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CARLV12 Blog
The CARLV12 Blog is intended to reflect and document the commercial and industrial arts, and urban design of the 1950’s to the 1970’s. The topics will primarily focus on architecture, neon and vintage signage, and automobiles.


NEWSLETTER
2026 - 2nd Quarter News We hope everyone is having a nice spring. It has already reached 110 degrees here in Palm Springs, but has recently settled into the high 80s - low 90s. Since shipping fees from the US are constantly changing, we are currently shipping all items free of charge to the US and Canada, and unframed fine art prints to the UK. Photo retirement Lucky Boy Motel We're listing the top 5 closest to retiring. Lucky Boy Motel 95 In-N-Out Burger II 94 Pink Cad
Apr 11


The Giants of the American Road: Muffler Men
Big Josh - Joshua Tree, CA If you’ve ever been cruising down a quiet American highway and suddenly noticed a 20-foot fiberglass dude staring back at you from the roadside, welcome to the world of Muffler Men . These larger-than-life figures, usually standing 18 to 25 feet tall, began popping up in the early 1960s as a way for gas stations, tire shops, and muffler shops to get noticed. And honestly? It worked. Built from molded fiberglass with broad shoulders, a stern expressi
Mar 20


Breeze Blocks: The Quintessential Component of Mid-Century Modern Design
Breeze blocks, also known as concrete screen blocks, are a type of brise soleil, which means "sun breaker" in French. They first appeared in the early 1900s as concrete manufacturing improved. The blocks were originally utilitarian - cheap, durable building units used for structural walls, basements, and industrial buildings.
Feb 10


Conservation, Restoration and Preservation: Keeping the Mid-20th Century Visible
Conservation : T he act of protecting and preserving resources Restoration : T he process of returning something to a former, original, or unimpaired condition Preservation : T he act of keeping something valuable (like historic places, natural resources, or cultural artifacts) safe from harm, decay, or destruction Sahara Apartments Tucson, AZ Destroyed by storm 2025 Conserving neon signs and mid-century architecture is not just about nostalgia, it means protecting an era tha
Jan 23
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