This blog will expand on themes and topics first mentioned in my book, "The Automobile and American Life." I hope to comment on recent developments in the automobile industry, reviews of my readings on the history of the automobile, drafts of my new work, contributions from friends, descriptions of the museums and car shows I attend and anything else relevant. Copyright 2009-2020, by the author.
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Radio advertising of American Automobiles during the 1930s
In my The Automobile and American Life (2009, 2018), I spent considerable time discussing the history of automobile radio during the. 1930s. Crosley, Motorola, Philco, and other companies began making rather bulky expensive sets that became popular very quickly, even with inherent difficulties associated with vacuum tubes and poor antennas. What I totally failed mention, however, was the role of radio in advertising automobiles during that same decade. I can’t believe I was so superficial! Above is one example, but there were many. In addition, some of the most popular radio shows were sponsored by the car companies. Much more needs to be said about this topic, as Americans grow to idolize this wheeled objects as perhaps no other possession.
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