RESEARCH ARCHIVES

1942 Edition of the Automobile User's Guide with Wartime Suggestions

65 pages.  Black & White, well illustrated with many drawings. 5-1/4" x 7-1/2".  Informational wartime literature published by the Customer Research Staff at General Motors; distributed in the interest of serving the war effort by insuring the continued satisfactory service of cars in use.

The last pre-World War II Buick came off the assembly line in Flint on February 3, 1942. Maintenance of your Buick became a priority because no new Buicks would be produced during wartime, so GM published this book of instructions about: "How to save gasoline, tires and repair bills.  How to prolong the life of your car and keep it looking new.  For owners of all makes and year models.  For the expert as well as the beginner.  Read and keep for future reference, or else pass along to a friend.  Do not throw away."  This book contains only one advertisement, which gives great insight into the many difficulties of the times, and which reads as follows: "Advertisement.........NORMALLY GENERAL MOTORS MAJOR JOB is the building and the selling of good automobiles and related products for civilian use.  But since the start of the war, our one and only job has been to throw our utmost talents and facilities into the production of effective fighting equipment - to the end that peace may be hastened for you and for us.  During the emergency we hope that you will contunue to be tolerant and understanding as regards any shortcomings that may develop in our services - and in the services of General Motors dealers - due to wartime restrictions and the dislocation of men and materials.