In 1941 the Cadillac showed off a 4 pound chrome, hood ornament called the Flying Goddess! One of these beauties arrived at North Star Plating a while back. After hours of detail work and layers of copper, nickel, and chrome, she's restored and ready to be front-center again.
Hood Ornaments date way back!
Egyptian chariots were found to have been adorned with ornaments. Sometimes for good luck. In the 1920s hood ornaments helped make the exposed radiator cap look less industrial. Over time the radiator cap became hidden under the hood so the ornament was more cosmetic than functional. The theme of these pieces continued to be sleek, speed, and power through the 1950s. Sadly, automakers then began installing what might be called 'badges' rather than ornaments.
That 70s Car
The American automobile nearly flatlined in the 1970s (after the muscle car) allowing foreign automakers to gain a foothold in the US that would never be relinquished.
Early cars made of steel and chrome will become more and more scarce as the years go by, as will those who restore them.
