[craig]

I remember seeing that picture in a social studies book when I was in the 3rd grade, 1959. If you look at the car behind this convertible, you'll see it too has the front clip installed.

As far as the people watching that close, my grandparents took the train to Detroit, bought a new '49 Olds and watched it being assembled. Grandpa told me he was able to touch the fenders as it came down the line.