Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Automobile |
Source |
Hemken Collection |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Prosperity to the Depression (1897-1939) |
Chronological Tag |
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945) |
Catalog Number |
2018.070.004 |
Credit line |
The Hemken Collection |
Description |
1932 Chevrolet. Brand new, the car cost $615 in 1932. Only 52,446 were made. This car could seat five people, much like today's cars. The engine is a 6-cylinder with overhead valves. This means instead of the valves sitting on top of the cylinder head, the valves are inside. The 6-cylinders mean that there are six pistons firing in the cylinder chamber, causing the combustion to run the motor . The more cylinders a car has, the more combustion, which gives the engine more horsepower. This car has 60 horsepower and can reach 3,000 RPMs - revolutions per minute, meaning how many revolutions does the pistons take per minute. This car also has a synchromesh transmission to match the gears to speed. This creates a smooth transition between gears. It is also free wheeling and has four-wheel mechanical brakes. This car originally came from Colo, IA. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
Iowa has deep roots in the automobile history of America. The very first fully operational electric car was invented in Des Moines, Iowa in 1891 by William Morrison (pbs.org). There were many Iowa companies that produced automobiles in the early 20th century such as the Mason Motor Car Company (Mason-Maytag) and the Colby Motor Car Company (iptv.org). According to the Iowa DOT, Iowa's first road was created in 1838 and ran from Keokuk to Iowa City. The first paved concrete road was constructed in 1917. 1917 was also the first year that Iowa received federal aid to develop highways. As for the first official road map of Iowa, it was created in 1919. Summary Resource and Additional Information for Object: Resource and Additional Information: Click Here Resource and Additional Information: Click Here Resource and Additional Information: Click Here Resource and Additional Information: Click Here This object can be connected to the following standards: Standard SS.4.25 Technological Change: A lesson on how the automobile industry has changed in Iowa, or a lesson on the technological advances to the automobile itself could be created. Standard SS.6.23 Compare Iowa to World: A lesson could be made comparing Iowa's automobile experience to another state or country. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
General primary source |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Automobiles and Trucking Business & Industry Road Systems Technology Automobile industry Automobiles Roads |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Hemken Collection and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
