Magic Touch Car Wash
Delano, CA
Photo courtesy John King

The Magic Touch Car Wash sign stands guard along High Street in Delano, bringing a little Googie flair to the roadside. Its sweeping shapes make getting the car washed look like something from the Space Age. Nice to find a business that has kept its old sign instead of trading it for an ordinary rectangular panel. 10-10

The sign’s exact age is unknown, but its geometric styling recalls the days when car washes, coffee shops and gas stations all tried to outdo one another for passing motorists’ attention. A little roadside showmanship could make even a stop to rinse off the highway dust worth noticing.

UPDATE: Magic Touch remains open on High Street, and its vintage sign survives. Still a place to clean up the car and check out a little old roadside design at the same time. 09-26