner, this is a car with very few kilometres on the clock. Since it was first licensed in March 1979 it has only driven around 23,000 kilometres. Its optional extras include automatic transmission, power steering, a Becker Europa radio and the right-hand exterior mirror. The latter is not atypical: it was standard for many car brands at the time to feature an exterior mirror on the driver's side only.

With its picture book setting and idyllic routes, the Saxony Classic provides the perfect showcase for these cars. The starting field will take a short detour into the Czech Republic.

Profile of Lars Riedel
Born: 28 June 1967 in Zwickau

Gold medallist at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, silver medallist at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, five times world champion (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2001) and eleven times German champion –& nbsp;Lars Riedel has chalked up an impressive list of victories. He began competitive sport as a teenager in what was then East Germany. But when political change came in 1989, his trainer lost his job and Riedel turned to his qualifications as a skilled concrete worker to earn his living. He was rediscovered, however, and went on to become one of Germany's most successful athletes. For almost ten years he dominated national and international discus competitions. He achieved his personal best of 71.50 metres in Wiesbaden on 3 May 1997.

The Mercedes-Benz Classic cars in the Saxony Classic 2016

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198, 1957-1963)

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 300 SL Roadster as the successor to the 300 SL Gullwing Coupé at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957. On a technical level, the open-top sports car was very like the Coupé, although the modified space frame allowed the installation of conventionally attached doors, which were necessary for open-top driving. The soft top folded away beneath a separate flap behind the seats in a few simple steps. From 1958 onwards, the Roadster was also available with a detachable coupé roof. It was from the standard-production 300 SL Roadster that the Mercedes-Benz engineers developed the 300 SLS racing variant with which Paul O’Shea won Category D of the American Sports Car Championship in 1957. Production of the 300 SL Roadster was discontinued after seven years in 1963, during which time precisely 1858 examples of the highly exclusive sports car were built.

Technical data for Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198)
Production period: 1957-1963
Cylinders: 6/in-line
Displacement: 2996 cc
Output: 158 kW (215 hp)
Top speed: up to 250 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 500 SL (R 107, 1980-1989)

The R 107 SL model series hit the roads in spring 1971. For the first time in SL history eight-cylinder engines were at work beneath the bonnet, and the 500 SL became the new flagship model from 1980. Following an overhaul of the engine in 1981 to reduce consumption and emissions, the V8 unit had an output of 170 kW (231 hp). This was reflected in the car's performance figures: from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h. In addition to elegance and quality, the vehicles also exude safety – the open-top two-seater's comprehensive safety concept was way ahead of its time. The tank was repositioned above the rear axle to protect it in a collision, and the vehicle was fitted with a four-spoke safety steering wheel with large impact plate, dirt-resistant side windows and tail lights, and safety door handles. Production of model series R 107 ended in August 1989, over 18 years after it had first begun. As such this SL model series set an internal company record which is unlikely to be surpassed: in the entire history of the brand, there has never been another passenger car series, apart from the G-Class off-road vehicles, which has been produced over such a long time period. In total 237,287 R 107 models were produced in Sindelfingen, a figure which impressively demonstrates the popularity of the model series.

Technical data for Mercedes-Benz 500 SL (R 107)
Production period: 1980-1989
Cylinders: V8
Displacement: 4973 cc
Output: 170 kW (231 hp)
Top speed: 220 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 200 D – 280 E (W 123), 1976 to 1985

With a hitherto unheard of selection of models, the new-generation mid-range model series from Mercedes-Benz proved a huge hit with customers and strong demand meant that many initially had to wait up to a year for their car. The first year alone saw the introduction of the 200, 230, 250, 280 and 280 E models plus the 200 D, 220 D, 240 D and 300 D. The Saloon was followed in 1977 by the Coupé, a long-wheelbase Saloon and, for the first time, an Estate. In 1980 Mercedes-Benz made the anti-lock braking system ABS available for the first time in this vehicle class in model series 123 and from 1982 the driver airbag. The model series took the success story of the brand's mid-range models to new sales records: around 2.7 million vehicles were built, almost 2.4 million of them Saloons and around 200,000 Estates. The 230 was among the brand's most popular models from the outset and, after a production run of almost 196,000 vehicles, it was superseded by the 230 E with injection engine.

Technical data for Mercedes-Benz 230 (1979)
Production period: 1976–1980
Cylinders: 4/in-line
Displacement: 2307 cc
Output: 80 kW (109 hp)
Top speed: 170 km/h

Syllabus for An Undergraduate History Course: "The Automobile and American Life," Fall, 2016

Hi folks -- in inserting the file, spacing problems took place.  It's all here, but sorry for loose formatting below.

John

    HST 344  -- Science, Technology and the Modern Corporation: The Automobile and American Life

            Class Meeting: MWF 11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m., HM 125

            Instructor: John A. Heitmann

            Office: 435HM (x92803).

            Office Hours: 10:00-10:50 a.m. MWF or by appointment

            E-Mail: Jheitmann1@udayton.edu

            Blog page: http://www.automobileandamericanlife.blogspot.com

            Texts:  John Heitmann, The Automobile and American Life.

                        Ben Hamper, Rivethead.

Jason Vuic, The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History

And materials on Isidore.

                        Grades: The final grade for this course will be based on two hour exams, (60%), occasional quizzes, and final exam (30%). The grade scale is as follows: A  94 to 100; A-  90 to 93; B+  87-89; B 84-86; B-  80 - 83; C+ 77-79; C 74-76; C- 70-73.  A similar pattern applies to lower grades.  Letter grades are assigned a mid-point numerical grade. Additionally, attendance can influence your final grade: if you miss more than 3 classes, one letter grade will be deducted from your grade; if you miss more than 6 classes, a two letter grade reduction will take place.  A good grade for this course is a C+.  Grade averages may be influenced by such factors as trends over the time of the course; for example, how you finish is far more important than how you start. Policies for exams strictly follows History Department Guidelines, and make-ups will only be offered with a valid, documented excuse.

            Attendance at lectures is crucial if you are to expect a good grade in the course, and I want you to be at every class if that is at all possible. On many occasions material presented is not covered in the readings, and so many of the ideas discussed central to the development of modern science are complex and often confusing. Your attitude and what you bring in to the classroom can make the difference between a mediocre offering and a most positive educational experience. 

            Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and offenses will be punished accordingly. A first offense will result in a failing grade for the exam or paper in question; a second offense will result in a failing grade for the course.

           

Course Purpose:  It has been said that the automobile is the perfect technological symbol of American culture, a tangible expression of our quest to level space, time and class, and a reflection of our restless mobility, social and otherwise. In this course we will explore together the place of the automobile in American life, and how it transformed business, life on the farm and in the city, the nature and organization of work, leisure time, and the arts. This is a most complex transition that we will study, as the automobile transformed everyday life and the environment in which we operate.  It influenced the foods we eat; music we listen to; risks we take; places we visit; errands we run; emotions we feel; movies we watch; stress we endure; and, the air we breathe.

SCHEDULE OF LECTURES AND ASSIGNMENTS

            The week of:

Week 1/August 24                  Introduction; What our cars tell us about ourselves. The car in everyday life: the automobile age and its contradictions.  Automotive Pioneers

                                                            Reading: Heitmann, Introduction, Chapter 1.

Films: “Wild Wheels”; “Horatio’s Drive.”

Week 2/August 29                  Putting America on the Road; Henry Ford and the Model T

                                                Reading: Heitmann, Chapter 2. James Flink, "Three Stages of Automotive Consciousness" (Isidore).

                                                            Film: “Automobile Parade;” “Gussle’s Day of Rest.”

September 5 – Labor Day -- No Class

                                                                  

           

            Week 3/September 7                        Stealing Cars; The Rise of General Motors

Readings: Heitmann, pp. 54-63; Stuart W. Leslie, “Charles F. Kettering and the cCpper-Cooled Engine.” (Isidore). Film: “Master Hands.”

Week 4/September 12               Advertising, Styling, Design and the Art of the Automobile

                                                            Reading: Heitmann, pp. 64-71; Clarke, "Managing Design.”                                                                                                          (Isidore)             

                  Week 5/September 19                     On the Road

                  Reading: Heitmann, Chapter 4. Peter D. Norton, “Street Rivals: Jaywalking and the Invention of the Motor Age Street.” (Isidore].

Films: “Grapes of Wrath;” “Route 66;"    “Detour;” ‘Keroauc: On the Road"

                  Week 6/ September 26                    Religion, Courtship and Sex

                                                                                          Readings: Heitmann, Chapter 5.

Films: “Thelma and Louise”; “Motorcycle Diaries”

October 3 – Exam 1

October 5-9 Mid-Term Break

                                                                                         

Week 7/ October 10        The Interwar Years: The Great Depression, Aerodynamics, and Cars of the Olympian Age

Readings:  Heitmann, Chapter 6.

                                                                                          Films: “The Crowd Roars;”  “Burn Em’Up Barnes.”

                 

                  Week 8/October 17                           World War II:  Detroit, the Arsenal of Democracy

                                                                        Readings:  Heitmann, Chapter 7

Film: “Jitterbugs.”            

Week 9/ October 24                          The Post War Industry and Technological Suppression

Readings: Heitmann, pp. 133-154: Robert C. Post. “Henry Kaiser, Troy Ruttman, and Madman Muntz: Three Originals.” (Isidore).

                                                                                          Film: “Tucker”

                 

                  Week 10/October 31                        Chrome Dreams of the 1950s

                                                            Jan & Dean and  the Beach Boys          

Readings: Heitmann, pp.154-163; Jeremy R. Kinney, “Racing on Runways: The Strategic Air Command and Sports Car Racing in the 1950s.” (Isidore).

                                                                                          Film:  “American Graffiti”

           

November 7        Exam #2 -- you will be tested on the Vuic  book at this time

           

Week 11/ November 9            The Rise of the American Muscle Car

                                                                                          Readings: Heitmann, pp.164-178.

                                                                                          Films: “Goldfinger;” “Thunderball” “Bullitt.”

                                   

                 

                  Week 12/ November 14                 Oil Shock I: Japan, James Bond, and Mobile Lovemaking

Readings: Heitmann, pp. 178-184; Gary T. Schwartz, “The Myth of the Ford Pinto Case.” (Isidore)

                                                                                          Film: “Easy Rider;” Toby Halicki's "Gone in Sixty Seconds"

                 

Week 13/ November 21 and November 28           The Automobile World Upside Down, 1980s to the Present.

                                                                        Readings: Heitmann, pp.185-194, "The

                                                                        Filming of Bullit"(Isidore); Luscombe, Belinda. “The Tao of Vin Diesel: Millions of Fans are Inspride by his Oddest Role Yet: Philosopher.” (Isidore). Film: “Fast and Furious; Tokyo Drift;”  "The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant"

Week 14/ December 5  The Automobile Industry and the Future; Sum Up

Reading:  Heitmann, pp.194-206; Shladover, Steven E. “The Truth About Self-Driving Cars.” (Isidore).

Film:  “The Revenge of the Electric Car”

                                                                       

                 

Week 15/December 9    Last Day of Classes

                                                      Heitmann, Epilogue.

                 

FINAL EXAM, Tuesday, December 13, 12:20 --2:10 p.m. On this exam you will be tested on the Ben Hamper Book.