LeMay Family Collection: Some cars from 1925-1929 (photo diary)

by Ojibwa for Museums

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Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023 Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023 at 11:15:15am PST

The 1920s, often characterized as “The Roaring Twenties,” was a decade of optimism, self-expression, and prosperity for some people. It was also the decade in which the automobile evolved from a plaything for the wealthy to an important part of the lives of most people. During this decade, the number of cars in the United States rose from a little over 8 million to more than 23 million. In his book The American Automobile: A Centenary 1893-1993, Nick Georgano reports:

“No decade since has seen such an increase, nor is it likely to be repeated.”

The most popular brands of cars during this period were Ford, Chevrolet, Willlys-Overland, Dodge, and Buick. During this decade there were 44 automobile manufacturers in the United States which made 78% of the world’s automobiles.

During this decade, four- and six-cylinder engines became standard with a few companies offering eight-cylinder and even V12 engines. Four-wheel mechanical brakes gradually replaced two-wheel brakes. The first motor hotel—later known as the motel—open in San Luis Obispo, California in 1925. Motels were one of the driving forces in increasing cross-country vacations.

The LeMay Family Collections at Marymount in Tacoma, Washington is the Northwest’s largest automobile collection. There are more than 1,500 vehicles in the collection. The museum is on historic grounds of former Marymount Military Academy and vehicles are displayed and stored in three buildings. Shown below are some of the 1925-1929 cars.

1925 Stutz Roadster

This car sold new for $2,380. It has an inline 6-cylinder, 288 cubic inch, 80 horsepower engine.

1926 Pierce-Arrow Model 80 Roadster

This car has an inline 6-cylinder, 288 cubic inch, 70 horsepower engine.

P1350590 — The running lights turn with the steering wheel.

1929 Chrysler Imperial Series L80

The new price of this car was $2,895. A total of 2,900 were built. This car has an inline 6-cylinder, engine.

1929 Whippet Model 96 2-Door

Whippets sold new for $535-745. It has a 4-cylinder, 134 cubic inch, 30 horsepower engine.

1929 Cord L-29 4-Door Sedan

This car sold new for $3,095. This was the first production car with engine, transmission, differential, and front brakes as an assembly. It was also the first car to have an X-member to stabilize the frame. It has an inline 8-cylinder, 298 cubic inch, 125 horsepower engine.