Plenty of enthusiasts see modern cars as bars-of-soap-on-wheels. They will never see these vehicles as rolling sculptures, though we never can predict how future enthusiasts will see them. Yet, to the cars that today’s enthusiasts see as rolling sculptures, there is a sub-genre of sculptures that were put on them. These ornaments and mascots are the focus of Mascots in Motion, a new book put together by veteran automotive journalist Steve Purdy that will entertain and enlighten enthusiasts.
As a sub-genre of art and design, mascots, hood ornaments, and other stylistic details started off as MotoMeters. Even Lalique got in on the action, though crystal proved itself to be fragile. Most of the ornamentation was metal of some sort, as seen in more than 320 images in this 11- x 12-inch, 289-page coffee table book.
What’s exceptional about this book is the large chapters dedicated to regions, as the cars of the United Kingdom were different from the cars of continental Europe were different from the cars of the United States. Additionally, the latter segment of automobiles is divided by General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation, and Independents. If names like Minerva and Willys-Knight pique your interest, this book will be at home in your home; if you are more into Atomic Age relics, they get their glory too. There even is a chapter on trucks as well as bespoke and accessory mascots.
Purdy has photographed these sculptures at concours events, special shows, junkyards, backyards, salvage yards, and anywhere else that presents itself. “You’ll be amazed at how many mascots there were, and you’ll be surprised by many of the stories that go with them,” says Purdy in the introduction.
To inquire about Mascots in Motion online, visit the publisher’s website at www.shunpikerproductions.com.
