Getting Grilled

I received an captivating email last month from an author asking if I was interested in reviewing his latest book. As I perused the email I soon discovered that it was an automotive related book, and one about classic cars to boot! Right up my alley to say the least so I was really anticipating checking it out.

The book in question is titled Great Grilles of the '50s written by Mark Misercola and Hank Kaczmarek. In brief, I was told that it is "a coffee table retrospective that provides the stories behind the designs of some of the most iconic front grilles from Detroit’s golden era of design, including the 1953 Olds Fiesta, 1952 Packard Caribbean, 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer and the ‘57 DeSoto Fireflite. It also has a chapter on Dagmar bumpers." What I actually discovered was a whole lot more...

First off, this is not one of those outlandishly sized coffee table books that is almost the size of the table! In my humble opinion, it is perfectly sized and also fits well in my book shelf, not that it is going to be there anytime soon. The vast majority of the photographs are color with the few exceptions being the period black and whites. Don't let the title fool you either, this is not just a compilation of classic automobile grilles. In between the hardback covers, the pages are chocked full of information pertaining to each model, from "Fast Facts" and a "Grille Tech Sheet", to options and current values. There is even a paint code/color chart for each car! How cool is that? I have a feeling that this book is going to take up permanent residence on my coffee table.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Plus, it also doubles as a great reference for facts and figures on the particular cars. This is a must have for every collector car enthusiast old and young alike and you can order your very own copy by clicking right HERE.

After you get your copy and before you get too absorbed in it, turn to page 49. Gracing that page is my favorite photo in the book and a car that is on my personal bucket list, a 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer. This car is a rolling piece of virtual art that would have Charles Phoenix, the Ambassador of Americana, saying: "Yes ladies and gentlemen, this is the all new for 1959 Custom Royal Lancer by Dodge, behold the glory!" Special thanks to Mark Misercola for contacting me about his book and M.T. Publishing Company for providing the copy.