I'd guess that they are just a reflection of the time period. Weren't they designed in-house at the car manufacturer's? If you look at the amazing shapes of the cars from that time period you can almost see the lettering in some instances. I don't know if there is a technical term, but there must be a car aficionado that can help you more, I'm just here to make sure the thread doesn't disappear.

> any other better or »offical« terms?

Not "official", but I would call them a form of upright script.
Except the ones that backslant. :-)

hhp

Something just hit me: this style is perfect for something with an Arabic theme.
Especially the ones that backslant! :->

hhp

This may just be where I grew up but in Pittsburgh during the 50s, we called car nameplates "chrome script." An older guy from Detroit (even older than me) several years ago explained that the joined nature of the heavy script was just due to the technical manufacturing aspect. It was just one piece to cast and only needed 2 rivots to mount on the car. Today, they can do anything so there is no need for that style. It is fun to look at though!

ChrisL

Ralf, you'll find more about this in the book called 'Streamline: American Art Deco' by Steven Heller and Louise Fili.

I think it says that 'streamline' referred to mid-century American Modernism and included architectural and product design. Chronicle Books may have incorporated it as a chapter into a newer book called Euro Deco, but I'm not sure. The original is out of print, but good reference. You're right about the relationship to neon signs; motel signs in particular.

Then there is also

http://www.fontdiner.com

http://www.misterretro.com

and of course

http://www.flashfonts.com/flashsite/fontspage2.htm