Factory Air: Cool Cars in Cooler Comfort: An Illustrated History of Automotive Air-Conditioning - 540

Factory Air: Cool Cars in Cooler Comfort, An Illustrated History of Automotive Air-Conditioning explores the captivating pre-WWII contributions to passenger's cooler comfort. This 272-page full-color book features 483 captioned images that illustrate original brochures, advertising, data books, service manuals, and more. Each chapter "Spotlights" privately owned 1940-1942 Packard, Cadillac, and Chrysler air-conditioned cars. The 1940 Packard introduced a trunk-mounted combination air conditioner and heater system called the "Weather Conditioner." Bowing to the luxury leader, Packard, Cadillac and Chrysler contracted with the same supplier and introduced air-conditioning for their 1941 models. Priced at $300 and more (equivalent to 2021 prices of over $5,000), an air-conditioned car ranked as their most prestigious model. For the 1941 Chicago Auto Show, Packard's flyer stated, "SEE THE MOTOR CAR THAT MAKES ICE CUBES" A 1941 Packard equipped with air-conditioning offered a "CELLARETTE" walnut refreshment center that carried glassware and liquor service for six passengers and supplied ice cubes from the freezer compartment! The "CELLARETTE" discussion features original Packard glossy images, advertising, and data book references. Notably featured for the first time, published together in full color, are are discussions and images of the only three air-conditioned 1941 Cadillacs in existence. Follow the introduction and marketing of these air-conditioned wonders in the 1940, 1941, and 1942 Packard chapters and the 1941 Cadillac and Chrysler chapters. Each chapter presents previously unpublished information and imagery. How many units were produced? When were they introduced? How much did air-conditioning cost? Were they made during WWII? Find these answers and more that are woven into this fascinating automotive history lesson.
ASIN: 1737646714
VSKU: BVV.1737646714.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:SIMONS, ALLEN B.
Binding: Paperback