Frank Jump has been documenting this unsung history for the last 20 years.  His latest book, Fading Ads of New York City celebrates this rarely recognized piece of history.  So we thought his new book would be a good excuse to ask Jump to share some of the automotive related advertisements he’s collected over the years.

He sent us an assortment of everything from carriage builders to tires.  Some ads are from the book, and a few others can be found on his blog.  Most of these are from the New York City area, but Jump has gone well beyond the five boroughs to find his art.  For example, if the ad in the full photo gallery that simply states “Sign and Auto Painting” seems a little too small potatoes for NYC, that’s probably because it is from Evel Knievel’s hometown of Butte, Montana.

Jump’s photos are a worthwhile journey into a world of art and history that are exposed to the masses every day but are appreciated by few.  Check out the full photo gallery for more auto pics, go to Jump’s blog for all types of other signs, or get the book to see them all in high-gloss glory.

So Lutz writes a book, the car guys (and gals) on the internet rejoice.

Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business is Lutz’s view on business with a large focus on his latest stint as Vice Chairman at General Motors.  For those of us familiar with On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors, this book is like a Return to Oz.  A few decades later we find that the once mighty have not fully learned their lessons and the façade is now much more cracked.

The GM timeline takes us through a few years before the bankruptcy, government ownership, and the rebirth.  Depending on the chapter, Lutz can come off as an egotist or a Monday morning quarterback, but more often than not, he is the smartest guy in the room.  Even better is that he does not filter his opinion.

Lutz’s message is centered on knowing the customer and to be willing to spend a little more to attract them.  Anyone who is not a car guy will still find some sound business advice, but liking cars will make this a much more enjoyable read.

Just like his fist book, Guts, Lutz gives just enough insight into his early career that it makes all the car guys really wish he’d just write an autobiography.  Unfortunately, publishes know there are not enough of us out there to warrant firing up the presses just for Lutz’s memoir, so this will have to do.