DRIVING : Calendar Makers Shifting Gears

Last year, Cindy Lewis’ photo calendar was Dream Machines, with finned, chromed, two-toned beauties from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Readers loved the cars but were more intrigued by their backgrounds. Where is that Dog ‘n Suds drive-in? Isn’t that Texaco station near Bowling Green, Ky.?

So Lewis, a partner in Machine Age Inc. with shooters Richard Horn and Volker Dencks, asked buyers to suggest backgrounds. The result is 1994 Car Culture with classic cars fronting neon emporiums. There’s a scarlet 1960 Corvette--but the real museum piece is Rosie’s Diner in Rockford, Mich. Also a 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria that’s a little older than its setting--32 Lanes Comet Bowling and Cocktails in Grand Rapids.

California supplies the cream of the kitsch with the Tail o’ the Pup on Venice Boulevard; Randy’s Donuts at Manchester and La Cienega, and Billy’s Service Station in Anaheim, photographed just before it was flattened by progress.

Lewis is thinking ahead.

“We’d like to hear from anyone who traveled Route 66 between 1929 and 1969,” she said. “Tell us about speeding tickets, overheated radiators, screaming kids and no bathrooms . . . and the year and model of your car.”

Mail stories to: Machine Age Inc., 14431 Ventura Blvd., Suite 411, Sherman Oaks, Calif. 91423. Calendars cost $10.95 plus $3.50 for shipping; (800) 331-1957.