Photos by Larry Edsall
At the Classic Car Club of America Museum on the grounds of the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan, there is an entire room containing more than 700 classic car hood ornaments and radiator toppers. The Marvin M. Tamaroff Automobile Mascot Collection is impressive — actually, overwhelming — in its size and scope. However, the mascots are kept in glass-covered cases.
Fortunately for those of us who like to photograph such things, the cars in the museum not only are not behind glass, but they aren’t even behind ropes, wires or other barriers. So, if you are patient, respectful and careful, you can capture close-up images of some truly sculptural elements of classic automotive ornamentation.
I spent last (northern) summer touring in USA with my buddy. As we share an interest in old cars it became a tour of US motor museums and classic car dealers. I have to say that, while we saw some fantastic collections, the Gilmore Car Museum had to be the best. It was a major shame that we ran out of time long before we ran out of things to see and my camera battery quit early.
If you haven’t been, go there now. Arrive when they open the doors and take extra batteries.