Vehicles Driven by Greasers

A notable feature of greaser subculture is their transportation.

The models Greasers choose to ride were not too different from what the public would drive, they would just have to settle for older models. Since greasers are of a lower class, they did not have much access to newer car models. Thus, greasers turned to older models, which they customized themselves. They were customized with decals and the engines were altered to accelerate faster.

Per our neighborhood friendly Tom Cat, greasers usually drove Ford Mercury’s, and Chevy’s. Tom Cat suggests a Dodge D-500, an Impala or a Chevrolet Bel Air to fit the classic mold.

A greaser’s choice of transportation was influenced by hot rods, and muscle cars. Hot rods are American cars that have larger engines than usual cars. These are used to enhance acceleration. Muscle cars are two door sports cars; they are made for high performance activity.

I turned to the media to see what other renditions of vehicles that greasers had. The movie/musical, Grease, had a solid answer. The classic Greased Lighting, the T-Birds car of choice was a 1948 Ford De Luxe.

Is there a dream car you would like to drive? Tell me in the comments

And away we go, Rocakbeau ;)

Sources

"Greaser (subculture)". Wikipedia. 4 April, 2017. Date Acessed 4 April, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLt6nFRTULw

A Quick Evaluation of Why Grease Was So Popular in the Media

Back in my Rockabeau introduction, I mentioned how I originally tried to reflect John Travolta’s hairstyle when I was young. It was a failed attempt but he was my first glimpse at a Greaser. Ironic because even though I loved his style, I didn’t like the film and couldn’t understand why the media loves both the film and the musical so much. This time around, I’m going to find out why.

The film is based on the 1971 musical of the same name. Touring of the production began in 1971 until 1973. It spanned from Chicago, Broadway, and London. With it’s success, it was able to generate enough buzz for Paramount to create a theatrical release later in 1978.

The film is set in 1958. It follows the love life of Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Sandy Olsen (Olivia Newton-John) against their clashing cliques. Musicals alone gain a following, but the film was so popular at the time of its release that it outsold the Sound of Music film adaption. It was labeled a fan favorite and a success. I can guess that is brought a sense of nostalgia to the older generation at the time. This means it spoke to the older generation that lived the life of greasers in the 1950’s, in contrast to the younger audience of the 1970’s who were enamored by the chemistry of film leads, John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. With this recipe, we can blend a movie experience that speaks to a wider range audience.

I can respect a story that speaks to numerous people, I suppose that greasers were just an elemental part to contrast the characters. That and, their outsider attitudes contributed the sort of rebel character trait of Danny’s gang.

Fun Fact – Harry Winkler who plays Fonzie on Happy Days was considered for the lead role of Danny.

And away we go, Rockabeau! ;)

Can the Modern-Day Public Recognize a Greaser?

In this segment of Rockabeau, we’re going to the public eye! Since Greasers are a dying breed, I was curious to see if anyone else, outside of my peer group, can recognize a greaser. I went around my University campus to chat up random strangers. I asked my fellow students, staff, and patrons these three questions below. 

1. How old are you, what gender and where from?
2. Can you recognize what I am, based off how I am dressed?
3. Do you know what a greaser is?

For the first question, I asked random selections for their location to see if it held a pattern of popularity in location of greasers. I asked for age to see if that also affected knowledge of greasers. Lastly, I asked for gender to see if that affected more masculine people, since Greasers as typically masculine.

With the second question, I asked my random selects if they could identify if I was a Greaser based off what I was wearing. I dressed as a stereotypical greaser, with a leather jacket, white t shirt, blue jeans, and boots with my hair slicked up.

While I don’t want to base my research off looks, greasers are typically known for the way that they dress.

Lastly, I asked my selects if they knew what a greaser is, to get to the point of this assignment. Below is a graph of my information

Random Select	Age	Gender	Location	Aware of what a Greaser is by historical knowledge or media	A description of who I am based on how I am dressed
1	18	Male	Indonesia	No/Neither	Casual
2	44	Female	Erie, PA	Both	Young college student
3	49	Male	Erie, PA	Historical knowledge	Typical college student
4	18	Male	Bronx, NY	Media	Normal person
5	19	Female	Erie, PA	Media	Normal person, skater?
6	21	Female	Rochester, NY	Media	Cool dude
7	62	Male	Erie, PA	Familial Relationship	Normal
8	55	Female	Erie, PA	Historical Knowledge	Student
9	21	Female	Cleveland, PA	Media	Normal
10	N/A	N/A	N/A	Historical Knowledge	Normal*

I was very surprised by the responses I got. Most of the people above who knew greasers from Media, could recognize greasers from the movie Grease. The young gentleman form the Bronx recognized greasers from The Outsiders.

The 62-year-old man had the most interesting recollection of greasers, because his brother was one. “You know the guys with the white t-shirts with the carton of cigarettes rolled up the sleeves”. He also gave me his card in case I could find a replica of my jacket. I would like to say, you have good taste, brother.

I was flattered by select #6 calling me a “cool dude”. Select #10 said that my style wasn’t too different. “American culture is so relaxed, today”, she said. Along with all the “normal” responses, it got me thinking. Either greaser style has had a positive effect on our culture for being blended in, or maybe our style just isn’t too different from others nowadays.

To my fellow greasers, do you think the public in your area could recognize a greaser? If so, tell ‘em Rockabeau sent ya.

And away we go, Rockabeau ;)