It is a (inhales, holds aroma in sinuses) early 1963 Shell of (sloshes gas around in wine snifter, then takes a taste, washes it around and spits out) 95 octane.
“Herb Schwartz of Anaheim California demonstrates his newest invention. With a single pill dropped into the gas tank his powerful Buick now runs on pure water. His lovely bride Lois proves that this new discovery really works!”
Three days later:
“Lois Schwartz, 28, was found dead in her Anaheim home yesterday. Her husband, Herbert Schwartz, 59, was taken into custody for suspected poisoning. As he was put into the cruiser he was heard raving that it was the big oil companies that killed her.
I was amazed when I found the articles in an old Popular Mechanics magazine. I’ve always believed that you make the best time on a trip when you cut out all the stops.
The palm tree indicates that they’re in California, not Michigan, so we can be sure it’s unleaded.
As long as it’s Royal Triton…
South of France. Italy. Egypt…. could be so many places. The background would provide a clue.
Ethyl, definitely Ethyl.
That movie was on TCM early this morning!!!
It is a (inhales, holds aroma in sinuses) early 1963 Shell of (sloshes gas around in wine snifter, then takes a taste, washes it around and spits out) 95 octane.
(start at 5:38 if the time-indexed link doesn’t work)
You joke, but check out the blue zone on this wine tasting wheel.
https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-topics/wine-educational-questions/davis-aroma-wheel/
Wine tasting wheel…? Oh! I was taught that’s the Wheel of Pretentious Douchenuggetry!
“Herb Schwartz of Anaheim California demonstrates his newest invention. With a single pill dropped into the gas tank his powerful Buick now runs on pure water. His lovely bride Lois proves that this new discovery really works!”
Three days later:
“Lois Schwartz, 28, was found dead in her Anaheim home yesterday. Her husband, Herbert Schwartz, 59, was taken into custody for suspected poisoning. As he was put into the cruiser he was heard raving that it was the big oil companies that killed her.
Looks like Louie Mattar’s ’47 Cadillac.
Nice job. Thank you. This is it.
And the girl is Jackie Smithwick.
Found a webpage on it. Thanks for solving the mystery!
https://sdautomuseum.org/exhibit/louie-mattars-fabulous-car
A moment in Google Books will lead you to the early-1950s photo essays in Popular Mechanics and LIFE magazine (search “mattar”).
Thank you, Dutch 1960!
I was amazed when I found the articles in an old Popular Mechanics magazine. I’ve always believed that you make the best time on a trip when you cut out all the stops.
By coincidence, I saw this car, which is on display at the San Diego Automotive Museum, just four days before this post was made.