The project: Re-Create an American Motors Classic American Car Dealership Banner from the 60s.
The Allure of a 1960s Car Dealer Banner
There’s an undeniable allure to an authentic car dealer banner from the 1960s, a cherished relic that transports us back to an era when automotive culture was as much about bold design statements as it was about engineering prowess and value for money.
A Symbol of Post-War Ingenuity
This 1960s Rambler banner, with its vibrantly patriotic red, white, and blue hues, served as proud beacons of post-war American ingenuity.
Drawing Crowds at the Swap Meet
This banner in association with the car drew enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike to the owners’ stall at the 2024 McLeans Island swap meet.
Handcrafted Authenticity
Handcrafted with care, they embodied a tactile authenticity—lustrous, pearly white polyester satin and solid cut vinyl colour printing re-creating the era’s optimism and craftsmanship.
Preserving a Legacy
Recreating such a piece, as my spouse and I did with the 1965 Rambler banner, preserves not just a design but a story, infusing it with durability for modern display while honouring its historical mid-century modern roots.
A Celebration of Nostalgia
It’s a celebration of nostalgia, a functional art piece that elevates any classic car showcase with its vivid presence and timeless appeal.
Driven by Design: Celebrating the 1965 Countryman with Mad Men-Era Panache
A Masterpiece of Utility and Beauty
The 1965 Rambler Classic 770 Crosscountry station wagon is a breathtaking masterpiece that marries utility with unparalleled beauty, a true gem among classic American rides.
Where Function Meets Elegant Form
Its gorgeous metallic turquoise paintwork gleams with a lustrous sheen, catching the light like a rolling wave, while the metallic lustre vinyl upholstery inside exudes an elegant, period-perfect charm that beckons you to take the wheel. Perched atop attractive Cragar mag wheels of the era, this Countryman doesn’t just transport—it captivates, offering ample space for adventure while amplifying style.
Restored Glory
Restored to pristine condition, it stands as a testament to automotive artistry, where every curve and chrome accent sings of a bygone era, beautifully presented and ready to turn heads on any open road.
A Labour of Love: Recreating Automotive History
The project, undertaken by myself and my spouse, has involved painstakingly hand-drawing vector artwork from a 60-year-old original, transforming it into a vibrant and durable display piece for my friend’s man-cave where he stores his Classic American Motors car.
The image above depicts a 75 cm x 1 metre banner in progress, showcasing the meticulous process of recreating a vintage American car dealership banner.
Crafting a Timeless Banner: Dimensions and Materials
The banner’s dimensions, measuring 75cm by 1 metre, are substantial, demanding careful planning and execution. The base material, polyester satin fabric, provides a luxurious backdrop for the artwork, while its durability ensures the banner’s longevity. The focal point is the bold circle-R “Rambler” logo, rendered in a classic red and blue color scheme, reminiscent of the era’s automotive aesthetic. The year “1964” is prominently displayed, anchoring the banner’s historical context.
From Hand-Drawn Art to Vibrant Vinyl Creation
The creative process began with meticulous hand-drawn vector artwork, capturing the essence of the original design. This artwork was then transformed into a vinyl cut, allowing for precise placement and application onto the fabric.
Mastering the Craft: Heat-Pressing and Finishing
The heat-pressing technique, executed in sections, guaranteed a seamless and long-lasting adhesion of the vivid solid colour vinyl graphics. Finally, the banner is going to be finished by being meticulously sewn and finished with a stylish blue tassel border, adding a touch of elegance and completing the overall design.
Celebrating Heritage and Inspiring Future Artisans
This case study highlights the dedication and craftsmanship involved in preserving automotive heritage through meticulous recreation The project not only celebrates the iconic Rambler brand but also showcases the artistry and skill of the individuals behind the original creation (shared below), which was hand-screen printed. It serves as an inspiration for myself and those who are also interested in vintage design, the celebration and preservation of automotive history.
A Passionate Revival of Mid-Century Design
In conclusion, the re-creation of this classic American car dealership banner is a testament to my passion and dedication to illustrative graphic design and printmaking. Through meticulous attention to detail and a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques, it is great to have been able to bring a piece of automotive history back to life, creating a visually stunning and historically significant artwork.
A Nostalgic Road Trip: Friendship, Toys, and Classic Cars
Childhood Bonds and Birthday Bliss
Growing up in Titahi Bay during the swinging ’60s and ’70s, my family was tightly knit with Stuart’s. Our mothers were the best of friends, while Pat was a primary school teachers like my dad—making Stuart, his sister, and their mum Pat a vibrant part of our household. Stu and I, being roughly the same age, spent countless joyful hours zooming toy cars across the floor, dreaming up wild road adventures.
One golden memory is my 10th birthday in March 1971, which felt like the pinnacle of childhood celebrations, thanks to the incredible presents. Among them was a Monkeemobile Corgi die-cast model—a treasure I unwrapped with wide-eyed excitement as a diehard fan of The Monkees TV series. That little car, a bit battered now, still holds a special place in my heart, a tangible link to those carefree days.
The Monkeemobile: A Pop Culture Icon
The Monkeemobile itself is a quirky legend, born from a customized 1966 Pontiac GTO modified for the band’s TV show. With its chopped top, wild paint job, and over-the-top features like a bathtub seat and rocket exhausts, it was the ultimate symbol of ’60s pop culture flair (check out its Wikipedia page for the full scoop: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkeemobile). My Corgi version, pictured above, complete with its original packaging, captured that same zany spirit, and I can still recall the thrill of pretending to race it alongside Stu. Though time has chipped and worn my Monkeemobile’s edges, it remains a cherished relic, a reminder of how a TV-inspired toy could spark a lifelong love for cool rides.
Stuart’s Garage Queen: The 1964 Rambler Classic
Fast forward to today, and my old pal Stuart has evolved into a true aficionado of American Motors classic muscle cars from the ’60s. His pride and joy is a stunning 1964 Rambler Classic 660, parked like a garage queen under a eucalyptus tree in Melbourne, which is now kept company by a brand new re-created Rambler 1964 banner in his garage.
Stu’s red Rambler American beauty boasts a sleek design with heaps of mid-century charm, powered by a reliable inline-six engine that harks back to an era of understated power. Stu’s dedication to keeping this classic in pristine condition mirrors our childhood car obsessions, turning a shared passion into a lifelong pursuit. It’s a fitting evolution from our toy car days, proving that some friendships—and car loves—really do stand the test of time!
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