My love of old cars is certainly enough to drive me to the Mecum Spring Classic auction every year, but I also go because it gives me a chance to practice my photography. You can walk right up to the cars, close enough to touch them – though out of respect for the owners, I keep my hands to myself. But to the extent a car has personal space, I definitely invade it looking for details I can use to compose interesting photographs. Not only has this practice improved my photography, but it has also helped me enjoy these classic cars in new ways. Of such photos I took this year, I like these the most.
A 1935 Chrysler Airflow kept me busy composing and capturing for quite some time. I liked this photo the best. I think it captures key elements of the car’s style.
I like the way the light plays off the hood and grille of this 1939 Ford Deluxe.
I wish I could remember what kind of car that is reflecting in the paint of this 1947 Cadillac.
I can easily make out the Pontiac GTO and a Chevrolet Corvette reflecting in this 1950 Ford Custom.
This is my favorite photograph from the auction. I love how the clouds reflect in the domed hood of this 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe, and I think the black paint flaking off the Chevrolet script adds character. This photo looks better larger.
Normally I try to keep people out of my car shots, but I couldn’t resist including this owner polishing the hood of his 1958 Edsel Citation convertible.
In days gone by, auto manufacturers badged their cars proudly and prominently, as on this 1959 Chevrolet Impala.
Cars seemed to have more fine styling details in the old days, too. The 1963 Ford Galaxie XL had one of these spears atop each front fender. They served no purpose other than to look good.
For years, tail lights were a key styling cue of Chevrolet’s large cars. Low-line cars had two separate lights per side, and high-line cars had three. In 1963, the Impala was the top-of-the-line large Chevrolet; here are its three tail lights.
The Mecum Spring Classic is always packed to the gills with potent Chevelles. I’m partial to the body style from 1970, but I liked the angle I got across the engine bay of this 1969 Chevelle SS.
Finally, I love the way the skylight played across the sail panel of this 1969 Dodge Charger R/T.
I spent six and a half hours at the auction this year, walking and crouching all the way. My legs were sore for four days!
Do you think you know your cars? Then play the game of identifying them only by details like these! Check it out.
