Last Chrome
by Cheri Randolph
Title
Last Chrome
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
Only a few remnants of the original chrome have withstood the weathering and deterioration of this 1950 Chevrolet. The car was discovered at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri along Historic U.S. highway Route 66.
As one ad from the time noted, "Chevrolet has the whole town talking." What many of those folks talked about was gearshifting -- or the lack of it: namely, Chevy's new Powerglide transmission, the first automatic in the "low-priced three."
Optional for $159 on DeLuxe models only, Powerglide operated through only a single speed unless the driver selected "Low" range manually. In theory, the torque converter's variable ratios would meet all driving needs. Besides, cars with Powerglide carried a stronger (105-horsepower) and larger (235.5 cubic inch) six-cylinder engine, with hydraulic lifters and a higher-lift cam.
Despite those extra horses, Powerglide sopped up lots of engine power, and automatic-equipped cars took off at a decidedly leisurely pace, slowed further by an EconoMISER rear-axle ratio. On the other hand, they ran quieter, avoiding the annoying tappet clatter that Chevrolet owners endured for years. Manual-shift cars kept the smaller solid-lifter engine, boosted from 90 to 92 horsepower.
Uploaded
August 21st, 2012
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Viewed 157 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 04/15/2024 at 3:01 PM
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Comments (22)
Cheri Randolph
Jose, thanks so much for the feature of "Last Chrome" in the group Stop Time with Art!
Randy Rosenberger
Love this shot, Cheri, as with the combo of chrome and rust, I like to call it "crust"! lol Love the details and the textures of this piece. fave and vote
Jack Zulli
The reaction of iron, oxygen and air moisture/water equals RUST! I enjoy rust using it in many of my works. You have captured a fine example of the artist qualities in this piece, well done, Cheri;)
Cheri Randolph replied:
Jack, Thanks for such a great compliment and your continued and generous support!
Jack Zulli
I love rust!!! Rust is probably my most used base source when doing my abstracts and this is a great capture of that element;) v
Cheri Randolph replied:
Jack, me, too! Rust is artistically the most wonderful stuff! I have done an abstract from the rust on the side panel of this car as well. See "Oxidative Stress" in my This 'N' That Gallery. Thanks a lot for your compliment and vote!
Rene Triay Photography
Love the capture and the wonderful patina compliments of the many years this beauty sat out unprotected. v
Cheri Randolph
Steven, thanks. I am complimented indeed that you enjoyed this one, and I appreciate your generous support.
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