Where has all the chrome gone?

The custom hotrod trend of past years has been to shave off all the door handles, side trim, headlight benzels and hood ornaments.  Pair that with the traditional hotrod look of black suede in recent years, and what are we left with?

Rows of cars that blend into the pavement.  Yes, the white walled tires, scallops and pinstriping help to spruce things up, but really think about it.  Think of all the styling that we've willingly yanked off and left to mold in the corner of the garage.



Now admittedly some hood ornaments and badges should never have been put there in the first place (ahem, 1950 Fords, you heard me), but I would like to suggest that some of the car's character is lost in the fervent efforts of the owner to give it more character.
 

 

So humor me as I bring you some photo-graphical evidence of the beautiful chrome of yesteryear.  Well, actually it's from last summer, here in Wisconsin.

Chrome, in all it's blinding glory.  Bumpers wrapping around fenders.  Side trim reaching from wheel well to wheel well.  Hood ornaments that attempt to fly off the hood itself!  Ahhh, I can't get enough of chrome!!