The redesigned 1949 Buick was the first to use "VentiPorts" that became a trademark of the Buick brand. The top line Roadmaster received four ports while the remaining Buick lineup got three. The ports actually corresponded to the displacement of the straight-eight engine installed. This rustic Buick is on display at the Cow Canyon Trading Post in Bluff, Utah. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

These interesting International tow trucks from the 1950s were found on the lot of Troublemaker Film Studio in Austin, Texas. Apparently the 1950-era trucks were used as props in the film studio movies. The studio has  a very very cool collection of old trucks. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Ford was thoroughly updated for 1941 with a new look including a three-piece grille. There were three car lines — Special, De Luxe and Super De Luxe. A new entry-level engine was added to the lineup, a 3.7-liter straight 6 developing 90 horsepower. The popular 2.2-liter flathead V-8 continued as the top-line engine. This used-up 1941 Ford was found in South Carolina. (Photo by Ralph Gable)

A 1951/52 Cadillac is flanked by post-war 1946/47 models living in retirement in the southwestern U.S. These cars were the luxury class of North America after World War II. Post-war Cadillacs introduced many of the styling features that came to be synonymous with the late 1940s and 1950s American automobiles, incorporating many of the ideas of General Motors styling chief Harley J. Earl. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

This 1940 Pontiac sedan was discovered in a barn in eastern North Carolina. Pontiac sold 217,101 units in 1940, a big jump from 1939 when 137,249 units were sold.   (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Ford received a new body style for 1955 and a new top-of-the-line model, the Crown Victoria, replacing the Crestline. The Crown Victoria featured a chrome "basket handle" across the hardtop roof. This styling feature was used to visually separate the front of the passenger compartment from the rear. This 1955 or 56 Crown Vic — with its signature chrome warp-around feature — was discovered in a truly abandoned state of decay in eastern North Carolina. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

The Jeep Willys became popular after World War II and was sold in a variety of formats. This early 1950s model Jeep pickup proclaims its 4-wheel-drive configuration on the side of the hood. It was found in retirement on Highway 82 near the Continental Divide in Colorado. (Photo by Jim Prueter)

In 1949, Chevrolet presented its first "all new" model since the end of World War II. A lower, sleeker profile, with the lines of the front fenders smoothly blending into the doors to be countered by the rear fenders that continued to "bulge" out of the sides of the car. This slightly updated 1950 Chevrolet sedan was found  at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo. Depending on model, the 1950 sedan sold for $1,450 for the Styleline Special to $1,529 for the Fleetline DeLuxe. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

This early 1960s Ford Econoline pickup truck was spotted in Cuba, Mo. Based on the compact Ford Falcon, the first Ford Econoline utility van and pickup was introduced to the public on Sept. 21, 1960 for the 1961 model year. The design put the driver on top of the front axle with the engine near the front wheels, called "cab over." Early models sported a 144 cubic inch (2.4 L) inline 6 engine with a three-speed manual transmission. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Dodge started selling "Job Rated" trucks in 1939, aimed at getting the customer the truck that fit the job for which it was purchased. The Job Rated designation carried through to the mid-50s when it was dropped. This early '50s Dodge "Job Rated" truck was discovered in Utah by Jim Prueter, its job apparently at an end.