Early Automobiles

Image archivist and transportation historian Jim Harter follows his work, Early Farm Tractors, with an even larger collection of images from advertising line art from 1880 to 1930, this time focused on Early Automobiles. Nearly 250 entrancing illustrations -- many suitable for framing -- are gems of the art of commercial engraving. Harter provides a very substantial, detailed history of the development of the "horseless carriage" into the brands famous from the early 20th century -- racers like Stutz, Dusenberg, Stanley, as well as those that became household names like Oldsmobile, Ford, Chrysler and others. The history includes many colorful anecdotes about early long-distance races as well as interesting details of engineering breakthroughs.

"As a student of early transportation I am indebted to Mr. Harter for writing this book. . .One does not get rich writing books such as this; books like this are written to preserve history. To those who cannot imagine what life was like before photography and computer-generated images, this book will speak to you. Imagine the hours it took to do just one of these drawing or woodcarvings. Study the detail in the drawing of a chain or a sprocket or, better yet, try and draw one yourself! As fascinating as it is to see where are going, it’s just as fascinating to see where we’ve been." —Jay Leno, host of The Tonight Show, car collector extraordinaire

"Jim Harter’s Early Automobiles is a fascinating and well-researched work which provides a wealth of information on the history of automotive illustration. The plates are of such high quality as to be suitable for framing." —Robert A. Lutz, former Vice Chairman, GM, and author, Icons and Idiots

"Jim Harter covers a wide variety of manufacturers in his illustrated history, both domestic and foreign. He includes the very expensive and the humble, the limousine and the economy touring car. Major forms of power—steam, internal combustion and electric—are included. The book is illustrated with line illustrations from contemporary ads. Harter proves once again his talents as a historian and important preserver of historic imagery." —John H. White, Jr., former Curator, Department Chair, and Senior Historian, Smithsonian Institution; author of 14 books on American transportation history

"No one but Jim Harter could have conceived of, and succeeded in compiling so well, the extraordinary compendium of images that comprises his remarkable Early Automobiles: A History in Advertising Line Art . . . . Harter. . . presents the invention and early evolution of the automobile in a beautiful, cohesive, sequential manner." —Ed Conroy, San Antonio Express-News

Jim Harter was largely self-taught as an artist. He played a small part in creating posters for Austin’s legendary rock venues, the Vulcan Gas Company and Armadillo World Headquarters. Influenced by San Francisco collage artist Wilfried Satty, Harter turned to making surrealist collages from 19th century engravings. Two books of his collages, Journeys in the Mythic Sea and Initiations in the Abyss have been published, as well as two railroad history books illustrated entirely with Victorian engravings. In 1986, Harter moved to San Antonio, Texas where he remains today.