933-4023 HO Walthers Cornerstone(R) Import Motors Kit

7-1/4 x 5-3/8 x 3-7/8" 18.4 x 13.6 x 9.4cm * Classic 60s/70s Dealership for Import Car Brands * Multiple Import Brand Signs Included * Rooftop Sign * Colorful Decals * Molded in 3 Colors & Clear In the early 1900s, America was becoming fascinated with automobiles, and not just those made and sold locally. Over the next few decades a trickle of foreign-made cars were imported by affluent buyers, but keeping them running was another story. That situation changed markedly starting in the mid-1950s. While Detroit had little to fear at the time, the larger variety of small and sporty designs built by European and Japanese firms were attracting loyal fans among US servicemen who had driven them while stationed overseas. Hotrod and racing enthusiasts also found a lot to like in high-performance imports too. Detroit ruled its dealerships with an iron fist in those days so independent garages often became dealers and service centers for imports. In the years following the oil embargo of 1973, imports made major advances in the US auto market; many becoming affiliated with US automakers before later establishing their own brand and dealership network. While the old-fashioned garage gave way to the modern service center, the buildings were often reworked and reused by similar businesses.