Cruising the Past in American Steel

Re “End of the Road for the Olds,” Aug. 19: Growing up in an insecure and frightening world (the Depression, World War II, the Cold War), I looked around for symbols of security, safety and reassurance. Being a car-crazy kid, I filled my world with the makes and models of American style and ingenuity. I watched “my friends” grow in sophistication and styling, marveling at the ingenuity of the agile minds that made the changes possible. In 1947 I was thrilled by the “coming or going” Studebaker, in ’49 with the “step-down design” of the Hudson and the “tear-drop” Nash. Packard was always tops; just “ask the man who owns one.”

Kaiser and Frazer evaporated quickly. One by one all these old friends disappeared and I felt a hole in my life. But there remained the steadfast nameplates and hood ornaments to carry on. Then DeSoto disappeared, followed by Rambler, Talon and, so regrettably, one of the core group of American cars, Plymouth. Now, after 105 years, our original innovation, Oldsmobile, is slated for the ax. I grieve, and I imagine there are many my age who feel the same. I recall the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, General Motors sure fixed the Olds. Amen.

James A. Takacs

Encino

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Re the demise of the Oldsmobile: I remember not being sure whether to laugh or cry at the ad slogan, “This is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” My father had a 1961 Dynamic 88 convertible. It was white with a black top and a red-and-white interior. That car was sleek, powerful and a pleasure to drive. I have long wished I could have my father’s Oldsmobile back. The newer ones never inspired me.

Barry Wendell

Los Angeles