This amazing 1928 photo, probably taken by San Francisco Photographer Christopher Helin, shows “the new” (1928) Marmon 78 roadster in San Francisco, Ca. (most likely along the First Unitarian Church at the intersection of Franklin and Geary Streets, and around the corner from the Van Ness auto row).
I purchased this 5×7″ glass plate negative from a collector in San Francisco via ebay. I’m presenting it here at 7000 pixels wide. I scanned it on an Epson V700 flatbed, which actually did a pretty good job, and is it ever sharp! Click for larger image. Check out the dapper driver’s reflection in the chrome headlight and the building across the street; and maybe the photographer in the chrome grill.
As a side note; Christopher Helin was an automotive writer and travel editor for the San Francisco Examiner from around 1915 to 1930. Check out his ever-growing automobile portfolio, and a self portrait at Shorpy.