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It's 1935, and American civilisation is riding the ragged summit of the Great Depression. Step forward four retired NYC policemen and their plan to enliven the spirits of their embattled countrymen with a fair; a fair to refocus New York's - and indeed the world's - citizens to a more prosperous and enriching future.

It's 1939, and the New York World's Fair opens - on the 150th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration as President - to a fanfare of pomp and celebration. There were speeches from Roosevelt and Einstein, a time capsule, rare animals, and America's first transparent car: the Pontiac Plexiglas.

And this 72-year old see-through hunk of Americana has just sold at auction for £189,000 ($308,000).

Words: Vijay Pattni