It seemed like a sure thing: an alliance between the auto industry's most dynamic and respected salesman and one of the 20th century's most visionary industrialists. It was a partnership that promised to transform America's wartime production might into a new automotive colossus, but by the time the end came, less than ten years later, it had become a cautionary tale of the perils of challenging Detroit on its own ground.

This week, we present part one of our history of the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation.

Click here to read more about the formation of Kaiser-Frazer and the 1947-1950 Kaiser and Frazer cars

The 1930s were full of fascinating experiments and exotic multicylinder Classics, but few cars of that era were more important or more influential than the humble Ford flathead V8. Cheap, pretty, and fast, it launched the American fascination with inexpensive V8 engines, and spawned countless hot rods and customs.

This week, we look at the history of Ford's famous flathead -- Henry Ford's final triumph, and the beginning of his downfall.

Click here to read more about the Ford flathead V8 and the 1932-1940 Fords