- Description
- Car nut with a soft spot for classic Lincolns and early automotive air conditioning.
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Curbside Classics Archives
About Author: Tom Halter
Posts by Tom Halter
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![In parts 1 and 2 of this series, we traced the origins and peak of the American vinyl roof. Like all fads, what goes up must come down, and the […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/hero4.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Automotive History: The History of the Vinyl Roof, Part 3 – Topping Things Off")
Automotive History: The History of the Vinyl Roof, Part 3 – Topping Things Off
Posted on October 23, 2021 | 56 CommentsIn parts 1 and 2 of this series, we traced the origins and peak of the American vinyl roof. Like all fads, what goes up must come down, and the […] -
![As we saw in part 1 of this series, the vinyl top rapidly transitioned from curiosity to commodity between 1962 and 1966. By the late 1960s, vinyl tops had lost […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/hero3.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Automotive History: The History of the Vinyl Roof, Part 2 – Peak Vinyl")
Automotive History: The History of the Vinyl Roof, Part 2 – Peak Vinyl
Posted on October 22, 2021 | 60 CommentsAs we saw in part 1 of this series, the vinyl top rapidly transitioned from curiosity to commodity between 1962 and 1966. By the late 1960s, vinyl tops had lost […] -
![We curbivores have a love-hate relationship with vinyl roofs – based on article comments, it seems to be mostly hate because as they invariable tear and age, water can get […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/hero1.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Automotive History: The History of the Vinyl Roof, Part 1 – Origins")
Automotive History: The History of the Vinyl Roof, Part 1 – Origins
Posted on October 21, 2021 | 56 CommentsWe curbivores have a love-hate relationship with vinyl roofs – based on article comments, it seems to be mostly hate because as they invariable tear and age, water can get […] -
![In Part One, we covered the early Pytchley and Golde sunroofs. Neither of these looks exactly like what you get when you order a sunroof in a car today. For […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1969-Thunderbird-ad.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Tech: History of the Sliding Sunroof and Moonroof, Part 2 – A New Moon(roof)")
Curbside Tech: History of the Sliding Sunroof and Moonroof, Part 2 – A New Moon(roof)
Posted on September 7, 2021 | 25 CommentsIn Part One, we covered the early Pytchley and Golde sunroofs. Neither of these looks exactly like what you get when you order a sunroof in a car today. For […] -
![The sliding sunroof/moonroof was a seldom-seen feature on cars when I was growing up in the 70s, and second only to air conditioning in terms of the amount of awe […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1959-porsche-356a-1600-super-sunroof-coupe.jpeg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Tech: History of the Sliding Sunroof and Moonroof, Part 1 – Rise and Shine")
Curbside Tech: History of the Sliding Sunroof and Moonroof, Part 1 – Rise and Shine
Posted on September 6, 2021 | 58 CommentsThe sliding sunroof/moonroof was a seldom-seen feature on cars when I was growing up in the 70s, and second only to air conditioning in terms of the amount of awe […] -
![A quick refresher is in order, as it’s been a few years since I COALed about this topic: I’ve always loved convertibles, and growing up my parents had a 1971 […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_2368.jpeg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "COAL: 2016 Mercedes Benz SLK 300 – The Upgrade")
COAL: 2016 Mercedes Benz SLK 300 – The Upgrade
Posted on August 10, 2021 | 20 CommentsA quick refresher is in order, as it’s been a few years since I COALed about this topic: I’ve always loved convertibles, and growing up my parents had a 1971 […] -
![I took my Audi A3 into the dealership for scheduled service the other day. I usually request a loaner, not because I need it (I work and home and have […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/lightsout.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "QOTD: What Happened To My Headlight Switch?")
QOTD: What Happened To My Headlight Switch?
Posted on July 31, 2021 | 121 CommentsI took my Audi A3 into the dealership for scheduled service the other day. I usually request a loaner, not because I need it (I work and home and have […] -
![For the third and final installment of this series, we will look at some of the most expensive cars sold by the Chrysler Corporation. For much of its history, Chrysler […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Sinatra1980_1.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "The Most Expensive American Cars: Part 3 – Chrysler Edition")
The Most Expensive American Cars: Part 3 – Chrysler Edition
Posted on July 28, 2021 | 30 CommentsFor the third and final installment of this series, we will look at some of the most expensive cars sold by the Chrysler Corporation. For much of its history, Chrysler […] -
![For the second part of my Most Expensive American Cars series, we’ll take a look at the most expensive products sold by the Ford Motor Company. As before, I’ll […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1200px-1956_Continental_Mark_II_-_midnight_blue_-_fvr.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "The Most Expensive American Cars: Part 2 – Ford Motor Company Edition")
The Most Expensive American Cars: Part 2 – Ford Motor Company Edition
Posted on July 27, 2021 | 18 CommentsFor the second part of my Most Expensive American Cars series, we’ll take a look at the most expensive products sold by the Ford Motor Company. As before, I’ll […] -
![US automakers have from time to time foisted models upon the market that were outrageously expensive in their day, like the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and the Continental Mark II. But […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cadillac-1957-eldorado_brougham_1957.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "The Most Expensive American Cars: Part 1 – GM Edition")
The Most Expensive American Cars: Part 1 – GM Edition
Posted on July 26, 2021 | 33 CommentsUS automakers have from time to time foisted models upon the market that were outrageously expensive in their day, like the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and the Continental Mark II. But […] -
![I stumbled upon this ad for a showroom condition 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 extended cab the other day. Is this a future collectible, or an older used truck that happens […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/front-three-quarter.jpeg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside For Sale: Showroom Condition 2001 Chevrolet Silverado – Who Wants a Nearly New 20 Year Old Truck?")
Curbside For Sale: Showroom Condition 2001 Chevrolet Silverado – Who Wants a Nearly New 20 Year Old Truck?
Posted on July 17, 2021 | 24 CommentsI stumbled upon this ad for a showroom condition 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 extended cab the other day. Is this a future collectible, or an older used truck that happens […] -
![We’ve been experimenting with electric propulsion for a while here at Curbside (see Jim Klein’s Tesla Model Y for instance). While I’m not ready to replace any of my vehicles […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_2536.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Lawnside Classic: Ryobi Battery Powered Mower – The Latest from the Other Side of the Curb")
Lawnside Classic: Ryobi Battery Powered Mower – The Latest from the Other Side of the Curb
Posted on July 8, 2021 | 90 CommentsWe’ve been experimenting with electric propulsion for a while here at Curbside (see Jim Klein’s Tesla Model Y for instance). While I’m not ready to replace any of my vehicles […] -
![Was the dark of the moon on the sixth of June In a Kenworth pullin’ logs Anyone who was alive in the 1970s certainly remembers the 1975 surprise hit song […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/jerry-reed.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Cinema: Truck Driver Country Music")
Curbside Cinema: Truck Driver Country Music
Posted on June 6, 2021 | 44 CommentsWas the dark of the moon on the sixth of June In a Kenworth pullin’ logs Anyone who was alive in the 1970s certainly remembers the 1975 surprise hit song […] -
![It is said that all good things must end. This proverb dates back to at least the time of Chaucer (although in his usage he left out the word “good” […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1966Cruiser1.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Unicorn Hunt: The Last Cars from Packard, Edsel, and Studebaker")
Curbside Unicorn Hunt: The Last Cars from Packard, Edsel, and Studebaker
Posted on May 19, 2021 | 32 CommentsIt is said that all good things must end. This proverb dates back to at least the time of Chaucer (although in his usage he left out the word “good” […] -
![Much digital hand-wringing has taken place here at Curbside over the seemingly inevitable demise of the sedan and station wagon body styles. Regardless of your opinion on this, as enthusiasts […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/fiat-124.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Newstand: Carpocalypse Edition – Are Affordable Convertibles Next to Disappear?")
Curbside Newstand: Carpocalypse Edition – Are Affordable Convertibles Next to Disappear?
Posted on May 4, 2021 | 26 CommentsMuch digital hand-wringing has taken place here at Curbside over the seemingly inevitable demise of the sedan and station wagon body styles. Regardless of your opinion on this, as enthusiasts […]
