Inglewood’s Jet Car Wash is a highly visible example of Googie architectural design. Jet’s eight prominent standard bearers frame the seven letters of ‘C A R W A S H’ with an ironic majesty.

‘Googie’ is the name of space-age futuristic design used in small commercial buildings in Los Angeles. Eccentric in effect, and noted for exaggerated curving cantilevered roofs and parabolic spires. Coffee shops and car washes were typical users of this 1950’s design. The retro-future style was celebrated until the trend passed. Many Googie buildings were demolished or renovated beyond recognition. For a time, Inglewood embraced Googie aesthetics.

Date: 1961
Collection: Architecture

Location
941 West Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, California 90301