Auto America: Car Culture, 1950s–1970s

Zimmerman (1927–2002) was a celebrated and gifted 20th-century photographer, recognized not only for his amazing photographs but also for innovative techniques and the ability to capture the true essence of his subjects, especially those in sports and popular culture. This work, curated by his three adult children, is a compilation of 200 photographs of Ford, Chrysler, and GM automobiles, captured by Zimmerman over the course of 30 years during the height of America’s fascination with cars, when automobiles often reflected the personality of their owners and were acknowledged for their style and flair. The introduction by former Time Inc. Sports Group editor Terry McDonell sets the tone of what’s to follow by expertly providing historical context behind the period’s infatuation with cars and a succinct analysis of Zimmerman’s craft and influence. The images, many that first appeared in Life, Time, and Sports Illustrated, are organized around the four themes of dreams, design, culture, and racing. They are stunning, with riveting angles, lighting, and color, easily justifying Zimmerman’s reputation as a master with a lens. Car shows, parades, dealerships, racetracks, assembly line workers, high-level executives, designers, and professional drivers are flawlessly captured and are accompanied by identifying captions and informative explication, although there is a lack of ethnic and racial diversity in the images. The beauty and classic lines of the cars are front and center, from the large tailfins of the Cadillac Eldorado to the exotic curves of Buick convertibles. At the same time, the accompanying text vividly reflects the vibe of the times and how the country was becoming more mobile and suburban.