LeMay Family Collection: Some cars from 1920-1924 (photo diary)

by Ojibwa for Museums

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Sunday, Jul. 16, 2023 Sunday, Jul. 16, 2023 at 11:15:06am PDT

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 1920-1924 cars.

Ford Model T

The year was not identified.

1923 Ford Model T Center Door Sedan

This was called “Center Door” because rear and front passengers get in the vehicle via the same door. It sold new for $595. It has a 4-cylinder, 176 cubic inch, 20 horsepower engine.

1923 Pierce-Arrow Model 33 Doctor Coupe

The front passenger seat folds to allow access to the rear seat. It sold new for $6,800. It has a 6-cylinder, 255 cubic inch, 38 horsepower engine.

1923 Willys-Knight Model 67 Touring

This car sold new for $1,325. It has a 4-cylinder, 185 cubic inch, 40 horsepower engine.

1924 Rickenbacker C

This car sold new for $2,195. This was one of the first vehicles with 4-wheel brakes. It has a 6-cylinder, 268 cubic inch, 58 horsepower engine.

1924 Paige Model 6-70

The Paige had a new price of $1,795-2,450. The Brougham rear seat could be made into a bed. A total of about 65,000 were produced. It has a 6-cylinder, 331 cubic inch, 75 horsepower engine.