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Drive-ins were an important aspect of the car culture of the 50's, and '60's in Southern California.  I've now been in several private collections where there was a working restaurant styled as a drive-in.  This one ... Rick's Diner, was the most complete and elaborate of the ones I've seen!

This placard in the image shown below was attached to the door of the Men's Room.  I thought, at first, that it was a "Bob's Big Boy" sign, but it isn't.  The figure, though, looks exactly like the one in a Bob's Big Boy sign.  For those not familiar with Southern Californian car culture, Bob's Big Boy drive in Burbank was the center of activity for many Hot Rodders during the 50's and 60's. It was there that many hot-rodders gathered.  In my town, it was an A&W Root Beer stand!

LIfe in those times was much simpler (though those of us growing up during that period didn't think so).  If you are interested in getting a gimpse into that era, I have always thought that the movie "American Graffiti" was a great portrayal of those times. And it seems that many of the collections of this type are owned by men who grew up in that era.

This collection was rather unique in that it centered around automobiles made by the Wilys Overland Corporation.  Wilys Overland began in 1908.  From 1912 to 1918 it was the second largest manufacturer of autos in the United States. Wilys is perhaps best known for the Jeep which it produced along with Ford and American Bantam during WW II.  After the war, Wilys came on hard times and ultimately was sold to American Motors Corp. which it turn was bought by Chrysler which was purchased by Daimer, spun off, and infused with capital by Fiat.  Jeep is  still produced (as a brand) by them in Toledo, Ohio.  Google "Willys" for more info!

I really liked this convertible version of a modified Willys.  The pearlescent green color was really great!

And so was this knock-your-socks-off orange Willys:

Out in the back of the warehouse were these future projects.  I see at least two Studebakers waiting for work:

I don't think extra keys will help start this Willys!

I wonder if this is the same Allstate that sells insurance?

And here's a wooden-spoke wheel:

My favorite, though, was a Willys coupe that had been "restored" into a beautiful looking, hot, fast cruiser.  The car was sitting in an area with low-hanging florescent lights ... aaargh!  You can see them in the two white "streaks" rimming the rear window.  They almost look like part of the pinstriping!  Notice how I've tightly cropped the image so that you do not see any of the background?

This next shot shows the front end of that coupe.  I got down on my knees and shot up capturing the grill work and part of the two headlights:

In the previous blog entry, I talked about the importance of backgrounds and how difficult it is to get a background that doesn't distract or minimize the subject.  Cars add another dimension to the problem as they are also highly reflective!  The next image reflects these problems ... yes, the pun is intentional ... This is the shot as it was converted from the camera.  Notice the reflection of the lights overhead; notice the ceiling and what a mess it makes of the shot; see how the eye is pulled up and away from the car to the heater mounted on the wall on the right; notice the reflection of me in the bumper!  Actually, this is relatively clean background but it still took me about 30 minutes to turn it into the shot shown above.

That's it for this entry.  As always, I hope you enjoyed this little peak into a unique privately held car collection.  Comments are, of course, welcome.

Adam