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HomeRon Kowalke

Ron Kowalke

1959 Lincoln Continental
Auto Paedia

‘Lower! Longer! Wider!’ fixation of US automakers left opening for imports

September 22, 2021 Steve 13

(EXPANDED 10/24/2022) “Lower, longer, wider” was the domestic automakers’ dominant design approach until they were forced to downsize their fleet in the late-1970s due to federal fuel-economy standards. Since that time automakers have at least […]

Readings

Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1976-1999

April 19, 2013 Steve 0

This 975-page paperback reference guide is the last in a three-volume series focused on American cars. As with most Standard catalogs, this one is a utilitarian book dominated by small text and black-and-white photos on non-glossy paper […]

Readings

Standard Catalog of Independents: The Struggle to Survive Among Giants

April 19, 2013 Steve 0

Ron Kowalke has put together a handy source of data about American independents. As with other Standard Catalog volumes, this 400-page book has some data gaps. This book can be exceptionally dense reading even for a […]

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    October 2, 2026 12
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    September 29, 2026 7
  • 1968 Ford Mustang
    Three rules led to a stultifying level of conformity in 1960s U.S. car design
    September 24, 2026 12
  • 1976ish Toyota Corolla
    Data on imports sheds light on their dramatic gains from 1964-80
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  • 1974 Chrysler New Yorker
    1974 Chrysler New Yorker was a tragedy that played out on four levels
    September 16, 2026 16
  • Internet problems reminded me of U.S. automakers in the 1970s
    May 2, 2026 1
  • 1956 Buick hood scoop
    Readers brainstorm ideas for future Indie Auto stories
    October 14, 2022 141
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