Detroit Drag Mugs

Detroit Loves Drag Drag Queens

Detroit Drag Queen - Pride

1959-1996

Detroit Love Drag Drag Queens

Happy Pride Month Detroit!!

When it comes to old school speed shops, Detroit definitely had more than their share. Of course, that isn't surprising seeing as the city has long been home to the American auto industry, and is known as the 'Motor City' as a result. Custom Speed Enterprises (CSE) is one such shop, and was one of the city's longest running providers of go fast goodies. Unlike some others, the shop was a windowless space, so it was rather dark throughout, and kinda creepy by most recollections. Housekeeping wasn't exactly their forte, as just about everything was covered in dust, but their inventory was second to none, and could be counted on to have whatever you needed in stock.

Founded in 1911 as Electric Autolite in Toledo, Ohio, the company produced generators to power early day buggy lamps. In 1927, they acquired an automotive battery manufacturer, and in 1935, Electric Autolite decided they should get into the business of manufacturing spark plugs. In 1936 the first spark plug was produced at their Fostoria, Ohio plant. Electric Autolite's products were expanded further to include starter motors, ignition systems, and wire and cable products. With a full range of automotive electrical goods in their stables, Electric Autolite began securing supply contracts with leading car manufacturers, providing their products as OEM installations, and allowing Electric Autolite to move into a phase of explosive growth.

Used car lots have always had some reputational issues to deal with, even back in the early days of the automobile. While certified used cars are quite common today, the 'OK Used Cars' program was Detroit's attempt at combatting negative opinions about buying a used car by creating the first certification program. 'OK Used Cars' had completed a series of tests before being certified, including a thorough inspection, complete servicing, and several points of reconditioning. The certified vehicles would be added to the lot with a warranty included, something that was previously unheard of with a used car. The program was a success, and would grow and evolve, but by the '50s, the 'OK Used Cars' sign could be found at car lots in everywhere.

Used car lots have always had some reputational issues to deal with, even back in the early days of the automobile. While certified used cars are quite common today, the 'OK Used Cars' program was Detroit's attempt at combatting negative opinions about buying a used car by creating the first certification program. 'OK Used Cars' had completed a series of tests before being certified, including a thorough inspection, complete servicing, and several points of reconditioning. The certified vehicles would be added to the lot with a warranty included, something that was previously unheard of with a used car. The program was a success, and would grow and evolve, but by the '50s, the 'OK Used Cars' sign could be found at car lots in everywhere.

Larry and Mike Alexander, known as the “A Brothers,” reshaped the world of custom cars. From their humble shop in Detroit, they weaved a fresh fabric into the tapestry of American culture and elevated custom car design to new levels, all from the heart of the rust belt. Regarded as both fabricating geniuses and expert mechanics, the A Bros were arguably the most technically capable builders during the golden era of custom cars in the late 1950s and ‘60s. In fact, their technical acumen is how they broke into the big time and ended up restyling vehicles for the big three in Detroit.

The AC Spark Plug Company was founded on October 26, 1908 by Albert Champion and William C. Durant in Flint, Michigan. As the company name might suggest, the duo design and manufactured spark plugs for a variety of applications, with their biggest sales channel being an OEM provider for Detroit's burgeoning automotive industry. By the late '20s, AC was making more than just plugs, adding various small electrical components to their catalog. It was at this time that one of the big three purchased AC, making them an exclusive manufacturer supporting their brands, and leaving the other 'big two' to find new suppliers. This '60s era cool cat design was used to promote AC's plugs as an aftermarket replacement in speed shops and parts stores.