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Nothing says 'Southern California' quite as loud as this sky blue 1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. By the mid-1960s, California led the world in aerospace. With a tail fin tapering to brake lights that resemble a jet's afterburner glow, this T-Bird is a valentine to the sky-cowboys of the era. Advertising referred to the 'Thunderbird Cockpit' and its 'flight deck,' which included a battery of warning lights for malfunctions.

Another California contribution to pop culture is the 'Tail of the Pup' restaurant, whose programmatic architecture informs us instantly of its purpose. Its curvaceous bun and protruding dog conjure up a multitude of associations. Built in 1946, the 'Pup' remains a beloved fixture in its Los Angeles neighborhood and in numerous films, where its appearance instantly signifies Lotus Land.

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The streamline aesthetic of the 1930s is perfectly expressed in the flowing waterfall grill of the 1935 DeSoto Airflow.

In a well-noted publicity stunt, an Airflow was hurtled over a 110-foot cliff. Landing wheels first, it was driven away. A the Bonneville Salt Flats, another Airflow set 72 national speed records, many of which stood for years. Alas, jealous—and less advanced—competitors spread rumors the car was unsafe (shades of the Tucker years later), and along with rather odd and unusual styling, the public response to this futuristic car was less than enthusiastic. Still, it was not a financial disaster for Chrysler, and many of the Airflow's advanced features found their way into future production automobiles.

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