55 years later, the building and septic tanks are still there. I don't know who owns or operates the business, but it is a landmark not missed as you travel through the tulip city!

Nothing like the 50s cars; new superhighways, endless possibilities. Seemed like the Eisenhower optimism would go on forever, didn't it? My folks bought a 1956 Plymouth Belvedere. They paid $3,000 for it. Years later, my mother told me what a big expense that was for them. But hey, they were young then.

It's just a box, but the boss said not to make it look like one. So they stayed up late, drew some extraneous lines, and made it look like a crock pot.

Look at the curved front and rear window. The curves on the body. Hell, even that white and chrome stripe down the back that serves no purpose other than giving the car more class. They really don't make 'em like they used to.

What a great shot. I've always been infatuated with those 1950's Oldsmobiles. My dad worked at a GM dealership in those days. Always wanted an Oldsy but could only afford a Chevy.

It was only a few years into the future when they did away with those side vent windows. They were absolutely great for flicking the ashes of your cigarette outside. Fortunately, I quit smoking years ago, so I only miss them in my memory.

In 1957, Consumer Reports said this was the fastest car it had had ever tested with the exception of the Chrysler 300B! Especially impressive considering the inline-flathead puddle jumper of '47 which preceded it just ten years before! That's the base trim model, the Golden Rocket 88, but in '57 only, all came standard equipped with the same four barrel 277-horsepower engine--only the axle ratios were changed between the base 88 and 98 (this one has a 3.07). A triple-carb J-2 setup could be ordered for just about $49 which produced 300 horsepower, too! These engines matched to the superb Jetaway Hydra-Matic made these true factory hotrods! The little trailer is a treasure in its own right, and was probably an effortless load to pull.