For us Canadians during WWII, if we wanted a new truck, we were in luck! For 1943, GM Canada offered an economy model truck, the Chevrolet Maple Leaf. You got a truck fresh off the assembly lines, but with no chrome, a wooden steering wheel, seats made of canvas, and a single windshield wiper.

Odd how you mention all these cancelled cars yet fail to mention Studebaker's successful economy cars that were actually put into production like the early bullet nose Champion

Chrysler did have a small car program, which manifested itself as the short wheelbase Plymouth and Dodge models of 49 through 52, such as the Dodge Wayfarer.

“The Americans like their cars big, and will continue to do so until the next crisis hits, whatever it may be.” The truest words ever spoken to sum-up Americans as a people car buying habits or otherwise.

Thousands of Williy's Jeeps were abandoned/destroyed to not 'ruin' the passanger vehicle sales market.

Chevy killed the Cadet in part because it was too competitive and had too good of a ride. Sounds about right.

Thanks for the video, I had NEVER heard of the Cheverolet Cadet, now I want one. It's funny that you mentioned that GM was afraid that the Cadet's driving dynamics would steal customers from upscale models. One of the reasons why Americans fell in love with the VW Beetle, aside from its cute styling, was that the Beetle was more entertaining to drive than the larger American cars. I believe this is one thing that Detroit didn't understand about American interest in smaller imported cars. It wasn't just about low cost or low fuel consumption, small cars were fun to drive.

Boy, I sure wish at least ONE American car company would produce a smaller, simple, easy to work on car or small truck these days!! That's desperately needed by alot of us!

I remember driving the Nash Metropolitan. People made fun of me! "Look! a bathtub on wheels!" There used to be a lot of social pressure to drive a small car.

The American consumer is not interested in common sense in general, and that is a trend that sadly continues to this day😂

Another fine episode for my brain to enjoy.

It’s true, you can take my big Buick from my cold dead hands. Americans like em big. Great episode!

Your mini-documentary shows are great. You know more about American cars than the majority of Americans. And you tell the story with added humor. Well done!

Every time i see that coupe in the thumbnail i just can't stop myself from the awwwwww of cuteness

Ahh finally my favourite car channel, has uploaded once again!

I was holding my breath waiting for your next piece of Euro-American car campiness. Because it's just not enough to watch my fav Ed eps over and over again.

The Datsun 210 got me into smaller cars - handling over brute straight line performance. The world is not all flat nor straight.

Dude, you continue to entertain and impress me! Your knowledge of the 20th century American auto industry is stellar, even more amazing considering your age and being European, and your subtle humor in your presentation is outstanding! I take my hat off to you sir! Excellent job!!!!

Funny how we had a Chevrolet Kadett in Brazil in the late 80s and 90s (rebadged Opel Kadett)

Bantam car company was making smaller cars in '30. Their response to US Army call for 1/4 ton 4X4 light truck became the jeep. But DoD deemed them insufficient to produce the numbers needed, so it was given to Willys/Ford, while Bantam got the contract to make trailers for the jeeps.