Trauring Motors

This is a fascinating Trauring Motors print ad from1957. Notice at the very bottom the line, "Polio Won't Wait - Vaccinate!", which seems relevant today given controversy over vaccines. There was an event known as the Cutter Incident that shook public confidence after faculty polio vaccine batches used in 1955. Despite the controversy, the vaccine was widely accepted and it paved the way for an oral vaccine in the early 1960s. The number of casses dropped from 58,000 in 1958 to only 161 cases in 1961, Trauring Motors made the decision to endorse the vaccine publicly in this automotive ad in March of '57.

More than 50 years ago, my Buick-Pontiac dealer father, Jay Trauring took me with him to Cobo Hall in Detroit for the new car "showing". In those days, "showings" for the dealers were annual events that included glitzy music, great food and a stage show featuring the new models. I was reminded of the 1970's trip to the Motor City this week when I visited the same building (now referred to as Huntington Place) for the 2026 Detroit Auto Show. I had a great time playing reporter and interviewing representatives from GM, Stellantis and others for WSYL. I'm sharing a bit of the fun with you from Camp Jeep at the show. Hope you enjoy it!

It's A Jeep Wave WSYL at the Auto Show Come take a fun ride with us at Camp Jeep! Experience the 2026 Detroit Auto Show as we travel rough terrain in a beautiful new Jeep Renegade.

We are remembering Jay B. Trauring with loving memories on his birthday, Dec. 16.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Trauring Motors page! In 1957, an alignment special cost $6.95. The cost today can run up to $200. Those were the days!

One of the great things about Hartford City's new car dealers back in the day was they were supportive of community. They provided cars for student driver's training, donated to scholarship fundraisers and supported non-profit groups. Here is a 1956 Trauring Motors ad for a drawing that included representatives from Rotary, Kiwanis and Jaycees.

For you nostalgia buffs (and you know who you are), here's a sample of the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati. The museum has between 800 and 1,000 signs and you'll note the Pontiac sign similar to the one that adorned Trauring Motors. Remember when McDonald's hamburgers were 15 cents? I've included two Indiana signs you'll probably remember. Roselyn Bakery had the best brownies in Indy and lower right is a neon Pizza King sign. Worth a visit the next time you're in the Queen City!

Hartford City newspaper ad from 1957 celebrating Trauring Motors second year in business.

Summer begins Friday. Here's a throwback print ad from 1957 to get you ready!

The use of the "cartoon" style illustrations in advertising back in the 1950s and 1960s was extremely common. Newspapers would have a book of "stock" images for businesses to use as clip artwork. The idea was to draw the eye of the reader so they would stop and read the message. Here's an example from 1956.

The Buick brand is a vital part of the Trauring Motors legacy. We share the story of Buick displayed on these historical markers outside GM headquarters in Detroit.

Photo of Jay B. Trauring from September 5, 1955 in his original office at Trauring Motors. He later moved into an office on the north side of the dealership at 1510 N. Walnut Street (SR 3 North) in Hartford City.