Sirens of Chrome: The Enduring Allure of Auto Show Models

They are human hood ornaments, enticing men with money. Alternately, they are nice, modestly dressed young ladies who just happen to know all the specifications of the product. Author Krevsky, who has selected and trained professional talent for auto shows for 20 years, gives the ultimate insider's point of view as she explains why manufacturers feel compelled to use women to sell cars. She writes of the distinctive human presence offered by the image of flesh draped over steel, and reminds us that a good auto show model probably knows more about the car on which she is perched than the manufacturer's sales force. She also explains how women have been used to push products, services and concepts through history, and how those who wish to sell identify the necessary characteristics of the women they choose to work directly with the customer. Krevsky's illustrations are fascinating, if a bit nightmarish. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Ladies and gentlemen...rev your engines for a joyride through auto show history. Dozens of photographs of human hood ornaments and fast cars will bring you back and drive you forward - from turn-of-the-century goddesses and 1950s sexpots to the sleek sophistication of today's auto show spokespeople.