SARATOGA SPRINGS – A new exhibit at the Saratoga Automobile Museum (SAM) opened on Friday, April 5 which captured the spirit of what could be called “America’s most polarizing decade,” at least since the internal combustion engine hit the scene. “Wheels of Change: Cars + Culture of the 1960s” will be on display until October 27th.
The 1960s were one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in world history, marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, political assassinations and the emerging “generation gap.” In stark contrast to the 1950s the Auto-Industry also saw dramatic changes. Styling, safety, size, and so much more evolved.
But while nearly every previously-held value appeared to be up for grabs in the 60s, one value continued to unite us: The desire to explore the open road and the demand for a way to travel it continued to be part of the American consciousness. The expression of this value, however, changed radically – but whether in communal applications like Volkswagen Buses, in a two-seater, or something in-between, the 60s were a decade of striving for individual exploration and embracing new concepts. The automobiles of that era reflected that desire for new ideas and expression.
No nostalgia here! Just full-speed ahead into The Age of Aquarius, and into the future, wherever it would lead.
FEATURED CARS FOR WHEELS OF CHANGE
1963 Buick Rivera
1963 Corvette Split Window
1963 Rambler American 330
1962 Corvair Monza Wagon
1966 Volkswagen 21-Window Microbus
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1
1969 AMC AMX
1960 Plymouth XNR
1967 Toyota 2000GT
1967 Austin-Healey 3000MK III BJ-8
1972 Lamborghini Miura SV
Enjoy the Gallery.
GALLERY: Taking the Wheels of Change
Photos by Cathy Duffy
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Also announced on this evening was a special raffle, where for $20 you might end up with the keys to a 2017 Maserati Ghibli! The winner will be drawn after the Saratoga Auto Auction. For further details, see the flyer below, or visit SaratogaAutoMuseum.org
Arthur Gonick
April 9, 2019
