San Antonio historical note: I've never checked out the validity of this story, but local auto magnate B.J. "Red" McCombs (former owner of the San Antonio Spurs and, later, the Minnesota Vikings) is reputed to be the person who basically invented the concept of buying cars on time back in the late 1950s or early 1960s. I wouldn't doubt he's the guy who did it, as I know when my parents bought a new Ford Custom Tudor in 1950, people at that time had to save up their money and pay cash for cars (which is something my old man always did). I guess in the greater scheme of things, B.J. "Red" McCombs is partly to blame for the current credit crisis.
