I've always had an affinity for Mid-Century Modern, or 'Googie' architecture. I thought it fun and fairly whimsical. I wish there was more of it around nowadays but those structures and road signs are few and far between.

I guess it depends on how you interpret the term 'behind'.

From the point of view of the camera then it's a Buick behind the Mercury. I was thinking in terms of the Mercury and behind it, on the street, is a Pontiac.

[Oh, THAT Pontiac. You are correct! - Dave]

... behind the 1958 Mercury looks an awful lot like a Pontiac to me. My first car was a '53 Pontiac.

[The car is a 1960 Buick Electra 225, parked next to a 1955 Chevy, next to a 1959 Oldsmobile. There are two Pontiacs (1958, 1960) on the other side of the driveway. - Dave]

Under the big tree nearest the hotel entrance is a customized second-generation Thunderbird (1958-60), often referred to as "Squarebirds." The one in the photo is most probably a '58.

A nice 1959 Buick station wagon front & center and a 1960 Buick behind the 1958 Mercury two door. 1959 & '60 Buicks are scarce as hens' teeth today!

... off the starboard quarter of the paralleled Ford wagon. I downloaded a Greenbook a few years back. The key is a talisman.

This could be Havana today!

Sadly, the Martinique was not listed in the 1960 Green Book.

The Martinique changed hands many times over the years and expanded its footprint in the process. During the 1980s it got a makeover that introduced a series of gabled roofs that did nothing to help the appearance. This photo was taken just before the demolition of the building. You can still see the square block structure where the Martinique sign was.

All right there or within a walk:

The Martinique
Chattahoochee (River)
Muscogee (County)
Columbus
Georgia
Bibb City (historic district)
Phenix City (twin municipality)

198 Rooms - Restaurant - Heated Pool ... FA2-6641"
Recently deceased: ended its days as a Hojo's