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State Library of Queensland  >  Our heritage  >  Information for...  >  Car enthusiasts  >  The Garage  >  Featured themes  >  Streamlining

Streamlining

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In the 1930s and 40s, aeroplanes and their streamlined looks were the most modern and exciting pieces of technology around, so vehicle makers took up streamlining to make their products look modern too.

Streamlining was not only applied to cars, like the Chrysler Airflow, but also to commercial vehicles built by local coachbuilders, sometimes with extraordinary results. Since these vehicles also acted as moving advertisements for the companies which owned them, the halo of modernity no doubt helped sales right down the line!

Petrol Pump

The streamlining movement gathered momentum with the 1933-34 Chicago World Fair, called the “Century of Progress.”

 

Last updated: 28th May 2008

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