Rocket Fin is a photograph by Cheri Randolph which was uploaded on May 3rd, 2012.
Rocket Fin
Shown in the photograph is the tail fin of a 1955 Dodge Lancer, which was captured on the streets of Havana, Cuba. ... more
Title
Rocket Fin
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
Shown in the photograph is the tail fin of a 1955 Dodge Lancer, which was captured on the streets of Havana, Cuba.
This detail is a reminder of the imaginative designs of automobile manufacturers in mid-century America. They wowed consumers with sleek, ultramodern 'dream cars' slathered with chrome and fins. Historically these cars arrived at a time when war-weary, car-deprived Americans were discovering that cars were really about - fantasy. These cars were from an optimistic time when the future was bright. The automobiles were completely different from the era of cars before it and the era of cars after it. It was just the era of free imagination and pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable.
Dodge used the Lancer name from 1955 to 1959 to designate both two- and four-door pillarless hardtop models in the Coronet, Royal and Custom Royal lines. The Custom Royal Lancer was a hardtop only and top-of-the-line model for Dodge in 1959. There were 6278 2-door hardtops made and 5019 4-door hardtops made in 1959. Only 11,397 Custom Royal Lancers were made. The Custom Royal Lancer featured a big-block engine, 361 cubic inches at 305 horsepower. A D-500 option was available, which was a 383-cubic-inch engine with a single Carter 4-barrel carburetor rated at 320 horsepower and a Super D-500 engine option, a 383-cubic-inch engine with dual 4-barrel carburetors rated at 340 horsepower. The Custom Royal Lancer also featured padded dashboard, steering wheel, Lancer emblems on the fenders, steering wheel, hubcaps and glove box, foot-operated windshield wipers, dual radio antennas, deluxe side trim and thick chrome eyebrows. Optional equipment included power windows, brakes, air conditioning and swivel seats. The Lancer designation was dropped for 1960.
Uploaded
May 3rd, 2012
More from Cheri Randolph
Comments (36)
Andy Prendy
Hi Cheri - love the way you've composed this, setting off that amazing tailfin against the background of the neighbouring car. Info is interesting too (v,f)
Cheri Randolph replied:
Hi Andy, It's one of my favorite automobile shots from Cuba - glad to know that it is one of yours too. I was amazed to discover how innovative the features were on this car - including foot operated windshield wipers and swivel seats - interesting!
Cheri Randolph
Heidi, I greatly appreciate the feature of "Rocket Fin" in your group, Photography - Getting the Light just Right.
Nadine and Bob Johnston
Published, in "USA Artist News." Voted, Favorite and Tweeted to over 23,600. Some reported it has doubled views in 12 hours.
Cheri Randolph replied:
Nadine & Bob, I greatly appreciate your feature of "Rocket Fin" in the "USA Artist News". I am amazed at the number of your readership. Thanks!
Elena Nosyreva
I like the yeallow background, and how the Dodge reflects in itself. Beautiful shot! v
Cheri Randolph
William, thanks for your comment and v/f. It was my impression that the population on the island would like to see that happen, and I think most in the U.S. would agree. If we could only get the 2 governments to see eye-to-eye. I'm glad that you appreciated this shot.
William Fields
Another wonderful image from your travels in Cuba. You realize we have to normalize relations so that car lovers everywhere can head to the island to ride around in these vintage beauties. I had a 58 Plymouth that had dramatic tail fins too. Thanks for creating new memories about old memories Cheri! voted, favorite
Bob Hislop
v14, Cuba is an old car museum, great image.
Cheri Randolph replied:
You're correct, Bob. It was one of the pleasures of visiting there. Appreciate your vote.
Rosanne Jordan
Love classic cars and this is a neat composition where the yellow car in the background really shows the detail of the fins. vtd
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