GM
I can perhaps answer Clive's very valid query about GM. Basically every single photograph that was used in GENERAL MOTORS WORLD that they found, and a whole host more in a 'room that nobody entered' were sorted out at great expense by an outside contractor. I spoke to one of the guys, an Irishman, and he sent me photos of a particular subject. After a while I contacted him again and the whole situation had changed. From now on it was search fees, repro fees, you name it. Why? Because GM work up to the importance of their heritage. Now you have to contact GM Media Archives, as it is all electronically filed. However they will not supply images that they do not own the copyright of, and in my case I was fortunate as the newspaper that took the photos had the rights and I had a written letter of permission from the editor.
The Pontiac, and possibly Cadillac, and Corvette, records are all available and in the case of the former Pontiac Historical Services will give you chapter and verse on your car for a fee, because it is nothing to do with GM: Mr X apparently bought the data/photos. I am not sure now about Oldsmobile as the Olds History Centre in Warren may have gone 'commercial', whereas previously it was a free service and they even published their wartime Olds works photos.
I just happen however to get on with people at Fords, and it has helped. However, this is a personal tribute to Clive as I know how much work he has put into it
|